Networking Chapter 7: Connecting Devices

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Questions and Answers

What is the preferred way to access the Internet for most users?

Fiber-optic service

Broadband (correct)

Dial-up Internet access

Satellite Internet

What type of device is primarily used to establish WiFi at home?

Network-attached storage (NAS)

Router (correct)

Switch

Modem

Which wireless standards may impact the speed and range of a home network?

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 3

Wi-Fi 4 and Wi-Fi 5 (correct)

Ethernet and DSL

Fiber-optic and Satellite

What is one possible consequence of walls and large metal objects in relation to WiFi signals?

They can cause interference with signals Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of connection is NOT commonly associated with broadband?

Dial-up Internet Signup and view all the answers

What is a data plan in the context of Internet connectivity?

An Internet connectivity plan Signup and view all the answers

What type of device acts like a traffic signal on a network?

Switch Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a specialized device for centralized data storage and access?

Network-attached storage (NAS) Signup and view all the answers

What type of Internet access might be used primarily in rural or mountain areas?

Satellite Internet Signup and view all the answers

What should you consider if your ISP-provided router is older?

You should consider getting a new router from your ISP Signup and view all the answers

What is a major disadvantage of setting up a computer network?

Setup time Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to the actual speed at which data is transferred over a network?

Throughput Signup and view all the answers

What type of network is specifically located within a person's home?

Home Area Network (HAN) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of networking computers?

Increased setup costs Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the maximum speed at which data can be transmitted in a network?

Data transfer rate (bandwidth) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of network is designed for communication among devices close to one person?

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

What is necessary for computers to communicate in a network?

Both hardware and software Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of a Local Area Network (LAN)?

Nodes are located within a small area Signup and view all the answers

What should be considered before creating a home network?

Security measures and device compatibility Signup and view all the answers

Which type of network typically provides access to a specific geographical area like a city?

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a client/server network?

A centralized server facilitates communication between nodes. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of network allows each node to communicate directly with every other node?

Peer-to-peer network Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential component for any network to function?

A means to connect the nodes Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of backward compatibility in networking?

It enables current devices to use earlier standards. Signup and view all the answers

What type of cable consists of twisted copper wires surrounded by a plastic jacket?

UTP cable Signup and view all the answers

Which device is responsible for transferring packets of data between two or more networks?

Router Signup and view all the answers

What software is typically required for nodes in a peer-to-peer network?

Specialized network operating system software Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for setting up a network?

To share an Internet connection Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about switches is accurate?

A switch acts like a traffic signal on a network. Signup and view all the answers

Which transmission media can be used in wired networks?

Coaxial cable Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 7: Networking: Connecting Computing Devices

This chapter covers networking concepts, including types of networks, transmission media, hardware, software, and Internet access options.
Learning objectives detail the components and functionality of computer networks.

Learning Objectives

7.1: Describe computer networks and their advantages and disadvantages.
7.2: Explain different methods of classifying networks.
7.3: Describe wireless and wired transmission media used in networks.
7.4: Describe essential hardware components necessary for networks (ex. network adapters, modems, routers, switches).
7.5: Outline the types of software needed for computer networks.
7.6: Summarize broadband options available for accessing the internet.
7.7: Explain wireless Internet access methods.
7.8: Considerations for creating a home network (devices, standards, equipment).
7.9: Describe the setup of a home network, including routers and switches.
7.10: Troubleshoot wireless network problems (e.g., signal range, interference).
7.11: Methods for securing wireless home networks (encryption, passwords, etc.).
7.12: Configuring security settings on a router (SSID, security protocols).

Networking Fundamentals

Computer network: A system of two or more computers connected to share information and resources.
Node: Each device (computer, peripheral, or network device) connected to a network.
Benefits: Sharing high-speed internet, printers, files, and facilitating communications.
Disadvantages: Network setup and administration.
Data transfer rate (bandwidth): Maximum data transmission speed.
Throughput: Actual data transfer speed.
Units: Measured in megabits per second (Mbps) and gigabits per second (Gbps).

Network Architectures

Networks can be categorized by distance (e.g., PAN, LAN, HAN, MAN, WAN).
Personal area network (PAN): Short-range connections for devices around one person.
Local area network (LAN): Network in a small geographical area (e.g., home, office).
Home area network (HAN): A specific type of LAN found within a home.
Metropolitan area network (MAN): Network connecting multiple devices within a city.
Wide area network (WAN): Networks covering large geographical areas (e.g., countries).
Client/server network: A network where a central server handles requests from client computers.
Peer-to-peer (P2P) network: Network where each device can communicate directly with any other device.

Network Components

Protocols (e.g., Ethernet, Wi-Fi): Standards that define how data travels through networks.
Ethernet: Common wired standard
Wi-Fi: Wireless standard for networks.
Transmission media: Method for connecting devices (wired/wireless). This includes UTP, coaxial and fiber optics cables.
Hardware: Network devices like network interface cards (NICs), modems, routers, switches.
- NIC: Network interface card; allows devices to communicate on a network.
- Modem: Converts digital signals to analog signals and back to allow communication over phone lines.
- Router: Transfers data packets between different networks.
- Switch: Acts like a traffic controller for data packets on a network.
Software: Network operating system (NOS) software manages network operations and resources. This is important for home networks(P2P) and client-server networks.

Connecting to the Internet

Broadband: High-speed internet access (e.g., cable, DSL, fiber optic).
- Cable Internet: Uses coaxial cables.
- DSL: Uses existing telephone lines.
- Fiber optic: Uses light pulses.
Cellular/dial-up: Alternative internet options if broadband isn't available.

Installing and Configuring Home Networks

Necessary stepsinclude devices, the latest standards and equipment.
Types of devices for a home network include routers and switches.
Specialized networking devices are network-attached storage (NAS) devices and home network servers.

Troubleshooting and Securing Wireless Networks

Troubleshooting: Identify common problems like weak signals, interference.
Troubleshooting strategies: Use a wireless range extender, and select an optimal access point.
Security: Methods for securing a wireless network (encryption through security protocol, changing network name; disabling SSID broadcast, changing default password and creating a passphrase ). Network security involves several factors like, limiting radio waves, employing media access control, and keeping router firmware up-to-date.

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Description

This quiz covers essential concepts from Chapter 7 on networking, including types of networks, transmission media, and the necessary hardware and software. Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of computer networks, as well as how to create and set up a home network. Test your understanding of broadband options and wireless access methods.