Networking Chapter 7: Connecting Devices

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Questions and Answers

What is the preferred method of accessing the Internet?

Satellite

Broadband (correct)

Dial-up

Cellular

Which of the following is NOT a standard wired broadband technology?

Satellite (correct)

Fiber-optic

DSL

Cable

What device is essential for establishing WiFi on your home network?

Router (correct)

Access Point

Switch

Modem

What is a common range for Wi-Fi 4 or Wi-Fi 5 wireless devices?

350 feet Signup and view all the answers

What kind of device is a Network-Attached Storage (NAS) used for?

Storing and managing network data Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a switch in a network?

Acts like a traffic signal Signup and view all the answers

What is required for mobile broadband access?

Wireless Internet service provider Signup and view all the answers

Which connection type is suitable for both Apple and Windows machines?

AirPort router Signup and view all the answers

How can interference be caused to a wireless signal?

By having walls and floors in between Signup and view all the answers

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

Getting a new router from your ISP Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of a client/server network?

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

What does backward compatibility in networking refer to?

Using older networking standards in addition to current ones. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a function of a router in a network?

Transferring packets of data between multiple networks. Signup and view all the answers

What type of network is most commonly used in home settings?

Peer-to-peer (P2P) network. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a network operating system (NOS) in a client/server network?

To support centralized management and resources. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a personal area network (PAN)?

It is used for communication among devices close to one person. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cable is commonly used in wired networks for data transmission?

Coaxial cable along with UTP and fiber-optic cables. Signup and view all the answers

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

Throughput Signup and view all the answers

What enables nodes on a network to communicate with each other?

Cables or wireless technology along with network interface cards. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the major disadvantages of networks?

Setup time Signup and view all the answers

How is data transmitted in a network?

In bundles known as packets. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of having computers on a network?

Increased security risks Signup and view all the answers

What type of transmission media can be used in a network?

Either wired or wireless media. Signup and view all the answers

What is one major reason for establishing a network?

To share an Internet connection. Signup and view all the answers

What does bandwidth refer to in the context of computer networks?

The maximum speed at which data can be transmitted Signup and view all the answers

Which type of network is specifically located in a home?

Home area network (HAN) Signup and view all the answers

What should be considered before creating a home network?

Number of devices to connect Signup and view all the answers

What is referred to as a node in a computer network?

A device that is connected to the network Signup and view all the answers

Which type of network typically covers an entire city?

Metropolitan area network (MAN) Signup and view all the answers

What is one application of networks that enhances communication?

Facilitates common communications across different operating systems Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 7: Networking: Connecting Computing Devices

This chapter discusses networking, focusing on connecting computing devices.
Learning objectives cover describing computer networks and their pros/cons, explaining different network definitions, describing transmission media, basic hardware, necessary software, and broadband internet options.
Additional objectives include summarizing wireless internet access, planning home networks, connecting devices, troubleshooting wireless issues, and managing/securing wireless networks.

Networking Fundamentals

A computer network is two or more computers connected via software and hardware to communicate.
Each device on a network is called a node.
Nodes can be computers, peripherals (printers, game consoles), or network devices (routers).

Benefits of Networks

Sharing high-speed internet connections.
Sharing printers and peripherals.
Sharing files.
Facilitating common communications.

Disadvantages of Networks

Network setup and administration.

Data Movement in Networks

Data transfer rate (bandwidth) is the maximum speed data can be transmitted.
Throughput is the actual speed data is transferred.
Data transfer rates and throughput are measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps).

Network Architectures

Networks are classified by distance:
Personal Area Network (PAN): Communication among devices close to a person.
Local Area Network (LAN): Nodes located within a small geographical area.
Home Area Network (HAN): A specific type of LAN in a home.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): Large network spanning a city.
Wide Area Network (WAN): Spans a large physical distance.
Networks are also classified by levels of administration:
Client/server network: Clients request and servers provide information.
Peer-to-peer (P2P) network: Nodes communicate directly with each other.
Networks are categorized by protocols:
Ethernet: Developed by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). It includes wired networks (gigabit Ethernet) and wireless networks (Wi-Fi).
Backward compatibility: The ability of current devices to use earlier standards in addition to the current standard.

Network Components

Networks must include a means of connecting nodes (cables or wireless).
Special hardware devices allowing nodes to communicate and send data.
Software that allows the network to function.
Transmission media establishes a communication channel between network nodes. They can be wireless or wired.
Wired networks use UTP cable (twisted copper wires), coaxial cable (single copper wire), and fiber-optic cable (plastic or glass fibers).
Basic network hardware includes network adapters (NICs), modems, routers, and switches.
Network adapters are integrated network adapters that are referred to as NICs.
Modem translates signals from digital to analog and vice versa, enabling broadband connections.
Routers transfer data packets between networks.
Switches act as traffic signals on a network.
Network software includes operating systems for P2P (peer-to-peer) networking and client/server networks (often using specialized NOS software).

Connecting to the Internet

Broadband internet connections include:
Cable Internet.
DSL (digital subscriber line).
Fiber-optic service.
Cellular or dial-up (less common now).
Broadband is the preferred method, while cellular/dial-up may be necessary in some situations.

Wireless Internet Access

Access the Internet wirelessly at home via WiFi on your router.
A mobile hotspot enables Internet access when away from home.
Mobile broadband utilizes 4G or 5G for Internet access.
Wireless ISPs provide internet service over wireless technology
A data plan is necessary for wireless internet access.

Installing and Configuring Home Networks

List all devices for planning and efficiency.
The latest Ethernet standards are best for optimal network performance.
Newer equipment is beneficial for optimal speed.
Apple routers are well-suited for Apple devices.
Specialized home networking devices include NAS (Network Attached Storage) devices for centralized data storage.
Home network servers provide shared file storage.
Other devices such as network-ready devices can directly connect through wireless or wired connections.

Troubleshooting Wireless Network Problems

The maximum range of Wi-Fi is about 350 feet.
Walls, floors, and large metal objects can cause signal interference.
Place access points where signals are weaker.
Wireless range extenders can repeat or amplify signals in weaker areas.

Managing and Securing Wireless Networks

Use encryption and security protocols for network security.
Change the network name (SSID).
Disable SSID broadcast for added security.
Change default passwords and create strong passphrases.
Implement access control policies.
Limit signal range to reduce interference.
Keep router firmware up to date.
Disable remote access.
Configure security protocols and change the SSID through the router.

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Description

This quiz covers Chapter 7 on Networking, focusing on the connections between computing devices. Explore the various networking definitions, benefits, challenges, and the essential hardware, software, and transmission media. You'll also learn about wireless access and home network planning.