Introduction to Networks

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Questions and Answers

Which network topology is Token Ring commonly associated with?

Star

Bus

Mesh

Ring (correct)

What is the primary characteristic that differentiates Local Area Networks (LANs) from Wide Area Networks (WANs)?

The geographical area covered (correct)

The number of available services.

The type of cabling used

The number of users connected.

Who typically manages a Local Area Network (LAN)?

An individual or IT department (correct)

A government agency

A consortium of multiple organizations

A telecommunications service provider

What best describes the bandwidth provided by LANs to internal devices?

High-speed Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a typical information service transmitted over business networks?

Online gaming Signup and view all the answers

Which entity generally owns and manages Wide Area Networks (WANs)?

A telecommunications service provider Signup and view all the answers

What is one key benefit of using networks for employee training?

Reduced travel expenses and time, while ensuring adequate training Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant difference in the link speed between LANs and WANs?

LANs provide high speed links, while WANs usually have slower-speed links. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of networks in the context regarding online games?

To enable participation in worldwide online competitions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a WAN?

To interconnect multiple LANs over a wide geographical areas Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a Small Home Network (SHN)?

Connects a few devices to each other and the internet Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the area of responsibility for a LAN?

A single organization or individual is typically responsible for its upkeep and functionality. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of network enables a home office to connect to a corporate network?

Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of network is typically used by large corporations with multiple locations?

Medium to Large Network (MLN) Signup and view all the answers

What is considered as a 'network of networks' that connects millions of computers worldwide?

World Wide Network (WWN) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference in scale between a Small Home Network (SHN) and Medium to Large Network (MLN)?

SHN connects a few computers, while MLN connects thousands Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a network, as defined in the provided material?

To connect things together for a specific purpose. Signup and view all the answers

According to the material, besides computer networks, what other types of networks are commonly recognized?

Telephone, television, and people networks. Signup and view all the answers

What fundamental human need does communication over networks parallel in importance, according to the text?

The need to sustain life. Signup and view all the answers

How have data networks primarily impacted communication, as suggested by the material?

By establishing a new platform for modern communications. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor that determines the type of internet connection a network requires?

The bandwidth requirements of the network being connected. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Asymmetrical DSL (ADSL)?

Download speed is faster than upload speed. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following activities would have been most difficult to accomplish 20 years ago, based on the text?

Engaging in online gaming with others. Signup and view all the answers

What does the material suggest is the primary benefit of the expansion and repurposing of data networks?

Enhanced quality of life for people globally. Signup and view all the answers

For businesses, which is generally NOT required from their internet connection?

Basic web browsing for light use. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant advantage of using satellite internet access?

It is available in areas with limited or no other internet connectivity. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these describes how networks are categorized?

They are categorized by their purpose and how they connect. Signup and view all the answers

What is considered one of the most important aspects of a modern communication platform, according to the text?

Its capacity to adapt to changing conditions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following connection types is LEAST likely to be used by a typical home user?

Business DSL. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common limiting factor for cellular internet access?

The capabilities of the cell phone and cell tower. Signup and view all the answers

What is MOST likely to cause a home user to choose satellite internet over other options?

Having no cellular and broadband options in the area. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are characteristics of business internet connections, based on the content provided?

Often provided by service providers for fast interconnections. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a network topology diagram?

To serve as a visual representation of how a network is connected. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of topology focuses on the actual geometric layout of workstations, including physical locations of devices, ports, and cables?

Physical topology Signup and view all the answers

What does the logical (or signal) topology primarily define within a network?

The nature of signal paths and the IP addressing scheme. Signup and view all the answers

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

To provide a physical connection to the network for a host device. Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'physical port' typically used for in a network?

To connect a workstation or device to a network. Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of a bus topology?

Every workstation connects to a single main cable. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between an interface and physical port in the context of inter networking devices like a router?

Interfaces connect to individual networks, while physical ports connect to end devices. Signup and view all the answers

In a ring topology, how are workstations connected to the network?

They are connected in a closed loop configuration. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line (SDSL) service?

It provides the same upload and download speeds. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary limitation of satellite internet service?

It needs a clear line of sight to the satellite, which can be affected by obstructions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinguishing feature of Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) service?

