Topologies

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Questions and Answers

What type of network primarily connects devices within a limited geographical area, such as a home or office?

Wide Area Network

Personal Area Network

Metropolitan Area Network

Local Area Network (correct)

Which of the following best describes a Wide Area Network (WAN)?

Interconnects resources within a specific city.

Links devices in a small shared space.

Focuses on storage area connectivity.

Connects multiple LANs over long distances. (correct)

In which type of network topology does each device connect to a central device using point-to-point links?

Star Topology (correct)

Mesh Topology

Bus Topology

Ring Topology

What is a key characteristic of the Bus Topology?

Uses a single backbone cable with drop cables. Signup and view all the answers

What does a Personal Area Network (PAN) primarily focus on?

Interconnecting devices around an individual's workspace. Signup and view all the answers

Which connection type describes a direct link between two devices?

Point-to-Point Signup and view all the answers

Which topology requires the maximum number of connections due to its structure?

Mesh Topology Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main advantages of logical topologies over physical topologies?

Flexibility in message traffic flow. Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinguishing feature of client/server networks compared to peer-to-peer networks?

Resource sharing is facilitated through central administration. Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes a portion of a network that is separated by devices like switches or routers?

Segment Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately differentiates between local and remote resources?

Local resources reside on the user's computer. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary disadvantage of peer-to-peer networks?

Difficult to uphold security policy. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a Local Area Network (LAN)?

A network limited to a small geographical area. Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates a network server from a network client?

Servers generally have more processing power. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of the backbone in a network?

To provide main cabling for the network. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of a network can be defined by the way messages travel across it?

Logical Topology Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Networking Terminology

LAN (Local Area Network): A network that connects computers over a small area, such as a room, floor, or building.
Online/Offline: Online indicates the ability to access the network, while offline means unable to access it.
Up/Down: "Up" means the computer is functioning properly; "down" suggests it is turned off, malfunctioning, or undergoing maintenance.
Local/Remote: Local refers to resources or components on one's own computer, while remote indicates they are located on another computer.
Internet/Intranet: The internet is a global public network, whereas an intranet is a private internal network within an organization.

Understanding the Network

Node: Any device connected to the network.
Segment: A division of the network separated by devices like switches, bridges, or routers.
Backbone: The primary cabling that forms the main structure of a network.
Topology: The physical or logical arrangement of network nodes.
- Physical Topology: Describes the actual layout of cables and connections.
- Logical Topology: Defines the path of data transmission across the network.

Clients and Servers

Network Clients: Computers requesting resources or services from the network.
Network Servers: More powerful computers that manage resources and provide services to clients, operating on a Network Operating System for enhanced security and management.

Peer-to-Peer Networks

Characterized by equal status among all computers with no central administration, also known as a workgroup.
Advantages:
- Low cost
- Simple configuration
- Full accessibility for users
Disadvantages:
- Challenges in enforcing security
- Difficult to manage load distribution

Client/Server Networks

Advantages:
- Centralized resource sharing and management
- Improved backup and fault tolerance
- Enhanced security through administrative control
- Better support for multiple users
Disadvantages:
- Higher costs due to server infrastructure
- Requires expertise for network configuration

Types of Networks

Local Area Network (LAN): Small networks limited by distance and number of computers, serving specific departments or locations like homes or offices.
Wide Area Network (WAN): Connects multiple LANs across large distances (towns, states, countries).
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): Links users within a larger area than a LAN but smaller than a WAN.
Personal Area Network (PAN): Interconnects devices within a personal workspace.
Storage Area Network (SAN): High-speed network providing dedicated storage access.
Wireless LAN (WLAN): A local network using wireless communication for connection within limited areas.

Connection Types

Point-to-Point: Direct connection between two devices (e.g., computer to printer).
Multipoint: Connection involving three or more devices, also referred to as multidrop.

Network Topologies

BUS: Uses a long central cable (backbone) with connections for each node (drop cables).
RING: Circular configuration where each node connects to two adjacent nodes, forming a closed loop.
STAR: Centralized model with a hub or switch where all devices connect through individual links.
MESH: Highly interconnected design where each device connects to multiple others, though impractical due to resource requirements.

Topology Characteristics

Considerations include installation ease, reconfiguration flexibility, troubleshooting simplicity, and the number of devices impacted by media failures.

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Description

Test your knowledge of essential networking terminology with this quiz. From understanding LANs to distinguishing between local and remote connections, this quiz covers key concepts in networking. Challenge yourself and see how well you grasp the fundamentals of computer networks.