Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of TCP in a computer network?
Managing errors and flow control
How does the internet work when sending information online?
Information is broken into packets and directed by routers
Which protocol is specifically designed for handling distinct tasks efficiently over a computer network?
File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
What type of device is responsible for directing traffic between points in a network?
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Which term refers to a hardware device required to establish a network connection?
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What type of network provides wide access within a limited area like one building while maintaining high speed connectivity?
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Which network type spans over larger distances and can link separate local-area networks together via a packet switching system?
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Which network type allows better coverage across large geographical areas but with slower speeds compared to a LAN?
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Which of the following is a common internetworking protocol that ensures reliable delivery through standardized practices?
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Which type of network protocol serves as the foundation of any communication between computers?
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Study Notes
Types of Networks
A computer network is a collection of interconnected computing devices that share resources such as data storage, printers, software applications, and other services. There are several types of computer networks based on their size and scope, including Local Area Networks (LAN), Wide Area Networks (WAN), Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN), Wireless LANs (WLAN) and Storage Area Networks (SAN). Each type has different strengths and purposes depending upon the needs being addressed by them. For instance, LAN provides wide access within a limited area like one building while maintaining high speed connectivity, whereas MAN allows better coverage across large geographical areas with many users connected but slower speeds compared to a LAN. A WAN spans multiple locations over larger distances and can link separate local-area networks together via a packet switching system using standards such as TCP. These differences mean that certain network models work more effectively in specific environments than others.
Network Protocols
Network protocols serve as the foundation of any communication between computers because they dictate how information travels from sender to receiver, ensuring reliable delivery through standardized practices for every action taken during transmission. Two common internetworking protocols used today are Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) and Transmission Control Protocol (TCP). IPv4 controls routing and addressing, allowing data packets to reach their destination, while TCP manages errors, flow control, error recovery, data integrity, and congestion monitoring so that connections remain smooth and efficient regardless of whether you're sending a single file transfer request or entire databases full of information. Other protocols important for networking include User Datagram Protocol (UDP) and File Transfer Protocol (FTP), each designed for distinct uses to enhance efficiency in managing various tasks over a computer network.
Internet Basics
The internet works by connecting millions of nodes globally which exchange messages using protocols such as TCP/IP. When someone wants to send information online, it gets broken into small parts called packets and sent out onto the internet where routers direct these packets along their path until they arrive at their intended location. Once there, another router sends them back towards your computer until all components have been reassembled correctly. This process happens constantly with thousands of individual pieces moving around simultaneously in order to deliver requested web pages quickly while also providing security measures like firewalls that prevent unauthorized access or malicious activity.
Network Terminology
Terminology related to networking includes terms like gateway, hub, modem, packet switcher, bridge, router, repeater, adapter card, cable modem, access point, and ISDN terminal equipment. Some of these refer specifically to hardware devices needed to set up a network, while others describe functions performed by these devices such as connecting two dissimilar systems (bridge) or directing traffic between points (router). Understanding this vocabulary helps ensure effective management when setting up and maintaining computer networks.
