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Questions and Answers
Which physical topology has a single point of failure in its central device?
Which physical topology has a single point of failure in its central device?
What type of connection involves direct communication between two nodes?
What type of connection involves direct communication between two nodes?
In which topology are nodes connected in a unidirectional loop?
In which topology are nodes connected in a unidirectional loop?
Which transmission method sends data to all nodes on the network?
Which transmission method sends data to all nodes on the network?
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What is required in a bus topology to prevent signal reflection?
What is required in a bus topology to prevent signal reflection?
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What is the primary purpose of a computer network?
What is the primary purpose of a computer network?
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Which type of network spans a small geographical area?
Which type of network spans a small geographical area?
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Which network model involves each node acting both as a server and a client?
Which network model involves each node acting both as a server and a client?
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What type of cables forms a 'collapsed' network backbone?
What type of cables forms a 'collapsed' network backbone?
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Which device typically functions at the endpoint of a network where data ends up?
Which device typically functions at the endpoint of a network where data ends up?
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Which of the following best describes an Intranet?
Which of the following best describes an Intranet?
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What is a primary characteristic of a Terminal device in a network?
What is a primary characteristic of a Terminal device in a network?
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What is a key function of a network's backbone?
What is a key function of a network's backbone?
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Study Notes
Defining a Network
- A network is an interconnected system, often with a specific purpose (like social or computer networks).
- A computer network links two or more computers for electronic communication.
Components of a Network
- Devices: Computers, printers, switches, routers.
- Media: Physical connections (copper, fiber optics) or wireless (Wi-Fi).
- Network Adapters: Translate between device languages.
- Network Operating System: Manages network communication.
Network Nodes
- Endpoint Nodes: Where data ends (clients, servers, printers, storage).
- Redistribution Nodes: Pass data to other nodes (routers, switches).
Servers
- Network devices that share resources and manage services (e.g., addressing, permissions).
Network Backbone
- Carries most network traffic at high speeds.
- Types: Serial, Hierarchical/Distributed, Collapsed, Parallel.
Network Terminology
- Terminal: Data input/output device without processing.
- Client: Device with its processor and memory; accesses network resources.
- Peer: Self-contained computer that acts as both client and server.
Network Categories
- LAN (Local Area Network): Small area, using Ethernet or short-range wireless.
- WAN (Wide Area Network): Larger geographical area, potentially using long-range communication.
- Other Types: PAN (Personal Area Network), CAN (Campus Area Network), MAN (Metropolitan Area Network), GAN (Global Area Network), EN (Enterprise Network).
Internet, Intranet, and Extranet
- Internet: Largest public WAN, for global communication and information access.
- Intranet: Company's private internet, using similar protocols but separate.
- Extranet: Extension of an intranet, allowing limited external access.
Network Models
- Centralized Network: Mainframe handles all processing and communication.
- Client-Server Network: Server provides services, clients process locally.
- Peer-to-Peer Network: Each node acts as both client and server.
- Mixed Mode Network: Combination of the above models.
Network Topologies
- Physical Topology: Actual physical layout and connections.
- Logical Topology: Data pathway, regardless of physical layout.
Connection Types
- Point-to-Point: Direct connection between two nodes.
- Multi-Point: Connections between multiple nodes.
- Radiated/Broadcast: Wireless connections (e.g., Wi-Fi).
Physical Topologies
Bus Topology
- Nodes connected in a line.
- Transmissions can be broadcast or unicast.
- Requires terminators to prevent signal reflections.
Star Topology
- Nodes connected to a central device (switch or hub).
- Transmissions are unicast through the central device.
- Reliable, but a single point of failure in the central device.
Ring Topology
- Nodes connected in a unidirectional loop.
- Transmissions passed from node to node.
- Reliable but single point of failure, slower data transmission.
- Dual Ring Topology: Provides redundancy.
Broadcast, Unicast, and Multicast
- Broadcast: Transmission to all network nodes.
- Unicast: Transmission to a single recipient.
- Multicast: Transmission to a specific group of recipients.
Topology Summary Table
| Topology | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | Inexpensive, easy implementation | Signal reflection, single point of failure |
| Star | Reliable, easy maintenance | Single point of failure in central device |
| Ring | Reliable signal transmission, no collisions | Single point of failure, slower data transmission |
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Description
This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of computer networks, including their components, types, and terminology. Learn about network nodes, servers, and the backbone that carries data efficiently across various media. Test your understanding of how interconnected systems function in electronic communication.
