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Questions and Answers
What is the main disadvantage of computer networks?
What is the main disadvantage of computer networks?
Which of the following best defines a local area network (LAN)?
Which of the following best defines a local area network (LAN)?
What is a node in the context of a computer network?
What is a node in the context of a computer network?
Which terms are used to measure data transfer speeds in networks?
Which terms are used to measure data transfer speeds in networks?
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What is a major advantage of networking computers?
What is a major advantage of networking computers?
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What type of network is specifically located in a home?
What type of network is specifically located in a home?
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Which network is designed to provide access to an entire city?
Which network is designed to provide access to an entire city?
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What is the difference between transfer rate and throughput?
What is the difference between transfer rate and throughput?
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What must be considered before creating a home network?
What must be considered before creating a home network?
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What is a primary benefit of sharing files on a network?
What is a primary benefit of sharing files on a network?
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What is the primary advantage of broadband Internet access?
What is the primary advantage of broadband Internet access?
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What type of Internet connection is mainly used in rural or mountain areas?
What type of Internet connection is mainly used in rural or mountain areas?
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Which standard is recommended for maintaining an efficient home network?
Which standard is recommended for maintaining an efficient home network?
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What function does a switch perform in a network?
What function does a switch perform in a network?
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What is a primary feature of Network-attached storage (NAS) devices?
What is a primary feature of Network-attached storage (NAS) devices?
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Which is NOT a standard wired broadband technology?
Which is NOT a standard wired broadband technology?
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What is a necessary step to connect to the Internet wirelessly at home?
What is a necessary step to connect to the Internet wirelessly at home?
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As you move farther away from your router, what happens to the speed of your connection?
As you move farther away from your router, what happens to the speed of your connection?
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Which wireless standards have a maximum range of about 350 feet?
Which wireless standards have a maximum range of about 350 feet?
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What is required to get wireless Internet access through mobile broadband?
What is required to get wireless Internet access through mobile broadband?
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What is the primary function of a server in a client/server network?
What is the primary function of a server in a client/server network?
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Which of the following describes a peer-to-peer (P2P) network?
Which of the following describes a peer-to-peer (P2P) network?
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What is backward compatibility in networking?
What is backward compatibility in networking?
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Which type of cable is composed of twisted copper wires surrounded by a plastic jacket?
Which type of cable is composed of twisted copper wires surrounded by a plastic jacket?
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What is the role of a router in a network?
What is the role of a router in a network?
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What must all networks include to function effectively?
What must all networks include to function effectively?
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What distinguishes a client/server network from a peer-to-peer (P2P) network?
What distinguishes a client/server network from a peer-to-peer (P2P) network?
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What is the primary purpose for setting up a network?
What is the primary purpose for setting up a network?
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What is the function of a switch in a network?
What is the function of a switch in a network?
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What kind of software is typically required for a client/server network?
What kind of software is typically required for a client/server network?
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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 outline key topics to be learned.
Learning Objectives (1 of 2)
- Describe computer networks and their pros and cons.
- Explain different ways networks are defined.
- Describe types of transmission media used in networks.
- Describe basic hardware devices necessary for networks.
- Describe the type of software necessary for networks.
- Summarize broadband options available to access the Internet.
Learning Objectives (2 of 2)
- Summarize how to access the Internet wirelessly.
- Explain things to consider before creating a home network.
- Describe how to set up a home network.
- Describe potential problems with wireless networks and how to avoid them.
- Describe how to secure wireless home networks.
Networking Fundamentals
- A computer network connects two or more computers to communicate.
- Each device on a network is called a node.
- Nodes can include computers, peripherals, and network devices like routers.
Benefits of Networks
- Share high-speed Internet connection.
- Share printers and peripheral devices.
- Share files.
- Facilitate common communications.
Disadvantages of Networks
- Network setup and administration.
Data Transfer Through Networks
- Data transfer rate (bandwidth) is the maximum data transmission speed.
- Throughput is the actual data transfer speed.
- Speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps) and gigabits per second (Gbps).
Network Architectures
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Networks are classified by distance:
- Personal Area Network (PAN): Communication among devices close to a person.
- Local Area Network (LAN): Nodes in a small geographical area.
- Home Area Network (HAN): Specific type of LAN in a home.
- Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): Large network covering a city.
- Wide Area Network (WAN): Spans a large physical distance.
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Networks are also classified by administration levels:
- Client/server network: Clients request information from a central server.
- Peer-to-peer (P2P) network: Nodes directly communicate with each other.
Classifying Networks by Protocols
- Ethernet: Developed by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers).
- Supports both wired and wireless networks.
- Backward compatibility: Ability of current devices to use older network standards.
Network Components
- Connecting nodes (cables/wireless technology).
- Hardware devices for communication (network adapters, NICs, modems, routers, switches).
- Software to run the network.
Network Hardware
- Network adapter: Integrated adapter (NIC), broadband connections use modems.
- Network navigation devices: Facilitate and control data flow (routers, switches).
Network Software
- Operating system for P2P networking
- Client/server network communications through a central server; specialized network operating system (NOS) software.
Connecting to the Internet
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Broadband Internet connections are preferred, but cellular or dial-up access may also be necessary.
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Common broadband technologies include cable, DSL, and fiber-optic.
Connecting to the Internet: Wireless Access
- Mobile broadband uses 4G or 5G wireless access.
- Wireless internet at home uses WiFi through a router.
- Mobile hotspot provides internet access away from home.
Installing and Configuring Home Networks
- List all devices.
- Use latest standards for equipment.
- Routers are specific to devices (iPhones, Windows PCs). Switches facilitate traffic.
Specialized Home Networking Devices
- Network-attached storage (NAS) devices for data storage and access.
- Home network servers for file storage and sharing.
- Network-ready devices connect to the network.
Troubleshooting Wireless Network Problems
- Maximum range of about 350 feet.
- Walls, floors, metal objects interfere with signals.
- Place access point where signal is weak.
- Wireless range extenders repeat or amplify signals.
Managing and Securing Wireless Networks
- Use encryption and security protocols.
- Change Network Name (SSID).
- Disable SSID broadcast.
- Change default password.
- Create a passphrase.
- Implement media access control (MAC).
- Limit signal range.
- Update router firmware.
- Disable remote access.
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Description
Test your understanding of networking concepts from Chapter 7, which explores types of networks, transmission media, and essential hardware and software. This quiz also covers Internet access options and considerations for setting up a home network, including security tips and potential wireless issues.