Mastering Computer Networks

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Questions and Answers

True or false: LANs are only found in businesses?

False

True or false: WANs can distribute resources across great distances?

True

True or false: PANs are designed for multiple people within a large boundary area?

False

True or false: MANs are smaller than WANs?

True Signup and view all the answers

True or false: WMNs use a mesh topology?

True Signup and view all the answers

True or false: LANs can be found in homes as wireless networks?

True Signup and view all the answers

True or false: Only larger corporations historically used WANs?

False Signup and view all the answers

True or false: PANs use Bluetooth technology?

True Signup and view all the answers

True or false: A mesh topology is used in PANs?

False Signup and view all the answers

True or false: WMNs are wired networks?

False Signup and view all the answers

True or false: A MAN and a WAN are virtually identical in most cases.

True Signup and view all the answers

True or false: In a WAN, a phone company or service provider is responsible for managing the connectivity.

True Signup and view all the answers

True or false: A wireless access point (WAP) always connects wirelessly to a router or switch.

False Signup and view all the answers

True or false: A key defining factor of a mesh network topology is that it has multiple redundant connections.

True Signup and view all the answers

True or false: A wireless mesh network (WMN) is managed through a cloud-based network controller.

True Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The key infrastructure that wireless clients connect to in a WMN is generally mobile.

False Signup and view all the answers

True or false: Implementing a WMN requires the support of access points and other wireless infrastructure.

True Signup and view all the answers

True or false: In a WMN, if one connection fails, there is no backup connection available.

False Signup and view all the answers

True or false: Wireless hotspots in a city can be considered a MAN.

True Signup and view all the answers

True or false: In a MAN, the responsibility of managing the connectivity lies with a central IT organization.

True Signup and view all the answers

True or false: LANs were introduced in the 1980s as a way to distribute processing and connect computers using network cables.

False Signup and view all the answers

True or false: ShareNet by Novell was the first type of LAN that allowed computers to share resources within a closed environment.

True Signup and view all the answers

True or false: Early LANs were limited in distance and capacity, typically spanning multiple floors of an office and supporting up to 100 computers.

False Signup and view all the answers

True or false: The first software programs on LANs had file locking constraints, only allowing one user at a time.

True Signup and view all the answers

True or false: WANs emerged in the early 1990s, allowing networks to cover large geographical areas and support millions of users.

False Signup and view all the answers

True or false: WANs expanded communication across continents and revolutionized the way businesses operate.

True Signup and view all the answers

True or false: WANs can only span buildings and states, but not countries.

False Signup and view all the answers

True or false: PANs are commonly associated with Wi-Fi networks, which were named after a Danish king who unified warring factions.

False Signup and view all the answers

True or false: PANs can only be created with Bluetooth technology, and not with other technologies like infrared.

False Signup and view all the answers

True or false: Bluetooth networks are formed on a fixed basis, requiring a central communication point for devices to communicate with each other.

False Signup and view all the answers

Explain the key defining factor of a mesh network topology and how it ensures smooth communication.

A key defining factor of a mesh network topology is that it has multiple redundant connections. This means that if one connection fails, another is available to take its place, ensuring that communication runs smoothly. Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of a central IT organization in managing the connectivity of a MAN?

In a MAN, a central IT organization, such as the campus or city IT staff, is responsible for managing the connectivity. Signup and view all the answers

What type of network infrastructure is generally not mobile in a wireless mesh network?

While mobility is a key feature of wireless networking, the key infrastructure that wireless clients connect to in a wireless mesh network is generally not mobile. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a cloud-based network controller in managing a wireless mesh network?

A wireless mesh network is managed through a cloud-based network controller, which allows the administrator to enable, configure, and monitor the network remotely. Signup and view all the answers

What are the requirements for implementing a wireless mesh network?

In order to implement a wireless mesh network, the access points and other wireless infrastructure must support it. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the difference between a metropolitan area network (MAN) and a wide area network (WAN) in terms of managing connectivity.

In a MAN, a central IT organization, such as the campus or city IT staff, is responsible for managing the connectivity. In a WAN, it's implied that you will be using publicly available communication lines, and there will be a phone company or other service provider involved. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a wireless access point (WAP) in a network?

In a network, a wireless access point (WAP) is used by wireless clients to access the network. Signup and view all the answers

What type of network topology is commonly used in wireless mesh networks?

Wireless mesh networks (WMNs) use a mesh topology, which means they have multiple redundant connections to ensure smooth communication. Signup and view all the answers

How are wireless clients typically connected to a wireless access point (WAP) in a network?

Wireless clients on a network typically access the network through a wireless access point (WAP). The WAP may connect wirelessly to another connectivity device, such as a wireless router, but more likely uses a wired connection to a router or switch. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a phone company or service provider in managing the connectivity of a wide area network (WAN)?

In a WAN, it's implied that you will be using publicly available communication lines, and there will be a phone company or other service provider involved in managing the connectivity. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the difference between a LAN and a WAN.

