Networking 1: Week 2 Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of a computer network?

To connect computers to share resources and data (correct)

To store data in a centralized server

To enhance computer gaming experiences

To increase the hardware speed of individual computers

Which type of network is typically used for connecting devices within a small area like an office?

LAN (Local Area Network) (correct)

PAN (Personal Area Network)

MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)

WAN (Wide Area Network)

What is one characteristic of a Personal Area Network (PAN)?

Limited to a radius of about 10 meters (correct)

Connects various organizations over the internet

Requires high-cost hardware components

Covers an area of several miles

Which of the following is NOT a type of computer network mentioned?

SAN (Storage Area Network) Signup and view all the answers

What defines the Body Area Network?

It is a network that moves with a person. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of computer network is characterized by low cost due to inexpensive hardware?

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

Which device is commonly connected in a PAN?

Mobile phones and media players Signup and view all the answers

Who is credited with the idea of the Personal Area Network?

Thomas Zimmerman Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of an intranet within an organization?

To share information and resources among organization employees Signup and view all the answers

What is the lowest level of internetworking?

Extranet Signup and view all the answers

Which type of topology is defined by the geometric arrangement of nodes in a network?

Physical topology Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of using an intranet for communication within a company?

It enables cheap and easy communication among employees Signup and view all the answers

Which protocol is primarily used in internetworking?

Internet Protocol (IP) Signup and view all the answers

What defines the logical topology of a network?

The way data flows within a network Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of an extranet?

Requires login credentials for access Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes point-to-point (P2P) topology?

It consists of a direct link between two devices Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a home network?

To integrate devices such as printers and computers without internet access Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)?

It covers a larger geographic area by interconnecting various LANs. Signup and view all the answers

What is one common use of a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)?

Connecting bank branches within a city. Signup and view all the answers

How does a Wide Area Network (WAN) primarily differ from a Local Area Network (LAN)?

A WAN provides connections via fiber optics and satellite links. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a Wide Area Network (WAN)?

A bank's network connecting its multiple branches Signup and view all the answers

What does internetworking refer to?

The process of connecting two or more distinct networks. Signup and view all the answers

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

It connects resources over large distances, such as states or countries. Signup and view all the answers

Which protocol is commonly used in a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)?

RS-232 Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant advantage of using bus topology?

It requires less cable than other topologies. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if the common cable in a bus topology fails?

The entire system crashes. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about ring topology?

Nodes retransmit messages to the next node in a single direction. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common problem encountered in bus topology when network traffic is heavy?

Reduced data transfer rates. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these standards is primarily associated with bus topology?

802.3 Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the configuration of bus topology?

It has a simple configuration compared to other topologies. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major disadvantage of the cables used in bus topology?

They have limited length. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main access method utilized in bus topology?

CSMA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary access method used in a ring topology?

Token passing Signup and view all the answers

In a star topology, how are all nodes connected?

Through a central hub Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'root node' refer to in a tree topology?

The top-most node Signup and view all the answers

How does a mesh topology differ from the other topologies mentioned?

All nodes are interconnected without a central point Signup and view all the answers

What formula can be used to determine the number of cables needed in a mesh topology?

$n * (n - 1) / 2$ Signup and view all the answers

Which topology combines features of both bus and star topologies?

Tree topology Signup and view all the answers

Which topology is often used in WAN implementations and is critical in situations where communication failures are a concern?

Mesh topology Signup and view all the answers

In a ring topology, how does data typically flow?

Clockwise Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Computer Networks Overview

A computer network allows multiple computers to communicate and share resources such as data and applications.
Networks can be classified by size, including four main types: LAN, PAN, MAN, and WAN.

Types of Computer Networks

LAN (Local Area Network)
- Connects computers within a small area like a building or office.
- Utilizes inexpensive hardware (hubs, network adapters, Ethernet cables).
- Offers high data transfer rates and security.
PAN (Personal Area Network)
- Designed for individual personal devices within a range of about 10 meters (30 feet).
- Thomas Zimmerman pioneered the concept of PAN.
- Examples include Body Area Networks (device mobility) and offline home networks.
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
- Covers a larger area than LAN by connecting multiple LANs.
- Employed by government agencies for citizen communication and services.
- Uses protocols like RS-232 and ADSL for connectivity.
WAN (Wide Area Network)
- Spans extensive geographical regions, including states and countries.
- The internet is the largest example of a WAN.
- Utilizes telephone lines, fiber optics, or satellites for connections.

Internetworking

Extranet
- Internet-based network allowing external access with credentials.
- Comprises at least one connection to an external network.
Intranet
- A private organizational network accessible only to authorized members.
- Facilitates internal communication, real-time information sharing, and collaboration.

Network Topologies

Differentiated into physical topology (geometric representation) and logical topology (data flow representation).
Point to Point Topology
- Simplest topology with a direct link between two computers.
- Cost-effective for small networks but prone to failure if the common link breaks.
Bus Topology
- All stations connect through a single backbone cable.
- Common for Ethernet networks, uses CSMA for access.
- Vulnerable to system failure if the backbone cable fails.
Ring Topology
- Each node connects to two others forming a continuous loop.
- Data flows in one direction, using token passing for access control.
- Can halt operations if a node fails due to its closed loop structure.
Star Topology
- All nodes are connected to a central hub or switch, which is often a server.
- Uses coaxial or RJ-45 cables for connections.
- Highly popular due to simplicity and reliability.
Tree Topology
- A hierarchical structure combining bus and star topologies.
- Features a root node with descendant nodes, allowing one path for data transfer.
Mesh Topology
- Each computer connects with multiple redundant paths.
- Commonly used in WANs and wireless networks, offering high reliability.
- Number of connections can be calculated using the formula: Number of cables = (n*(n-1))/2, where n is the number of nodes.

Summary of Network Topologies

Point-to-Point: Direct link, simple, cost-effective.
Bus: Single backbone cable, widely used, prone to failure.
Ring: Unidirectional loop, uses token passing, can fail on node failure.
Star: Central hub, popular for reliability, easy to install.
Tree: Hierarchical structure, blends bus and star characteristics.
Mesh: Multiple interconnections, highly reliable, used in critical communications.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the various types of computer networks, including LAN and WAN classifications. Additionally, it covers different network topologies and modes of transmission. Test your knowledge on the fundamentals of computer networking.