Network Management Concepts

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Questions and Answers

Which method improves reliability by linking several servers together?

Bus topology

Ring topology

Clustering (correct)

Star topology

What is the purpose of installing an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) in a network setup?

To enable disk mirroring

To increase network speed

To prevent hardware crashes due to power issues (correct)

To improve disk performance

What networking software is essential for a PC to function properly on a network?

Device driver

Network Operating System (NOS) (correct)

Firmware

System software

What technique is used to enhance performance and reduce the risk of server failure?

Disk mirroring Signup and view all the answers

Which type of physical connection is commonly used in office Local Area Networks (LANs)?

Network interface card Signup and view all the answers

How can applications request data from a disk drive within a network?

Using a Network Operating System (NOS) Signup and view all the answers

Which network topology requires that each node is connected to a central hub or switch?

Star topology Signup and view all the answers

What element differentiates end-user computers from servers in a network?

Role in processing tasks Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a bus topology?

All devices are connected to a single central cable. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of a ring topology?

Each device is connected to two other devices forming a circular pathway. Signup and view all the answers

Which network configuration would likely be the least expensive to set up?

Local Area Network (LAN) Signup and view all the answers

In a star topology, what is the role of the central hub?

To serve as the primary communication link for all devices. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant disadvantage of using a ring topology?

Failure of a single device can disrupt the entire network. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main distinguishing feature of a mesh topology?

Every device has a dedicated connection to every other device. Signup and view all the answers

Which troubleshooting issue is most common for a bus topology?

Communication issues due to cable breaks. Signup and view all the answers

Which topology tends to be the most robust against failures?

Mesh topology Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when a malfunction happens in a linear bus topology?

The entire network goes down. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of star topology allows for easier troubleshooting compared to linear bus topology?

Separate connections to each device. Signup and view all the answers

What complicates the maintenance of a ring topology, particularly in larger networks?

A logical ring can be difficult to maintain. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes to the expense of mesh topology networks?

The requirement for significant amounts of cabling. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant disadvantage of star topology related to hardware?

Failure of the central hub can disable the entire network. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of fault tolerance in mesh topology?

It allows workarounds for network failures. Signup and view all the answers

How do data transmissions work in star topology when multiple stations attempt to transmit simultaneously?

None of the transmissions succeed and stations must retry. Signup and view all the answers

Which is a common misconception about network configuration in star topology?

Any malfunction in individual stations can bring down the hub. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hard Disk Capacity

The hard disk capacity should be large enough to avoid the need for upgrades in the near future.

Network Resilience

To mitigate hardware failures, install an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or run two disks in parallel using disk mirroring or Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks (RAID) techniques.

Network Clustering

Clustering involves linking servers together via high-speed connections (e.g., fiber-optic cabling) to distribute workload and enhance reliability and performance.
This approach enables parallel processing, where tasks are shared between processors, and storage mirroring to improve performance and minimize the risk of server failure.

Client Computers

Client computers are access points for users and are commonly referred to as clients, nodes, workstations, or PCs.
Utilize the term "client PC" to distinguish client devices from server PCs.
Each client requires networking software like Open Enterprise Server (OES) or TCP/IP for network operations.
Client PCs on a LAN connect to the network via a network interface card (NIC) installed in a slot.
Home PCs connected to the internet utilize a modem instead of a NIC.

Network Operating Systems

Applications interact with disk drives on the network through a Network Operating System (NOS).
The NOS functions as system software that controls network systems and devices, enabling communication.
Similar to a computer's operating system, the NOS manages memory, tasks, and coordinates hardware.

Network Topologies

Network topologies describe the physical layout of computer connections and the devices used.
The four primary topologies are bus, ring, star, and mesh.

Bus Topology

In a bus topology, computers are connected to a shared communication cable (the bus).
Data travels bidirectionally along the bus.
A malfunction on one station can disrupt the entire network.
Maintaining a logical ring in larger networks is challenging.
Network adjustments or reconfigurations require temporarily shutting down the entire network.

Ring Topology

In a ring topology, computers are connected in a circular fashion.
Data packets flow in one direction.
A malfunction on one station can disrupt the entire network.
Maintaining a logical ring in larger networks is challenging.
Network adjustments or reconfigurations require temporarily shutting down the entire network.

Star Topology

A star topology connects all computers to a central hub.
Data transmission flows directly to the hub and is then forwarded to the destination.
Computers can attempt to send data at any time, but only one transmission can occur simultaneously.
If two stations transmit data at the same time, neither transmission is successful, requiring the computers to retry after a random delay.

Advantages of Star Topology

Malfunctions on one station do not disable the entire network.
It is easier to locate cable breaks and other malfunctions.
The centralized hub simplifies adding new computers or reconfiguring the network.

Disadvantages of Star Topology

Requires more cabling than other topologies due to separate lines for each computer.
The central hub is a single point of failure, and its malfunction shuts down the entire network.

Mesh Topology

In a mesh topology, each computer is connected to every other computer on the network.
Requires significant amounts of cabling, increasing cost and installation complexity.
The main advantage is fault tolerance.
A network with a broken segment allows data to travel through alternate paths.

Network Types

Networks are classified based on geographic scope.

Local Area Network (LAN)

LANs cover a small area like a classroom, school, or single building.
Costs are lower compared to other network types.
LANs are typically used for local communications and have high speed components.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

MANs span a city-wide distance.
While speeds are typically comparable to LANs, they require high-speed connections like fiber optics.
The extended distance and advanced technology increase installation and operations costs.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

WANs networks cover a larger area extending beyond a metropolitan city.
They utilize long-distance telecommunications for connections, increasing costs.
The Internet is a large example of a WAN.

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Description

Test your understanding of essential network management concepts including hard disk capacity, network resilience, clustering, and client computer roles. This quiz covers techniques for improving server performance and reliability, ensuring you're well-versed in modern networking practices.