A LAN is a local area network that connects computers in a single office or building, while a WAN is a wide area network that includes networks outside the local environment and can distribute resources across great distances. Signup and view all the answers

What is a personal area network (PAN)?

A personal area network is a very small-scale network designed around one person within a very limited boundary area. Signup and view all the answers

Describe a metropolitan area network (MAN).

A metropolitan area network is bigger than a LAN but not quite as big as a WAN. Signup and view all the answers

What is a wireless mesh network (WMN)?

A wireless mesh network is a wireless network that uses a mesh topology. Signup and view all the answers

What technology is commonly used in PANs?

Bluetooth technology is commonly used in PANs. Signup and view all the answers

How have WANs evolved over time?

WANs were historically used only by larger corporations but are now also used by many smaller companies with remote locations. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three additional network types introduced by the industry?

The three additional network types introduced are personal area network (PAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), and wireless mesh network (WMN). Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a PAN?

The purpose of a PAN is to create a very small-scale network designed around one person within a limited boundary area. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of a wireless mesh network?

The main characteristic of a wireless mesh network is its use of a mesh topology. Signup and view all the answers

How are LANs and WANs commonly used in homes and businesses?

LANs are commonly used in homes as wireless networks, while WANs are commonly used in businesses to span greater distances and support mobility. Signup and view all the answers

When were LANs introduced and why?

LANs were introduced in the 1970s as a way to distribute processing and connect computers using network cables. Signup and view all the answers

What was the first type of LAN and what did it allow?

The first type of LAN was ShareNet by Novell, which allowed computers to share resources within a closed environment. Signup and view all the answers

What were the limitations of early LANs?

Early LANs were limited in distance and capacity, typically spanning a single floor of an office and supporting up to 30 computers. Signup and view all the answers

What were the file locking constraints on the first software programs on LANs?

The first software programs on LANs had file locking constraints, only allowing one user at a time. Signup and view all the answers

When did WANs emerge and what did they allow?

WANs emerged in the late 1980s, allowing networks to cover large geographical areas and support thousands of users. Signup and view all the answers

What impact did WANs have on businesses?

WANs expanded communication across countries and changed the way businesses operate. Signup and view all the answers

What is the scope of WANs?

WANs can span buildings, states, countries, and even continental boundaries. Signup and view all the answers

What are PANs commonly associated with?

PANs are commonly associated with Bluetooth networks, which were named after a Danish king who unified warring factions. Signup and view all the answers

How can PANs be created?

PANs can also be created with other technologies, such as infrared. Signup and view all the answers

How do Bluetooth networks allow devices to communicate?

Bluetooth networks are formed on an ad hoc basis, allowing devices to communicate directly with each other without a central communication point. Signup and view all the answers

LANs exist in many ______

homes Signup and view all the answers

WANs are fairly ______

common Signup and view all the answers

The ______ area network (MAN)

metropolitan Signup and view all the answers

The most recent designation created is the wireless ______ network (WMN)

mesh Signup and view all the answers

The term generally refers to networks that use ______ technology

Bluetooth Signup and view all the answers

On a ______ scale is the metropolitan area network (MAN)

larger Signup and view all the answers

A wireless mesh network (WMN) uses what’s known as a ______ topology

mesh Signup and view all the answers

The industry introduced three more terms: the personal area network, the metropolitan area network, and the wireless ______ network

mesh Signup and view all the answers

LANs were introduced in the ______ as a way to distribute processing and connect computers using network cables

1980s Signup and view all the answers

Historically, only larger corporations used ______

WANs Signup and view all the answers

Wireless networks are everywhere today. If you use your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to look for wireless networks, chances are you will find several. Wireless clients on a network typically access the network through a ______.

wireless access point (WAP) Signup and view all the answers

The key defining factor of a mesh network topology is that it has multiple redundant ______.

connections Signup and view all the answers

Therefore, a wireless mesh network is one that uses wireless but has multiple redundant ______ to help ensure that communication runs smoothly.

connections Signup and view all the answers

While mobility is a key feature of wireless networking, the key infrastructure that wireless clients connect to is generally not ______.

mobile Signup and view all the answers

In order to implement a WMN, the access points and other wireless infrastructure must ______ it.

support Signup and view all the answers

A WMN is then managed through a ______ network controller, which allows the administrator to enable, configure, and monitor the network remotely.

cloud-based Signup and view all the answers

For example, if a city decides to install wireless hotspots in various places, that network could be considered a ______.

