Section 4: Computer Networks Flashcards
VoIP
Voice over internet protocol
Define Networking
sharing information and resources through linked computer systems
PAN
personal area network
LAN
local area network
WAN
wide area network
What are the 3 major categories of networks?
- PAN
- LAN
- WAN
What are PAN networks used for?
short-range communications, within a few feet.
Name 2 examples of technology that may utilize PAN networks?
- wireless headphones to a smartphone
- Wireless mouse to a PC
What are LANs (not acronym)
a collection of computers in a single building or building complex.
What is a WAN (not acronym)
link systems over a greater distance including machines across the world
Name one type of open network?
the internet
Communication over the internet is governed by what?
a collection of standards known as the TCP/IP protocol.
What is topology
another classification of networks, designated by the pattern in which the machines are connected.
What are the 4 common topologies of networks?
- bus
- star
(1 and 2 most common) - ring.
- mesh
How are the machines connected to a bus network?
machines are connected to a common communication line called a bus.
How are machines connected in a star network?
star networks have a single machine serving as a single point to which all others are connected
How are machines connected in a ring network?
ring topologies connect directly to each other as a peer.
How are machines connected in a mesh network?
Mesh connects every device in a network to every other device.
Mesh networks enable redundancy while also introducing significantly more network traffic.
How is the star topology used today? (Example)
wireless networks where communication is carried out via radio broadcast to a central machine called the AP (Access point)
AP
Access point.
Which network topology best handles downed links without losing connectivity between devices?
A. Bus
B. Ring
C. Mesh
D. Star
C. Mesh
What function do protocols serve in a computer?
Networks rely on protocols to govern communication.
Using protocols, vendors are able to build products for network applications that are compatible with products from other vendors.
What is interprocess communication (what does it do?)
allows the activities or processes on different computers within a network to coordinate actions and a complete tasks.
What is client/server & what are the basic roles?
A popular convention for interprocess communication.
Processes are categorized as either a client making requests or a server satisfying client requests.
P2P
peer-to-peer
How does P2P work?
processes both request and provide service to each other.
Name 2 examples of the P2P model
- Instant Messaging
- Interactive games played by users on multiple machines.
What is the Gnutella Protocol?
Operates without any centralized server and allows for numerous software clients to be used for access.
What are distributed systems?
execute software processes on more than one computer.
Name 3 types of distributed systems.
- Cluster computing
- Grid Computing
- Cloud Computing
How does Cluster Computing work?
Uses many independent computers to provide computation or services comparable to a larger machine. Can use several individual machines similarly to a larger supercomputer.
What are two benefits to Cluster Computing?
- Provides high availability as it’s likely at least one computer in a cluster will be available.
- Can balance loads by automatically shifting requests among the cluster members.
- (Cost—can be more affordable than other options eg supercomputer.)
What is Grid Computing?
A type of distributed system that’s more loosely coupled than clusters but still works together as a system to complete large tasks.
Typically includes specialized software to make it easier to distribute workload and data among machines in the grid.
What is Cloud Computing?
provides large pools of shared computers that can be allocated to clients as needed.
What is a benefit of cloud computing?
reasonably guarantees for reliability and scalability.
What is the downside to Cloud Computing?
it raises concerns about security and privacy.
What is transmission medium?
a component that carries data from one network device to another.
What are the two types of transmission medium?
- Wired
- Wireless
Name 3 common network media used in wired networks.
- Twisted pair cables
- coaxial cable
- optical fiber cable.
Name 3 common network media used in wireless networks
- radio waves
- microwaves
- infrared waves.
UTP
Unshielded twisted pair (twisted pair cables)
STP
shielded twisted pair (twisted pair cables)
What are the two most common types of twisted pair cables?
- UTP
- STP
What is the difference between STP and UTP twisted pair cables?
STP consist of two separately insulated copper wires wound around each other, making them more expensive than UTP
What is the benefit of SPT
the insulating sheath protects the wires from things like neighboring unshielded cables and electromagnetic interference from fluorescent lights.
What is the maximum segment length of Twisted pair cables?
328 feet.