Networks And Internal Technologies Flashcards
Describe the difference between a workstation and a server
A workstation is a powerful personal computer used by an individual to perform tasks, such as design, programming, or data analysis. A server, on the other hand, is a computer that provides services or resources (like files, websites, or printers) to other computers, called clients, over a network.
How do wireless networks connect devices in a network
Wireless networks connect devices by using radio waves to send data through the air. A transmitter sends the signal, and a receiver with an antenna picks it up and converts it back into data. This allows devices to communicate without cables.
Two advantages of using a fibre optic cable to connect a network
Fibre optic cables have a much greater bandwidth than metal cables.
An optical fibre offers low power loss, which allows for longer transmission distances. In comparison to copper
Define intranet
An intranet is a private, web-based network that is only available to an organisation’s staff
Main differences between an intranet and internet
The internet is a public global network that connects millions of computers, allowing users to access websites, services, and information from anywhere in the world. It is open to anyone with an internet connection.
An intranet is a private network used within an organization to share information, resources, and communication tools among employees. Access to an intranet is restricted to authorized users through login credentials, and it cannot be accessed by the general public.
Main purpose of an extranet
Extranets allow companies to share information securely
What would you use a VPN for
VPNs can be used to keep browsing data secure.
VPNs allow users not connected to the LAN to connect remotely
Define what a hacker is and distinguish between a hacker and a cracker
A hacker is someone with advanced knowledge of computer systems and networks who can gain access to systems, either legally or illegally. Not all hackers have bad intentions—some use their skills to improve security.
A cracker, on the other hand, is a type of malicious hacker (often called a black-hat hacker) who breaks into systems with the intent to cause harm, steal data, or commit crimes. Crackers use their skills for illegal purposes, unlike ethical hackers who help protect systems.
Three ways to secure information on a network
Install a firewall to block unauthorized access
Set strong passwords and update them regularly
Maintain anti-virus software
Create A Virtual Private Network (VPN
Why would it be valuable for hackers to steal research data and documents?
Hackers steal research data because it can be valuable. They might sell it, use it to make money, or give it to others to get an advantage, especially if the research is important or secret.
What are the consequences of being a victim of a ransomware attack
Your computer system will be ‘locked’, inaccessible.
You won’t have access to your data.
Files are encrypted
Data loss
Besides computers, name other hardware devices you might find connected to a network
Printers
Scanners
Smartphones
Smart TVs
Two reasons why a wireless network is better than a cabled network
Devices connect easier to WLAN
Can be installed/configured in remote areas
Two disadvantages of using a WLAN
May need a specialist to setup
May be expensive
Signal loss
What is LAN
Is a small network of computers covering a small area, such as an office building or school
Explain how IM works
Instant Messaging (IM) lets people send and receive text messages in real time over the internet or a local network. Users type short messages and send them instantly to each other, like a live conversation.
Two reasons why employees should be careful when using IM
Security risks – Instant messages can be intercepted or hacked if not properly secured, leading to sensitive information being leaked.
- Professionalism – Informal or inappropriate messages can be misunderstood or cause problems in the workplace.
Why is it a good idea to use FTP to share huge documents
Allows you to transfer multiple files as well as directories
Faster transfers then HTTP
The ability to add items to a “queue” to be uploaded/downloaded
Two disadvantages of using FTP
Usernames, passwords and files are sent in clear text
Servers can be spoofed to send data to a random port on an unintended computer
Advantages of LAN
Software(and licenses), files and hardware can be shared easily with the devices connected to the network
Networks can be centrally controlled, making it easier to make changes, monitor users, update software, troubleshoot hardware and software issues and maintain resources
Disadvantages of LAN
The initial setup costs for creating a network can be high, especially in a school or office environment, as you need to make sure that you have enough resources for the number of computers
If network is not secured properly, one infected computer can infect the entire network
What is WLAN
A wireless computer network that links two or more devices using wireless communication to form a local area network within a limited area such as a home, school etc
Basic components of a network
Workstation and servers
NIC
Network devices
Communication media
Network software
Main function of server
Is to serve the information stored on it to other computers that are connected to it by a network
Why does a server have more RAM
So that it can process data faster and it will use a special operating system such as Linux or Wndows Server to carry out it’s tasks
What are servers usually connected to
UPS’s
They usually have faster CPU’s and larger hard drives
Types of servers
Email server - send and receive emails and store each user’s email information
Web server - this us where the World Wide Web is. You will use a web browser to interact with a web server
Database server - usually local servers that cannot be accessed by users outside the network they are connected to
File server - is a computer responsible for the central storage and management of data files so that other computers on the same network can access the files
Client server network
A dedicated server which serves workstation (called clients)
Peer-to-peer network
These networks have workstations ( called nodes) which act as both server and client
NIC
Network interface cards are pieces of hardware that allow a computer to connect to a network
How does a NIC connect
Using Ethernet cables, while Wireless NIC (WNIC) users an antenna to connect to a wireless network
Smartphones uses WNIC’s to connect to data signals and WiFi Hotspots
Switches
Small devices that act as a controller for the networked devices to communicate (they create the network)
Routers
Allows multiple computers to connect to the network, but not necessarily the internet
Modem
Device that connects to an internet service provider to give internet access. Connecting the router to the modem gives the network internet access
Access Points
Devices that are used to set up a WLAN in a large building such as an office or school
How do modems work
They work by converting the digital data sent by the computer into the analogue signal used by telephone lines.
What types of connections did early modems use, and what types do modern modems use today?
Early modems used dial-up connections, while modern modems use DSL, fiber, or wireless digital connections.
Network software
Refers to a range of software aimed at the design,implementation and operation of computer networks
Functions of a network software
Set up and install computer networks
Allows network administrators to add or remove users from a network
It helps administrators to protect the network from data breaches, unauthorised access and attacks on a network through the use of a security tool
It helps administrators to define locations of data storage and allows users to access that data
What are the two main types of communication media used in network connections?
Wired (Ethernet cables with RJ45 connectors) and wireless (Wi-Fi)
What is the common rated speed of wired network cables?
1 Gb (gigabit), which allows data transfer speeds of up to 1,000 Mb per second.
What determines the speed of a wireless network?
The IEEE 802.11 standard used and its specifications for speed, range, and frequency.
What is the main IEEE standard used for wireless networks?
802.11
The two types of cables that connect modern wired networks for each other
Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cables and fibre optic cables
What are UTP cables commonly used for
To connect LANs and telephone networks as they are easy to make and set up and are relatively cost-effective
What are UTP cables made of
Made up of two cables that are twisted together to cancel out electromagnetic interference from outside sources.
They are unshielded because no extra interference shields, such as metal meshes or aluminum foil are added to the cables
What are fibre optic cables made of
Of thousands of very thin strands of pure glass, called optic fibres, inside an insulating jacket. Instead of using electrical signal, fibre optic cables use light to transmit data very quickly
Why is intranet a valuable communication tool in a company
As they allow all members of staff to work together, find information, create content and share tasks quickly and easily