MAN Signup and view all the answers

In a MAN, a central IT organization, such as the campus or city IT staff, is ______.

responsible Signup and view all the answers

In a WAN, it’s implied that you will be using publicly available communication lines, and there will be a phone company or other service ______ involved.

provider Signup and view all the answers

Perhaps the biggest difference is who has responsibility for managing the ______.

connectivity Signup and view all the answers

LANs (Local Area Networks) were introduced in the 1970s as a way to distribute processing and connect computers using network ______.

cables Signup and view all the answers

The first type of LAN, ShareNet by Novell, allowed computers to share ______ within a closed environment.

resources Signup and view all the answers

Early LANs were limited in ______ and capacity, typically spanning a single floor of an office and supporting up to 30 computers.

distance Signup and view all the answers

The first software programs on LANs had file ______ constraints, only allowing one user at a time.

locking Signup and view all the answers

WANs (Wide Area Networks) emerged in the late 1980s, allowing networks to cover large geographical ______ and support thousands of users.

areas Signup and view all the answers

WANs expanded communication across ______ and changed the way businesses operate.

countries Signup and view all the answers

WANs can span ______, states, countries, and even continental boundaries.

buildings Signup and view all the answers

PANs (Personal Area Networks) are commonly associated with Bluetooth networks, which were named after a Danish king who unified ______ factions.

warring Signup and view all the answers

PANs can also be created with other technologies, such as ______.

infrared Signup and view all the answers

Bluetooth networks are formed on an ad hoc basis, allowing devices to communicate directly with each other without a central ______ point.

communication Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Understanding Computer Networks: LANs, WANs, PANs, and MANs

LANs (Local Area Networks) were introduced in the 1970s as a way to distribute processing and connect computers using network cables.
The first type of LAN, ShareNet by Novell, allowed computers to share resources within a closed environment.
Early LANs were limited in distance and capacity, typically spanning a single floor of an office and supporting up to 30 computers.
The first software programs on LANs had file locking constraints, only allowing one user at a time.
WANs (Wide Area Networks) emerged in the late 1980s, allowing networks to cover large geographical areas and support thousands of users.
WANs expanded communication across countries and changed the way businesses operate.
WANs can span buildings, states, countries, and even continental boundaries.
PANs (Personal Area Networks) are commonly associated with Bluetooth networks, which were named after a Danish king who unified warring factions.
PANs can also be created with other technologies, such as infrared.
Bluetooth networks are formed on an ad hoc basis, allowing devices to communicate directly with each other without a central communication point.
Bluetooth devices can form piconets, where up to seven devices can communicate, and multiple piconets can be linked together in a scatternet.
MANs (Metropolitan Area Networks) are networks that span a city or a large campus and are larger than a LAN but confined to a relatively small geographical area.

Understanding Computer Networks: LANs, WANs, PANs, and MANs

LANs (Local Area Networks) were introduced in the 1970s as a way to distribute processing and connect computers using network cables.
The first type of LAN, ShareNet by Novell, allowed computers to share resources within a closed environment.
Early LANs were limited in distance and capacity, typically spanning a single floor of an office and supporting up to 30 computers.
The first software programs on LANs had file locking constraints, only allowing one user at a time.
WANs (Wide Area Networks) emerged in the late 1980s, allowing networks to cover large geographical areas and support thousands of users.
WANs expanded communication across countries and changed the way businesses operate.
WANs can span buildings, states, countries, and even continental boundaries.
PANs (Personal Area Networks) are commonly associated with Bluetooth networks, which were named after a Danish king who unified warring factions.
PANs can also be created with other technologies, such as infrared.
Bluetooth networks are formed on an ad hoc basis, allowing devices to communicate directly with each other without a central communication point.
Bluetooth devices can form piconets, where up to seven devices can communicate, and multiple piconets can be linked together in a scatternet.
MANs (Metropolitan Area Networks) are networks that span a city or a large campus and are larger than a LAN but confined to a relatively small geographical area.

Understanding Computer Networks: LANs, WANs, PANs, and MANs

LANs (Local Area Networks) were introduced in the 1970s as a way to distribute processing and connect computers using network cables.
The first type of LAN, ShareNet by Novell, allowed computers to share resources within a closed environment.
Early LANs were limited in distance and capacity, typically spanning a single floor of an office and supporting up to 30 computers.
The first software programs on LANs had file locking constraints, only allowing one user at a time.
WANs (Wide Area Networks) emerged in the late 1980s, allowing networks to cover large geographical areas and support thousands of users.
WANs expanded communication across countries and changed the way businesses operate.
WANs can span buildings, states, countries, and even continental boundaries.
PANs (Personal Area Networks) are commonly associated with Bluetooth networks, which were named after a Danish king who unified warring factions.
PANs can also be created with other technologies, such as infrared.
Bluetooth networks are formed on an ad hoc basis, allowing devices to communicate directly with each other without a central communication point.
Bluetooth devices can form piconets, where up to seven devices can communicate, and multiple piconets can be linked together in a scatternet.
MANs (Metropolitan Area Networks) are networks that span a city or a large campus and are larger than a LAN but confined to a relatively small geographical area.

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Description

Test your knowledge on computer networks with this quiz! Learn about LANs, WANs, PANs, and MANs and their key features. Challenge yourself and see how well you understand the different types of networks and their purposes.