Unit 3 - Network connections and protocols Flashcards
What is a wide area network (WAN)?
The Internet and WANs
The computers are geographically distanced more than a mile apart and uses third party hardware
What is local area network (LAN)?
The Internet and WANs
The computers are geographically close and less than a mile apart and uses internal hardware
What are differences between a LAN and WAN?
The Internet and WANs
WAN is over a large geographical area, a LAN is over a small geographical area.
WAN uses external hardware / infrastructure / cables,
LAN has its own infrastructure / cables / network / hardware due to distance.
What is an IP address?
The Internet and WANs
An IP address is a unique number given to a device connected to the internet.
How is packet switching used to send data?
The Internet and WANs
Data is split into packets. Each packet has a fixed size and a header that includes packet number/destination. Packets are sent individually in different routes. The receiving computer waits for all
packets then puts them back in order. Sends requests for missing packets which are resent.
What is Domain name system (DNS)?
The Internet and WANs
The Domain Name System is made up of domain names which is used to refer to an IP address.
How is a website loaded when the URL is typed in?
The Internet and WANs
The website is hosted on a webserver which has an IP
address. Browser sends URL to DNS which is linked to a IP. DNS finds IP, and send it back to the
browser. Which sends request to webserver. processes request for the website and sends the
webpage to the user.
if DNS cannot find the IP it passes request to higher DNS, if not found return error.
What is a network interface card (NIC)?
The Internet and WANs
A network card which is built into every device
What is a MAC address?
The Internet and WANs
MAC address is assigned to each Network Interface Card (NIC) by the manufacturer. Every networked device in the world has a unique MAC address.
What is the role of the MAC address?
The Internet and WANs
The actual geographical location of a networked device can be determined by its IP address. When you request a web page, each router along the way uses the MAC address of the next router to send the data packet on the next leg of its journey.
What are advantages of networks?
Local area networks
- Computers can share resources such as printers
- Files can be accessed through any computer in the network
- Data is easy to back up as it is stored centrally on the server
What are disadvantages of networks?
Local area networks
- Managing a large network is complicated
- Data is easy to back up as it is stored centrally on the server
- Viruses may be able to infiltrate the network and infect every computer
What are the 2 types of topologies?
Local area networks
- star
- mesh
What are the advantages of star topology?
Local area networks
- Fast data transfer to the hub as each wire isn’t shared with other computers
- If one cable fails the other computers are not affected
What are the disadvantages of star topology?
Local area networks
- Requires additional hardware such as the central switch and network cables
- If the central switch fails the whole network goes down
What are the advantages of mesh topology?
Local area networks
- No single point of failure – it is resilient
- Expansion and modification can be done without disrupting the network
- Data can be transmitted from different devices simultaneously
What are the disadvantages of mesh topology?
Local area networks
- Can involve redundant connections
- Expensive to install cabling if using wired connections
- Network maintenance and administration is difficult
What is the role of a wireless acccess point (WAP)?
Local area networks
connects wireless devices to a network.
What is the role of a router?
Local area networks
- Looks at the destination of packets of data and sends them to the network that is closer towards their destination
- A home router will route packets between the home LAN and the Internet
What is the role of a switch?
Local area networks
- To connect the devices together
- Receives data/packets/traffic
- Direct/send data/packets/traffic only to its destination
- Creates/generates a list of devicesconnected to it as it receives signals
- Uses MAC addresses of devices connected to it
What is ethernet?
Local area networks
Ethernet is a family of protocols, which uses wired data transmission, within the TCP/IP stack. Ethernet can transmit data at 100GBs per second.
Why is ethernet standard?
Local area networks
Ethernet is used by all manufacturers, in
many devices, to allow compatibility with other
devices
What are some features of ethernet?
Local area networks
- Ethernet has a high bandwidth
- Ethernet has inbuilt security
- Ethernet is a proven/reliable connection
- Ethernet is low cost for purchase
What is transmission media?
Local area networks
Transmission media is the way that communication is sent through the network
How is media transmitted?
Local area networks
Ethernet is sent through twisted copper cables or fibre optic cables
Internet connections to UK houses are typically sent through copper cables or coaxial cables.
Fibre connections often only go as far as the local green cabinet
What is bluetooth?
Wireless networking
Bluetooth is a wireless method of connecting devices together over a short distance. It uses radio waves at 2.4 GHz
What does pairing bluetooth devices allow?
Wireless networking
A persistent link is made between the two devices
A device can ask for a passkey in order to pair to it – this gives a layer of security like a password
Passkeys only need to be entered once and will be remembered by devices that are paired
How does wireless transmission work?
Wireless networking
Commonly uses radio waves for communication
Susceptible to interference from objects and other nearby electronic or radio devices
What is a wireless access point (WAP)?
Wireless networking
A wireless Access Point (AP) is a device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi. The AP usually connects to a router via a wired network
What are the 2 types of frequency?
Wireless networking
- 2.4GHz
- 5GHz
What is the advantage of using 2.4Ghz?
Wireless networking
Greater range and coverage
What is the disadvantage of using 2.4Ghz?
Wireless networking
More interference from other devices as this is a crowded frequency
What is the advantage of using 5Ghz?
Wireless networking
Less crowded space with 23 non-overlapping channels with higher data transmission rates
What is the disdvantage of using 5Ghz?
Wireless networking
Less able to penetrate through walls
What is data interception?
Wireless networking
Data that is transmitted over a network can be intercepted. Any intercepted data can be read and understood unless measures are taken to prevent it from being interpreted.
How can we prevent data from being intercepted?
Wireless networking
Via encryption