Lecture Week 8: Network Technology

Small Office Network Topology

• For a small office with less than 10 computers, a star topology is the most suitable.

Hybrid Topology Disadvantage

• A primary disadvantage of a hybrid topology is the increased complexity in managing and troubleshooting the network due to the combination of different topologies.

Client-Server Network Characteristic

• A client-server network is characterized by a central server that manages resources and provides services to multiple client computers.

Star Topology Cable Type

• The cable type most commonly utilized in star topologies is unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable.

Mesh Topology Node Connections

• A mesh topology relies on direct connections between all nodes, creating redundant paths for data transmission.

Network Design Primary Focus

• The primary focus of network design is efficiency and scalability.

Linear Bus Network Drawback

• A common drawback of the linear bus network topology is its single point of failure. If the bus cable fails, the entire network is disrupted.

Equal Authority Network Design

• A peer-to-peer network design allows all nodes to have equal authority, meaning each device can share resources and communicate directly with others.

Star Topology LAN Advantage

• A key advantage of using a star topology in a Local Area Network (LAN) is its centralized management.

Client-Server Network Model Characteristic

• A characteristic that is NOT part of the Client-Server network model is the ability for all devices to have equal authority.

Bus Topology Disadvantage

• A bus topology has the disadvantage of being susceptible to collisions. If two devices transmit data simultaneously, the data can collide and become corrupted.

Hybrid Topology Advantage

• The main advantage of combining different topologies in a hybrid topology is increased flexibility and scalability.

Personal Area Network (PAN) Definition

• A Personal Area Network (PAN) is defined as a network that connects devices within a small personal space, such as a home or office.

Mesh Topology Benefit Scenario

• A Mesh topology is most beneficial in scenarios where high reliability and redundancy are critical, such as in a military network or a building with multiple floors.

Star Topology Essential Component

• An essential component for connecting devices in a star topology is a central hub or switch.

Network Interface Card (NIC) Function

• The primary function of a Network Interface Card (NIC) is to provide a physical connection between a computer and a network.

Transceiver Function

• In a wireless communication system, the primary purpose of a transceiver is to send and receive radio signals.

Secure Data Transfer Protocol

• The protocol most commonly used for securely transferring sensitive information over the internet is Transport Layer Security (TLS).

Intranet vs. Extranet

• The main difference between an intranet and an extranet is that an intranet is a private network used within an organization, while an extranet extends the intranet to external partners or customers.

Network Traffic Analysis Technology

• The security technology that analyzes incoming and outgoing network traffic to protect an organization's network is called a firewall.

VPN Function

• A virtual private network (VPN) provides a secure and encrypted connection over a public network, such as the internet.

Network Protocol Statement

• A network protocol defines the rules and procedures for communication between devices on a network.

Firewall Role in Security

• A firewall plays a critical role in network security by acting as a barrier between a private network and the public internet, blocking unauthorized access.

Microwave Transmission Disadvantage

• A disadvantage of using microwave signals for data transmission is that they can be affected by weather conditions such as rain, snow, and fog.