Topic 1.3 Part 1 - Computer networks and topologies Flashcards
What is a computer network?
A computer network is a collection of interconnected devices (computers, servers, printers) that can communicate and share resources.
What is network topology?
Network topology defines the physical or logical layout of devices in a network and how they are interconnected.
What is a WAN (Wide Area Network)?
A WAN is a network that spans a larger geographic area, often connecting LANs across cities or countries.
What is the Internet?
The Internet is a global network of interconnected networks that uses the Internet Protocol (IP) for data exchange.
What is a protocol in networking?
A protocol is a set of rules and conventions that govern communication between devices in a network.
What is IP address?
An IP address is a unique numerical label assigned to each device on a network to identify it.
What is DNS (Domain Name System)?
DNS translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses to help locate resources on the Internet.
What is TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)?
TCP/IP is a suite of protocols that powers the Internet, responsible for data transmission and addressing.
What is a router?
A router is a networking device that forwards data between networks and directs traffic on the Internet.
What is a switch?
A switch is a device used in Ethernet networks to forward data to the appropriate device within the same network.
What is a modem?
A modem converts digital data from a computer into analog signals for transmission over telephone or cable lines.
What is a firewall?
A firewall is a security device or software that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic.
What is a gateway?
A gateway connects two networks with different protocols and manages the translation of data between them.
What is bandwidth
Bandwidth measures the data transfer rate of a network, typically in bits per second (bps).
What is latency?
Latency is the time it takes for data to travel from the source to the destination in a network, often measured in milliseconds.
What is a MAC address?
A MAC address (Media Access Control address) is a unique hardware address assigned to network devices.
What is a subnet mask?
A subnet mask defines which part of an IP address is the network address and which part is the host address.
What is a gateway address?
A gateway address is the IP address of a device that connects a network to another network, such as the Internet.
What is a network protocol stack?
A network protocol stack is a set of networking protocols and layers used to transmit data, like the OSI or TCP/IP model.
What is a packet?
A packet is a unit of data transmitted over a network, containing both the data and control information.
What is NAT (Network Address Translation)?
NAT is a method that allows multiple devices within a private network to share a single public IP address.
What is QoS (Quality of Service)?
QoS is a set of techniques used to prioritize and manage network traffic to ensure better performance for specific services.
What is a network administrator?
A network administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining a computer network, including configuration and troubleshooting.
What is a network diagram?
A network diagram is a visual representation of the network’s structure, including devices and their connections.
What is a star topology?
In a star topology, all devices are connected to a central hub or switch.
What is a bus topology?
In a bus topology, devices are connected to a single central cable, often used in Ethernet networks.
What is a ring topology?
In a ring topology, devices are connected in a closed loop, where data travels in one direction.
What is a mesh topology?
A mesh topology connects each device to every other device, providing redundancy and fault tolerance.
What is a hybrid topology?
A hybrid topology combines two or more different topologies to meet specific network requirements.
What is a peer-to-peer network?
In a peer-to-peer network, devices communicate directly with each other without a central server.
What is a client-server network?
In a client-server network, clients request services from a central server, which provides resources and manages the network.
What is a wireless network?
A wireless network uses radio waves to connect devices, eliminating the need for physical cables.
What is a PAN (Personal Area Network)?
A PAN is a small network used for connecting devices like smartphones and laptops within a personal area.
What is an intranet?
An intranet is a private network within an organization that uses Internet technologies for internal communication.
What is an extranet?
An extranet is a controlled network that allows limited access to specific external users or organizations.
What is a VLAN (Virtual LAN)?
A VLAN is a logical network that groups devices into separate broadcast domains, even if they are physically connected to the same network.
What is a DMZ (Demilitarised Zone)?
A DMZ is a network segment that acts as a buffer between an internal network and the Internet, often containing public-facing servers.
What is load balancing?
Load balancing distributes network traffic across multiple servers to optimize performance and prevent overload.
What is network segmentation?
Network segmentation divides a network into smaller, isolated segments to enhance security and control.
What is a network bridge?
A network bridge connects two or more network segments and filters traffic between them.
What is network convergence?
Network convergence refers to the merging of different network services, such as voice, data, and video, into a single network.
What is the OSI model?
The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model is a conceptual framework that defines the functions of a network into seven distinct layers.
What is the TCP/IP model?
The TCP/IP model is a simplified model used in the Internet that combines functions from the OSI model into four layers.
