Computer Networks Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is a key characteristic of Peer-to-Peer (P2P) networks?

Content is exchanged directly between users over the Internet. (correct)

Users do not have direct access to the computers on the network.

Content is exchanged only through specific servers.

A central server is required for communication.

Which of the following best describes a Personal Area Network (PAN)?

Facilitates communication between organizations over large distances.

Serves a large geographic area through interconnected LANs.

Connects devices across multiple cities.

Connects an individual’s personal devices in a close range. (correct)

How is bandwidth measured?

In bits per second, Kbps, Mbps, or GFbps. (correct)

In volts.

In bytes, measured by storage capacity.

In miles per hour.

What distinguishes digital signals from analog signals?

Digital signals represent data using discrete states, while analog represents it with continuous waves. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of network connects two or more Local Area Networks (LANs)?

Wide Area Network (WAN) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a computer network?

To enable communication and resource sharing among devices. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics is NOT typically associated with networks?

Data encryption Signup and view all the answers

Which media types are commonly used for transmitting data in wired networks?

Optical fibers and coaxial cables Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common communications protocol used in networks?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration when selecting an Internet Service Provider (ISP)?

The availability of broadband technology in the area Signup and view all the answers

Which activities can be performed via the World Wide Web?

Browsing and searching for information Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes network topologies?

The design and layout of a network's nodes and connections. Signup and view all the answers

Who are typically involved in the Internet community?

Individuals, companies, and organizations Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between wired and wireless networks?

Wired networks physically connect devices with cables, whereas wireless networks use radio waves. Signup and view all the answers

Which network topology connects all devices to a central device/server?

Star Network Signup and view all the answers

In which network topology can messages travel through multiple paths due to redundancy?

Mesh Network Signup and view all the answers

What role does a server play in a client-server network?

It processes requests from clients and shares resources. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a computer network?

User Interface Design Signup and view all the answers

What happens in a Star Network if the central device fails?

The network cannot function at all. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major advantage of wireless networks over wired networks?

Wireless networks require less physical space for infrastructure. Signup and view all the answers

How do data signals typically travel in wireless networks?

Through radio waves. Signup and view all the answers

What type of data transmission allows data to travel in one direction only?

Simplex Transmission Signup and view all the answers

Which type of networking media uses pairs of insulated wires twisted together?

Twisted-Pair Cable Signup and view all the answers

In which transmission method is data sent in both directions simultaneously?

Full-Duplex Transmission Signup and view all the answers

Which device connects multiple networks and routes traffic over the network?

Router Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of Fiber-Optic Cable in networking?

High-speed communications Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a switch from a hub in a wired network?

A switch sends data only to the intended recipient. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is commonly used for connecting a computer to a network?

Network Adapter Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is true about Half-Duplex Transmission?

Data can only travel in one direction at any time. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Course Information

Course Title: Computer Skills & Programming Concepts I
Course Code: UEC01 – PCD104 – PCC104 – HGCP101
Lectures: 12
Course Coordinator: Assoc. Prof. Mohamed Ismail Badawi

Lecture Content

What is a Network?
- A network is a connected system of objects or people.
- A computer network is a collection of computers and other hardware devices connected together to allow users to share hardware, software, and data, and communicate electronically.
- Computer networks are merging with telephone and other communications networks.
Network Characteristics:
- Wired vs. Wireless Networks
  - Wired networks use physical cables to connect devices.
  - Wireless networks use radio waves to connect devices.
- Network Topologies: These describe how devices are arranged in the network.
  - Star Networks: All devices connect to a central device (e.g., server). If the center device fails, the network generally fails.
  - Bus Networks: Devices connect to a single central cable.
  - Mesh Networks: Multiple connections between devices allow for multiple data transmission paths.
- Network Architectures:
  - Client-Server Networks: A dedicated server handles requests from clients (computers or devices connected to the network). The server typically has multiple hard drives and faster processing speed than clients.
  - Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Networks: No central server is used; content is shared directly between users. Every computer has an equal level of access.
- Network Size and Coverage Area:
  - Personal Area Networks (PANs): Connect personal devices in a small, close-range geographic area.
  - Local Area Networks (LANs): Connect devices within a small geographic area.
  - Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs): Connect devices over a city or metropolitan area.
  - Wide Area Networks (WANs): Connect networks over a large geographic area using two or more LANs.
Network Types
- Images show examples of PANs, LANs, MANs, and WANs.
Data Transmission Characteristics:
- Bandwidth: The amount of data that can be transmitted over a communication link in a given time. Measured in bits per second (bps), kilobits per second (kbps), megabits per second (mbps), or gigabits per second (gbps).
- Analog vs. Digital Signals: Digital signals use discrete states (0s and 1s), while analog signals use continuous waves.
- Link Transmission Type:
  - Simplex: Data travels in only one direction. (e.g., television)
  - Half-Duplex: Data travels in both directions, but in one direction at a time. (e.g., bank teller)
  - Full-Duplex: Data travels in both directions simultaneously. (e.g., conversation)
Networking Media:
- Wired Networking Media:
  - Twisted-Pair Cable: Insulated wires twisted together used for telephone and network connections (LANs).
  - Coaxial Cable: Thick wire with insulation, commonly used for computer networks and cable television.
  - Fiber-Optic Cable: Transparent fibers carry data as light, used in high-speed communications.
- Wireless Networking Media: Data is transmitted via radio signals.
Networking Hardware
- Network Adapter (NIC): Connects a computer to a network.
- Modem: Enables a computer to communicate over analog networks.
- Switch: Connects devices in a network but sends data only to the intended recipient.
- Hub: Similar to a switch, but sends data to all recipients in the network.
- Router: Connects multiple networks (e.g., LANs, WANs) and routes traffic over the Internet.

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Description

Explore the fundamentals of computer networks including definitions, characteristics, and the differences between wired and wireless networking. This quiz covers essential concepts such as network topologies and the integration of communication networks.