Topic 1- Networks

Question 1

Features of client server networks?

Answer 1

• generally quicker than peer to peer networks
• security and backups are centrally managed
• data easily accessible to all users
• server is required so it costs more to set up
• may need a network manager to to run effectively
• if the central server fails the whole network will go down

Question 2

Factors that could influence the choice of a computer network:

Answer 2

• cost
• security issues
• size of organisation
• performance required
• existing systems
• how the system will be used

Question 3

What is a client server network?

Answer 3

A network where several computers are connected to one or more servers

Question 4

What is a peer to peer network?

Answer 4

A network arrangement where each computer is of equal status

Question 5

Features of a ring topology?

Answer 5

• all the computers are arranged in a circle

- data sent by one computer passes around the ring until it reaches the correct computer

Question 6

Advantages of ring networks:

Answer 6

• the network is not dependant on a central computer

- each computer has the same access as the others so no one computer can ‘hog’ the network

Question 7

Disadvantages of ring networks:

Answer 7

• if there is a break in the connection (wire or wireless) then the whole network will fail
• faults are difficult to locate
• it is impossible to keep the network running whilst the equipment is added or removed because there is only one path for the data to follow

Question 8

Features of a bus typology?

Answer 8

• all the devices connected to the network are connected to a common shares cable called the backbone
• signals are passed in either direction along the backbone

Question 9

Advantages of bus typology:

Answer 9

• cost effective because of the small amount of cabling needed
• simple cable runs makes it easy to install
• easy to add extra devices to the network

Question 10

Disadvantages of bus typology?

Answer 10

• if more than about 12 devices are connected to the network then the performance of the network is degraded
• if there is a break in the backbone cable then the network cannot be used

Question 11

Features of the star typology?

Answer 11

• uses a central connection point to connect all the devices on the network together
• the central connection point can be a hub, switch or router

Question 12

Advantages of star topology?

Answer 12

• fault tolerant so if one of the cables fails the other computers can still be used
• load tolerant so extra computers can be added without much loss in performance because all computers have their own path to the hub
• easy to add extra computers without disturbing the network

Question 13

Disadvantages of star topology?

Answer 13

• higher cost due to the large amount of cabling needed makes it a more expensive topology
• dependence on the central hub switch or router means if the device at the centre of the network fails then the whole network will fail

Question 14

Advantages of wireless networks?

Answer 14

• allows inexpensive LANS to be set up without cables
• allows people the freedom of working anywhere a signal can be received
• ideal for networks in old listed buildings where cables would not be allowed to be installed
• global set of standards meaning you can use wifi all over the world

Question 15

Disadvantages of wifi?

Answer 15

• power consumption is high meaning laptops soon exhaust their rechargeable batteries
• there may be health problems associated with using wifi
• there may be security problems even when encryption is used
• home networks have a very limited range e.g 150 ft
• can get interference if wireless network signals begin to overlap

Question 16

Features of peer to peer networks?

Answer 16

• lower setting up costs
• simple to set up and maintain
• does not rely on a single server
• only suitable for small networks
• data not centrally stored
• backup and security not centralised