Network Fundamentals Quiz

Study Notes

Data Communication: Exchange of data between devices utilizing a transmission medium, involving a sender, receiver, and various channels like cables or wireless signals.
Key Components:
- Sender: Originates the data.
- Receiver: Device that receives the data.
- Transmission Medium: The physical path data travels through.
- Message: The information being transmitted.
- Protocol: Rules governing communication.

Computer Network: Connection of two or more computers that share resources like data, printers, applications, or internet connections.

Personal Area Network (PAN):
- Range: Very short, typically within a few meters.
- Use: Connecting personal devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets).
- Examples: Bluetooth and USB connections.
Local Area Network (LAN):
- Range: Limited to a small geographic area, such as a building or campus.
- Use: Connecting devices to share resources.
- Examples: Office and home networks.
Campus Area Network (CAN):
- Range: Larger than a LAN but a specific geographic area like a university campus.
- Use: Connecting multiple LANs.
- Examples: University or corporate campuses.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN):
- Range: Spans a city or large campus.
- Use: Connecting multiple LANs across a metropolitan area.
- Examples: City-wide Wi-Fi and cable TV networks.

Physical Topology: Refers to the arrangement of network devices and cables.
Logical Topology: Describes how software controls access to network resources.

BUS Topology:
- Description: Single central cable connects all devices.
- Advantages: Easy installation, less cabling.
- Disadvantages: Hard to troubleshoot, limited length, and stations.
Star Topology:
- Description: All devices connect to a central hub or switch.
- Advantages: Simple management, individual device failure doesn’t affect others.
- Disadvantages: Central hub failure disrupts the entire network.
Ring Topology:
- Description: Each device connects to two others in a circular path.
- Advantages: Fast data transmission, no collisions.
- Disadvantages: Single device failure disrupts the network.
Mesh Topology:
- Description: Every device connects to every other device.
- Advantages: Highly reliable and secure.
- Disadvantages: Expensive and complex.
Tree Topology:
- Description: Combination of star and bus topologies.
- Advantages: Scalable, easy management.
- Disadvantages: Backbone failure affects the whole network.
Hybrid Topology:
- Description: Combines multiple topology types.
- Advantages: Flexible and scalable.
- Disadvantages: Complex design and implementation.

Common Types:
- Twisted-Pair Cables: Used with RJ-45 connectors; color-coded insulation.
- Coaxial Cables: Features a braided copper shield and BNC connectors.
- Fiber Optic Cables: Composed of glass and fiber cladding, reinforced with Kevlar.
Wireless Media: Involves wireless connections, such as Wi-Fi, to connect devices.