It offers varying downstream and upstream bandwidth rates. Signup and view all the answers

Which internet connection type requires a clear, unobstructed path to function correctly?

Satellite Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Internet' mean in the context of networking?

A network of networks. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a symmetrical internet connection?

Upload and download speeds are the same. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum distance at which ADSL transmissions typically function?

18,000 feet Signup and view all the answers

Why are topology diagrams mandatory in networking?

They are mandatory for anyone working with a network for visualization Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lesson 1: Introduction to Networks

A network connects things for a specific purpose, encompassing computers, telephones, and even people.
Networks are rapidly transforming the world into a global society, enabling communication and resource sharing globally.
Networks require diverse technologies and adaptable procedures to function effectively.

Lesson Objectives

Understand everyday network use.
Explain how networks provide resources.
Describe network topologies and devices.

Networks in Everyday Life

Networks are a fundamental part of daily life, essential for human interaction and survival, almost as important as basic necessities like air, water, food, and shelter.
Methods of communication are constantly evolving due to robust data networks. These networks have significantly impacted communication and are the new platform for modern communication.

Technology Then and Now

The internet has rapidly expanded and repurposed communication, providing instant access to information and resources like online gaming, social media, and more.
Resources are now readily available online through the internet, including posting photos and videos, accessing and submitting schoolwork, interacting with others via email and instant messaging, watching videos, playing online games, checking current weather conditions and traffic, and paying bills.
Mobile computing, using personal devices, has emerged as a key component, allowing access to data and systems. Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) is a common term for this.

Internet of Things (IoT) and Internet of Everything (IoE)

Innovations have led to the development of the IoT, where once passive devices can now send data, like smart watches, televisions, traffic lights, and other IP-enabled devices or objects.
The IoE is the anticipated future network environment that combines people, processes, data, and things, to create more relevant and valuable networked connections. This creates richer experiences and opportunities for individuals, businesses, and countries.

Changing the Way We Learn

Educational institutions are continually improving communication, collaboration, and engagement for knowledge dissemination.
Traditional learning methods (textbooks and instructors) have limitations.
Networks can provide rich learning experiences, including interactive activities, assessments, and feedback, minimizing geographic barriers.
Online distance learning and readily available, high-quality instruction are major advantages.

Changing the Way We Communicate

Networks eliminate time and geographic boundaries, enabling instant communication worldwide.
Communication forms include instant messaging, social media, collaboration tools, wikis, and podcasts.
Peer-to-peer file sharing facilitates direct file transfer between users.

Changing the Way We Work

Networks provide efficient business access to resources regardless of location, making remote work possible.
Businesses historically used networks for financial, customer, and employee information.
Networks facilitate many types of communication including video-conferencing, messaging, and telephony.

Networks of Many Sizes

Networks range from small home networks connecting a few computers to vast worldwide networks connecting millions.
Classifications of networks include Small Home Networks (SHN), Small Office/Home Office (SOHO), Medium to Large Networks (MLN), and Worldwide Networks (WWN).

Network Architecture

A host is a device connected to a network and can act as a client (requesting data), server (providing data), or peer (both).
Various architectures exist, including peer-to-peer (where every host acts as both client and server), client-server (where designated hosts provide services), and mainframe/terminal (an older architecture).

Network Topology

Topology diagrams show how devices are connected in a network, distinguishing between 'physical' and 'logical' layouts.
Common topologies include bus, ring, star, hybrid, and mesh.

Network Types by Location

Networks are classified by the geographical area they cover, most commonly Local Area Networks (LAN) and Wide Area Networks (WAN).
LANs cover a limited area like a home, school, or office.
WANs span larger distances such as cities, countries, etc.

Internet Connections

Various technologies connect people and organizations to the internet, ranging from dial-up telephone services to broadband cable, DSL, and satellite connections.
Business networks commonly have dedicated bandwidth requirements to support intensive usage.

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Description

Explore the foundational concepts of networks in this introductory lesson. Understand how networks connect various entities and the impact they have on communication and resource sharing in our daily lives. Learn about different network topologies and the technology evolving to support these connections.

Introduction to Networks - Lesson 1

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