Computer Networks Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which physical topology has a single point of failure in its central device?

  • Star Topology (correct)
  • Bus Topology
  • Dual Ring Topology
  • Ring Topology

What type of connection involves direct communication between two nodes?

  • Radiated/Broadcast
  • Point-to-Point (correct)
  • Multi-Point
  • Unicast

In which topology are nodes connected in a unidirectional loop?

  • Ring Topology (correct)
  • Bus Topology
  • Star Topology
  • Dual Ring Topology

Which transmission method sends data to all nodes on the network?

<p>Broadcast (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is required in a bus topology to prevent signal reflection?

<p>Terminator (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a computer network?

<p>To connect computers for electronic communication (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of network spans a small geographical area?

<p>Local Area Network (LAN) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which network model involves each node acting both as a server and a client?

<p>Peer-to-Peer Network (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of cables forms a 'collapsed' network backbone?

<p>Router connections (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which device typically functions at the endpoint of a network where data ends up?

<p>Client (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes an Intranet?

<p>A private segment of the Internet for a company (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of a Terminal device in a network?

<p>It is used for data entry and display without processing capabilities (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key function of a network's backbone?

<p>To carry the bulk of network traffic at high speeds (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Logical Topology

The conceptual map of how data flows between network devices, independent of physical wiring.

Point-to-Point Connection

A direct connection between two devices, like plugging a cable from your computer to your router.

Bus Topology

A network layout where devices are connected in a line, like pearls on a string. Data can be broadcast or sent directly.

Star Topology

A network where all devices connect to a central hub, like spokes on a wheel. Messages are sent individually.

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Ring Topology

A network where devices are connected in a loop. Data flows in one direction around the ring.

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What is a computer network?

A collection of interconnected devices that communicate electronically.

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Network Media

Physical connections like copper cables, fiber optics, or wireless connections like Wi-Fi.

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Network Adapters

Devices that translate between different device languages on a network.

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Network Server

A device on a network that provides services and manages resources, like addressing and permissions.

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Network Backbone

A high-speed network connection that carries the majority of traffic.

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Local Area Network (LAN)

A network that covers a small area, like a home or office building.

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Wide Area Network (WAN)

A network that covers a large geographical area, like a city or country.

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Extranet

A network that allows limited access to external parties, extending a company's intranet.

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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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