Networks Flashcards
What is a network?
An arrangement of computers and other devices connected together to share resources and data
What does LAN stand for?
local area network
What are 3 characteristics of LAN?
- A network that covers a relatively small geographical area
- owned by the organization that uses it
- managed by a local manager or a team on that site
Give 3 examples of where LAN is used
1) Home
2) Hospital
3) Factory
What does WLAN stand for?
wireless local area network
What is WLAN?
like a LAN but wireless, all connects to a router
What does WAN stand for?
wide area network
What are 3 characteristics WAN?
- it covers a wide geographical area by connecting two or more LANs
- computers in a WAN can connect with computers and users in other locations
- managed by several different people or parts of an organization working together
What is the largest WAN?
the internet
What is a client-server network?
A network that has at least one server to provide services to the client computers
What is are 3 characteristics of a peer-to-peer network?
- doesn’t have a centralized server
- all computers are equal and communicate with each other directly without having to go through a server
- each user can give other users access to their computer and their programs and to any other device connected to them
What is a network topology?
how the devices on a network are connected to each other
What is a BUS TOPOLOGY?
A bus network consists of a single cable which each workstation is connected
Name 2 advantages of bus topology
1) cheap to install and set up
2) easy to add new devices
Name 2 disadvantages of bus topology
1) if the main cable fails, the whole network will fail
2) lots of data collisions if two or more devices transmit at the same time (lower data transmission speeds)
What is a RING TOPOLOGY?
Cable connects one network device to connect another in a closed ring
Name 2 advantages of ring topology
1) no collisions because of the use of the token system
2) data transmission is simple as data only travels in one direction