Computer Networks Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is a key function of computers in a network?

Running multiple programs simultaneously

Performing complex calculations independently

Displaying graphics on the screen

Sending and receiving messages (correct)

Which type of network connects computers that are geographically close together?

Wide Area Network (WAN)

Local Area Network (LAN) (correct)

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

Personal Area Network (PAN)

What is a common function of the Internet?

Controlling individual computers

Operating as an independent network separated from all others

Exclusively used for gaming purposes

Providing access to news, opinions, and services like web browsing (correct)

What is the main difference between LANs and WANs?

Distance between connected computers Signup and view all the answers

In data communication, what does the medium refer to?

Physical path for message transmission Signup and view all the answers

What defines a Personal Area Network (PAN)?

Connects devices within a person's workspace Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of a Network Interface Card (NIC)?

Convert signals from the network Signup and view all the answers

Which device is responsible for transmitting signals so they can be read by a wireless NIC?

Wireless Access Point (WAP) Signup and view all the answers

What type of cable does a NIC use to connect to a wired network?

Ethernet cable Signup and view all the answers

What is not a common alternative name for a Wireless Access Point (WAP)?

Wireless Hub Signup and view all the answers

When connecting to a coffee shop's wireless network, what have you connected to?

Wireless Access Point (WAP) Signup and view all the answers

What security precautions should you consider when using a public network like the one in a coffee shop?

Be cautious with personal data Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a switch in a network?

To direct traffic to the correct device Signup and view all the answers

Which transmission medium offers higher speeds and can be used over greater distances?

Fibre optic cables Signup and view all the answers

What type of network component is responsible for examining and redirecting network traffic?

Switch Signup and view all the answers

In a home network, what devices are often contained in the same box?

Router, switch, and wireless access point Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of fibre optic cables compared to ethernet cables?

More difficult to install Signup and view all the answers

Which component of a network is responsible for connecting devices wirelessly using radio waves?

Wireless access point Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

A computer network is a collection of interconnected computers, enabling information sharing and communication between devices.
Computers in a network can send and receive messages, allowing for resource sharing (printers, scanners, disk drives) and multiple users to communicate and exchange data.
Data communication consists of a message (information), sender (device initiating transmission), receiver (device receiving the message), and medium (physical path for message transmission).
Types of computer networks include Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs), Campus Area Networks (CANs), Intranets, and Personal Area Networks (PANs).
LANs consist of geographically close computers (computer lab), while WANs connect computers farther apart (telephone lines or radio waves for example).
Internet is a global network connecting millions of computers, consisting of networks in hundreds of countries and using existing telephone and communication networks for data transfer.
It is the largest part of the Internet, providing access to news, opinions, and various services like web browsing, email, and file transfer (Gopher, Telnet, FTP).

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Description

Explore the basics of computer networks, including the types of networks like LANs, WANs, MANs, and more. Learn about data communication, resource sharing, and the global network known as the Internet.