Computer Networks Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is a computer network?

A computer network is a group of computers and other devices that are connected together in order to share resources and communicate.

What are some examples of resources that can be shared on a computer network?

  • Printers
  • File Servers
  • PCs, laptops and servers
  • All of the above (correct)

    • What is an advantage of using a computer network?

  • Enables users to share hardware like scanners and printers
  • Allows users access to data stored on other computers
  • Can share access to the internet
  • All of the above (correct)

    • What is the definition of network bandwidth?

    <p>Network bandwidth is a measure of how much data can be sent and received over a network connection in a given period of time.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is physical topology in networking?

    <p>Physical topology refers to the physical arrangement of devices and connections in a network.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the bus topology?

    <p>Bus topology is a network configuration where all devices are connected to a single shared cable, which acts as a backbone for communication.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In bus topology, each computer can communicate with all other computers without going through a central server.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a disadvantage of bus topology?

    <p>One major disadvantage is that if the bus cable fails, the entire network can shut down.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the advantages of using a bus topology?

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is star topology?

    <p>Star topology is a network configuration where all devices are connected to a central hub, which acts as a central point for communication.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In star topology, data can be sent directly from one device to another without going through the central hub.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main disadvantage of star topology?

    <p>If the central hub fails, the entire network will go down.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Tree topology is a variation of star topology.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a ring topology?

    <p>Ring topology is a network configuration where all devices are connected in a closed loop, with data flowing in one direction around the ring.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In ring topology, data flows ___________?

    <p>Only in one direction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A repeater is a device used to regenerate the signal in a ring topology.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a disadvantage of using a ring topology?

    <p>A break in the ring can disable the entire network.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Computer Networks

    • A computer network is a collection of interconnected computers and other devices that allow communication between them.
    • Devices on a network are connected using communication links, also known as a communication pathway, transferring data between each other.
    • Resources on a network include: PCs, laptops, servers, mainframes, printers, file servers, and more.

    Network Usages

    • Data sharing
    • Software sharing
    • Hardware sharing
    • Personal information sharing
    • E-commerce
    • Person-to-person communication
    • Entertainment
    • Game playing
    • Client-server applications
    • Remote communications
    • Other usages

    Advantages of Computer Networks

    • Enables users to share hardware resources (scanners, printers), reducing costs.
    • Allows users to access data stored on other computers, keeping everyone updated with the latest data.
    • Enables shared access to the internet.
    • Users can run software not installed on their own computers but available on the network.

    Bandwidth in Networking

    • Network bandwidth measures how much data can be sent and received at one time. Measured in bits, megabits, or gigabits per second.

    Physical Topology

    • The physical layout of a network.
    • Types of topologies include: Mesh, Star, Bus, Ring.

    Bus Topology

    • A multipoint connection where all devices are connected to a single cable (backbone).

    • Each computer and network device is connected to this single cable.

    • Communication flows in both directions along the cable.

    • Devices can communicate directly with each other, without going through intermediary devices.

    • Has drawbacks such as limited number of taps, distance limitations and collision issues when many devices are transmitting simultaneously.

    • Advantages of Bus Topology*

    • Easy installation

    • Use less cabling than mesh or star

    • Works well with smaller networks

    • Disadvantages of Bus Topology*

    • Fault in a cable disrupts all transmissions.

    • Adding or removing devices can be complex, requiring modification or replacement.

    • Troubleshooting device issues can be difficult.

    • Not suitable for large networks due to transmission limitations.

    Star Topology

    • Each device has a dedicated point-to-point link to a central controller (hub or switch).

    • Communication between devices goes through the central controller.

    • Easy installation, reconfiguration and cheaper.

    • Advantages of Star Topology*

    • Easy to install and reconfigure.

    • Relatively inexpensive.

    • Robustness: if one link fails, only that link is affected, leaving other links functional.

    • Easy identification and isolation of fault.

    • Disadvantages of Star Topology*

    • Dependent on the central hub. If the hub fails, the entire network is down.

    Tree Topology

    • A variation of the star topology where secondary hubs are connected to a central hub.
    • Advantages and disadvantages are similar to the star topology but with increased flexibility in connecting a larger number of devices.

    Ring Topology

    • Each device is connected to two other devices, forming a closed loop.
    • Communication flows in one direction around the ring.
    • Each device acts as a repeater, regenerating the signal to maintain quality and strength.
    • Easy to install and reconfigure as devices only require two connections.
    • Has simplified fault isolation due to a circulating signal.
    • Unidirectional traffic is a significant disadvantage when a device fails it disrupts the entire network; to address this a dual ring can be implemented.

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    Description

    This quiz explores the fundamentals of computer networks, including their structures, functions, and advantages. You will discover the various uses of networks and the resources they share, enhancing your understanding of data communication technologies.

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