30 Questions
What is the primary purpose of having standards in computer networks?
To ensure heterogeneous networks can communicate with each other
How many layers are defined in the OSI model for networking?
Seven
What is the typical size range for a LAN?
Less than 1 mile
Which type of network usually links devices within a single office or building?
Local Area Network
What is the characteristic feature of a WAN as compared to a LAN?
Covers worldwide locations
How does a LAN differ from a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)?
LANs span tens of miles, while MANs cover smaller areas.
What advantage does a mesh network offer in terms of privacy or security?
Physical boundaries prevent unauthorized access to messages.
Why is fault identification and isolation easier in a mesh network?
Traffic can be routed to avoid links with suspected problems.
Why can a mesh network continue to function even if one link becomes unusable?
Each connection can carry its own data load.
What is a significant disadvantage of a mesh network in terms of cabling?
The amount of cabling needed can be greater than available space can accommodate.
How does a mesh network prevent incapacitation of the entire system if one link fails?
By automatically rerouting traffic to avoid the faulty link.
What makes fault identification and isolation easy in a mesh network?
Dedicated links allow traffic to bypass faulty connections.
What term is used to refer to standards that have been legislated by an officially recognized body?
De jure standards
Which organization is primarily responsible for developing data telecommunications standards in North America?
ISO
What was the committee formed by the United Nations to establish international standards for telecommunications?
CCITT
Which organization underwent a name change to become the International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standards Sector (ITU-T)?
CCITT
Which body's membership is mainly drawn from the standards creation committees of various governments worldwide?
ISO
In what era did a number of countries define national standards for telecommunications before international compatibility became a concern?
Early 1970s
What is a key disadvantage of a mesh topology compared to a star topology?
Expensive hardware requirements
How does data transmission occur between devices in a star network?
Via a central hub or controller
Which topology allows for easy installation, reconfiguration, and requires less cabling?
Star topology
In a mesh topology, how are regional offices in a telephone network typically connected?
Each regional office is connected to every other regional office
What is a characteristic of a star topology that contributes to its robustness?
Isolation of link failures to individual connections
Which network type has the advantage of allowing direct traffic flow between devices?
Mesh network
What is the purpose of special-interest groups developing forums with representatives from interested corporations?
To speed up the acceptance and use of new technologies
Which regulatory agency oversees interstate and international commerce related to communications in the United States?
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
What is the initial stage of a specification before it attains Internet standard status?
Internet Draft
How do forums established by special-interest groups contribute to the standardization process?
By concentrating their efforts on a particular technology to speed up acceptance
What is the primary goal of government regulatory agencies like the FCC regarding communication technologies?
To protect public interest by regulating communication technologies
What defines an Internet standard?
A thoroughly tested specification adhered to by Internet users
Study Notes
Network Models
- Computer networks are created by different entities, and standards are needed for heterogeneous networks to communicate with each other.
- Two well-known standards are the OSI model and the Internet model, which define 7-layer and 5-layer networks, respectively.
Categories of Networks
- Networks can be categorized into two primary categories: local area networks (LANs) and wide-area networks (WANs).
- The category is determined by the network's size, with LANs typically covering an area less than 2 miles and WANs being worldwide.
Local Area Networks (LANs)
- A LAN is usually privately owned and links devices in a single office, building, or campus.
- LANs can range from simple setups like two PCs and a printer to larger networks spanning a company.
Mesh Topology
- A mesh topology has dedicated links between each device, guaranteeing that each connection can carry its own data load.
- Advantages of mesh topology include robustness, privacy/security, and easy fault identification/isolation.
- Disadvantages include the need for many I/O ports and cables, making installation and reconnection difficult and expensive.
Standard Organizations
- Standards are developed through the cooperation of standards creation committees, forums, and government regulatory agencies.
- Key organizations involved in data telecommunications standards include the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Telecommunication Union-Telecommunication Standards Sector (ITU-T).
Star Topology
- In a star topology, each device has a dedicated point-to-point link only to a central controller or hub.
- Advantages of star topology include lower cost, ease of installation and reconfiguration, and robustness.
- Devices are not directly linked to each other, and the controller acts as an exchange.
Internet Standards
- An Internet standard is a thoroughly tested specification that is useful to and adhered to by those who work with the Internet.
- The standardization process involves Internet drafts, which are working documents with no official status and a 6-month lifetime.
Test your knowledge on the advantages of mesh network topology, including dedicated links, robustness, and effective data load distribution. Explore the benefits of having n - 1 input/output ports for each device in a mesh network.
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