Network Basics Quiz

Network Basics

• A network consists of technologies that link computers, enabling communication and collaboration.
• Data can be accessed simultaneously by multiple users with shared files stored on servers.

Uses of a Network

• Files and software can be shared, with access levels set as needed.
• Networked peripheral devices, like printers or faxes, reduce costs and are managed through print servers.
• Personal communication tools include email, teleconferencing, videoconferencing, and VoIP (Voice over IP).

Data Management

• File servers hold documents shared across various computers.
• Networks facilitate simpler data backup through consolidated server backups.

Common Network Types

• Local Area Network (LAN): Typically confined to an office, connecting computers, printers, and servers.
• Wide Area Network (WAN): A larger network connecting multiple LANs, often using public or leased lines; the Internet is the largest WAN.
• Campus Area Network (CAN): A LAN that spans a large geographic area, shared by various departments within an organization.
• Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): Connects multiple organizations within a region, sharing resources.
• Home Area Network (HAN): Connects devices in a home environment, like computers and entertainment systems.
• Personal Area Network (PAN): A very small network, usually under 2 meters, including personal devices like smartphones and MP3 players.

Network Structures

• Server-based Network: Centralized control by servers determining node access.
• Client/Server Network: Nodes act as clients, sharing data while the server regulates access.
• Peer-to-Peer Networks (P2PN): Equal nodes that control their resources and share directly with one another, ignoring server oversight.

Network Topologies

• Topology defines the layout of the network which affects performance and size.
• Packets are data pieces transmitted across the network, containing headers (addresses) and payload (data).
• Bus Topology: All nodes connect to a single wire; easy to set up but slow and prone to crashes.
• Star Topology: Nodes connect to a central hub; most common but vulnerable if the hub fails.
• Ring Topology: Nodes form a circle; token-based data transmission prevents collisions but is slower.
• Mesh Topology: All nodes interconnect; highly reliable but complex to set up.

Network Media

• Links between nodes can vary in terms of speed, security, and size.
• Wired Media:
  • Twisted-Pair Cabling: Common in LANs; speeds from 1 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps.
  • Coaxial Cable: Used for earlier networks; speeds up to 10 Mbps, largely obsolete.
  • Fiber-Optic Cable: High-speed data through light; secure and immune to interference, reaching speeds up to 100 Gbps.
• Wireless Media: Data transmitted via radio or microwave signals; easy to set up but harder to secure.

Network Hardware

• Network Interface Cards (NIC): Enable node connectivity via a unique MAC address.
• Hubs: Centralizing nodes in star topology; less efficient and secure.
• Switches: Superior to hubs; single transmissions, enhancing speed and security.
• Bridges: Connect multiple LANs and segment traffic based on MAC addresses.
• Routers: Connect LANs and segment networks based on IP addresses; essential for Internet connectivity.
• Gateways: Interface between different network types, converting signals as needed.

Network Cabling

• Bandwidth and cable length directly affect network performance.
• Ethernet: Popular technology, max bandwidth of 10 Mbps over distances of 100-500 meters.
• Fast Ethernet: Up to 100 Mbps; requires Cat5 or better cabling.
• Gigabit Ethernet: Achieves 1 to 10 Gbps for high-throughput applications.
• Token Ring: Uses twisted-pair cabling with speeds of 10-25 Mbps, common in certain industries.

Network Protocols

• Protocols are communication rules that determine how data is handled on networks.
• TCP/IP: The most widely-used protocol; comprises Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol for identifying machines via IP addresses.
• IPX/SPX: An older protocol tied to Novell Netware, largely replaced by TCP/IP.
• NetBEUI: Used in Windows networks for name recognition; works alongside TCP/IP.
• Token Ring Protocol: Nodes pass a token to communicate, ensuring orderly data transmission.