29 Questions
What is the primary function of a file and print server?
Manage user access and use of file and printer resources
How does an application server differ from a file and print server?
An application server only delivers results of a request to clients
What role do mail servers perform in a network environment?
Operate like application servers with separate server and client
Which type of server delivers web pages to clients in a network?
Web Server
How does a web server differ from an application server in terms of data handling?
Web servers selectively download data from the server to the client
What is the primary function of a directory services server in a network?
Enable users to locate, store, and secure information on the network
What is the main purpose of a computer network?
To share information and resources among connected computers
Which of the following is a characteristic of a computer network?
Allows for sharing resources from one computer to another
What is the main function of a Personal Area Network (PAN)?
To facilitate communication among interconnected personal devices
Which type of network is a PAN based on ownership?
Personal Area Network (PAN)
In a PAN, what role can one device take up in terms of network connectivity?
Internet router for connecting to higher-level networks
Which type of Personal Area Network uses a data cable as an example?
Wired Personal Area Network
What is the main purpose of the OSI reference model?
To ensure greater compatibility and interoperability between different types of networks
In what year was the OSI reference model developed?
1984
How many layers does the OSI reference model have?
Seven
What is the function of the OSI Layer 1?
Physical layer - deals with electrical, mechanical, and functional connections to the network
Which statement best describes the role of the OSI reference model in network communication?
It defines how information flows between different layers of network communication
What is a key advantage of dividing the communication process into seven layers according to the OSI reference model?
Better understanding and management of network functions
What is a key advantage of a star network topology?
Failure of the central unit doesn't affect the network
In a ring topology, how is the signal passed among devices?
In one direction, from device to device
What is a disadvantage of a ring topology?
Failure of a single computer brings down the entire network
How are token ring networks commonly implemented regarding physical connection?
As a ring topology
What is the main function of a repeater in a ring topology?
Regenerate received signals
Why is star topology more expensive than linear bus topologies?
Requires more cable length
Which layer ensures that information sent by one system's application layer is readable by another system's application layer?
Presentation layer
What is the primary function of the Session layer?
Managing conversations between applications
Which layer synchronizes dialogue between two hosts' presentation layers and manages their data exchange?
Session layer
Which layer offers provisions for efficient data transfer and prevents two parties from attempting the same critical operation simultaneously?
Transport layer
What is the role of the Transport layer in the OSI model?
Ensures correct delivery of data units to the receiving end
Study Notes
Introduction to Computer Networks
- A computer network is a system of multiple computers connected to share information and resources.
- Characteristics of a computer network:
- Share resources from one computer to another
- Connect devices to one computer and let others use them over the network
Categories of Computer Networks
- Based on size, ownership, and distance covered:
- Personal Area Network (PAN)
- Used for data transmission among devices like computers, phones, and tablets
- Can be used for personal communication or connecting to a higher-level network and the Internet
- Star topology:
- Most popular way to connect computers in a workgroup network
- Advantages: fault identification and isolation are easy, less expensive than mesh topology
- Disadvantages: failure of the central unit causes whole network failure, requires more cable length
- Personal Area Network (PAN)
Network Topologies
- Ring Topology:
- Nodes are connected by point-to-point connection to form a closed loop
- Signal is passed along the ring in one direction, from device to device, until it reaches its destination
- Each device incorporates a repeater to regenerate the received signal
OSI Reference Model
- Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) is the reference model for how applications can communicate over a network
- Purposes of OSI reference model:
- Ensure greater compatibility and interoperability between various network technologies
- Describe how information makes its way from application programs to another network
- Divide the problem of moving information into seven smaller and more manageable problems
OSI Reference Model Layers
- The process of communication between two endpoints in a network can be divided into seven distinct groups of related functions, or layers
- Each communicating user or program is at a computer that can provide those seven layers of function
Layer 6: Presentation
- Ensures that the information sent by one system is readable by another system
- Translates between multiple data formats if necessary
- Provides encryption and compression of data
- Examples: JPEG, MPEG, ASCII, EBCDIC, HTML
Layer 5: Session
- Defines how to start, control, and end conversations between applications
- Controls and manages multiple bi-directional messages
- Synchronizes dialogue between two hosts' presentation layers
- Prevents two parties from attempting the same critical operation at the same time
- Examples: SQL, ASP (AppleTalk Session Protocol)
Layer 4: Transport
- Accepts data from above, splits it into smaller units if needed, and passes them to the network layer
- Ensures that the pieces arrive correctly at the other end
- Examples: client-server applications like email, network printing, and the World Wide Web
Servers
- Types of servers:
- File and Print Servers: manage user access and use of file and printer resources
- Application Servers: make the server side of client-server applications and data available to clients
- Web Servers: deliver web pages
- Mail Servers: operate like application servers, managing email traffic
- Fax Servers: manage fax traffic into and out of the network
- Directory Services Server: enable users to locate, store, and secure information on the network
Test your knowledge on the basics of computer networks including the definition, characteristics, and functions of a computer network. Explore concepts such as sharing resources, file storage, and connectivity between multiple computers.
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