Network Types Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is a defining characteristic of a Wide Area Network (WAN)?

It exclusively connects devices in one city.

It is limited to a single building.

It operates only on fibre optic cables.

It spans over a large geographical area. (correct)

Which of the following best describes the purpose of a network link?

To manage user access to the network.

To provide security for data storage.

To connect two or more devices for data transmission. (correct)

To analyze the performance of a network.

What is one example of point-to-multipoint communication?

CCTV monitoring multiple cameras. (correct)

Directly connecting two computers.

Using a single satellite link for diverse applications.

Creating a private VPN for data exchange.

Which of the following statements about network nodes is true?

Network nodes contribute to the functioning of a network. Signup and view all the answers

What function does the Domain Name System (DNS) perform?

It turns domain names into IP addresses. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of DNS servers?

To translate domain names into IP addresses Signup and view all the answers

What component acts as the main directory in a DNS query?

Root Server Signup and view all the answers

In a Virtual Private Network (VPN), what is primarily ensured?

Secure access to office data Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of Active Directory Domain?

VPN Configuration Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a router in a network?

To forward packets between networks Signup and view all the answers

Which component of basic networking refers to devices connected to the network?

Nodes Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of firewalls in network security?

To control network traffic Signup and view all the answers

Which type of query allows a DNS recursor to ask the next DNS server for an answer?

Iterative Query Signup and view all the answers

Which network is primarily used for personal devices within a small range?

Personal Area Network (PAN) Signup and view all the answers

What technology is most commonly used in a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)?

Wi-Fi Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of a Campus Area Network (CAN)?

Connects multiple Local Area Networks within a specific geographical area. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following networks covers the largest geographical area?

Wide Area Network (WAN) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common use case for a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)?

Facilitating communications between banks in a city. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of network allows for device pairing through USB cables?

Personal Area Network (PAN) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common type of Local Area Network (LAN) connection technology?

Ethernet Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a Wide Area Network (WAN)?

Used to connect devices within a single office. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Network Types

Personal Area Network (PAN): Connects personal devices like phones, tablets, and laptops over short distances using Bluetooth or NFC (Near Field Communication). Good for transferring small files like photos, music, and videos. Example: Pairing devices via USB cable
Local Area Network (LAN): Connects devices within a small physical location like a home, school, or office. Common types include Ethernet LANs (wired) and Wi-Fi LANs (wireless). Example: Connecting computers, servers, printers, and switches in a school or a home.
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN): Connects devices to a network and the internet wirelessly using Wi-Fi. Enables connections within limited areas like homes, offices, and schools.
Campus Area Network (CAN): Interconnects multiple LANs within a campus, corporate park, or military base. Acts as a bridge for various departments, buildings, and facilities to communicate and share resources.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): Connects multiple LANs within a metropolitan area (like a city or large campus). Used for communication between banks, colleges, government agencies, and military bases.
Wide Area Network (WAN): Extends over large geographical areas (like states or countries) connecting businesses, governments, and educational institutions. The internet is a giant WAN.

Network Links

Communication Channel: Connects two or more devices for transferring data.
Types of Links:
- Point-to-Point: Dedicated link between two devices for secure file sharing, data backup, CCTV, and credit card processing.
- Point-to-Multipoint: Shared channel between one transmitter and multiple receivers, allowing communication between multiple devices.
- Private and Public: Can be private for exclusive use or public for shared access.

Network Node

Active Device: Connected to a network that can send and receive data.
Examples:
- Computers (desktops, laptops, servers)
- Mobile devices (smartphones, tablets)
- Network devices (routers, switches, hubs)
- Printers
- IoT devices (smart TVs, security cameras)

Domain Name System (DNS)

Domain Name to IP Address Converter: Translates human-readable domain names like "google.com" into numerical IP addresses used by browsers to access internet pages.
Every Device has a Unique IP Address: Used for identification and location on the internet.
DNS Servers facilitate Lookup: Allow users to access websites by entering domain names instead of complicated IP addresses.

DNS Query Types

Recursive Query: The querying server does the entire search until it finds the answer or fails.
Iterative Query: The querying server starts the lookup and then delegates it to other servers progressively.
Non-Recursive Query: The querying server requests an answer from one specific server only.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Secure Access: Provides a secure way to access office data even when working remotely.
Privacy and Anonymity: Encrypts communications to protect privacy and hide online activities from trackers.
Protection on Unsecured Networks: Protects sensitive information when using unsecured Wi-Fi networks.

Active Directory Domain

Directory Service (Database): Stores user accounts, computer information, and other network resources.
Domain Controller: Manages and controls the Active Directory.
Organizational Units: Organize network resources like users, groups, and computers.
Centralized Security: Provides central control for user accounts, passwords, and security policies.

Router

Networking Device: Connects different network segments and forwards data packets between them.
Determines Best Path: Analyzes routing tables to find the optimal route for data transmission.
Stores Data in Routing Tables: Contains information about connected networks and paths to reach them.
Operates at Network Layer (OSI Model): Responsible for routing data packets across networks.

Basic Networking Concepts

Nodes: Devices (computers, servers, routers) connected to a network.
Links: Physical or wireless connections between nodes that transmit data.
Protocols: Rules that govern communication between devices, ensuring data transfer is done correctly.
Topologies: Physical arrangements of devices in a network (like bus, star, or ring) that impact data flow.

Network Security Principles

Firewalls: Control network traffic and block unwanted connections.
Encryption: Transforms data into unreadable code to protect it during transmission.
Anti-Malware: Detects and removes malicious software from networks.
Access Control: Restricts access to network resources based on user permissions.

Internet Applications and Services

The internet provides a vast range of applications and services for communication, information access, entertainment, and more.

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Description

Explore the different types of networks including Personal Area Network (PAN), Local Area Network (LAN), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), and Campus Area Network (CAN). Each network type serves distinct purposes and environments, enhancing connectivity and resource sharing. Test your knowledge on their functionalities and applications.