Networks - exam questions

Question 1

What is meant by a LAN

Answer 1

Local area network
Small geographical area
Use of hardwiring / communication

Question 2

State 2 advantages of using a LAN instead of standalone computers

Answer 2

Communication between machines
Any machine can be used
Easier to maintain files
Sharing of peripherals

Question 3

Describe how packet switching is used to transmit data

Answer 3

Data is split into equal sized blocks called packets
Each packet has a header of information
Each packet is placed on the network and may travel a different route
At each node the best route is found
Packets are reordered at the destination

Question 4

Explain 2 advantages of using packet switching

Answer 4

Transmission is safer from interception since all the packets use different routes
Efficient as each channel is only used for a short time
If there is an error then only a small part of the data is affected.

Question 5

Why might a company opt for a P2P network model

Answer 5

There isnt a reliance on a company’s server
this means that they dont have to invest in lots of hardware
The system is likely to fault tolerant

Question 6

What is meant by a protocol

Answer 6

A set of rules to govern data tranmission

Question 7

Give a piece of hardware used to connect a LAN to a WAN

Answer 7

A router – passes data between 2 networks
A gateway - connects 2 dissimilar networks

Question 8

Why are protocols important to a network

Answer 8

Ensuring all devices follow the same rules, so they interpret data in the same way
Allows devices to communicate