Wk 4 Lec 2: Understanding Computer Networks

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Questions and Answers

What distinguishes a Local Area Network (LAN) from a Wide Area Network (WAN)?

A LAN is limited to a small geographical area, while a WAN covers a large area. (correct)

A LAN requires more complex hardware than a WAN.

A LAN covers a larger geographical area than a WAN.

A LAN connects multiple organizations whereas a WAN connects only one.

Which characteristic is true of an intranet?

It is accessible to anyone on the internet.

It does not require a password for access.

It is a private network designed for use within an organization. (correct)

It connects multiple organizations through a public network.

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of using a network?

Hardware sharing such as printers.

Information sharing among authorized users.

Software sharing from a central server.

Direct access to the internet from any device. (correct)

Which type of network connects individuals within a company to external parties securely?

Extranet Signup and view all the answers

What role does a print server play in a Local Area Network (LAN)?

It enables multiple users to share a printer. Signup and view all the answers

What type of network allows for greater flexibility and accessibility from various locations?

Virtual Private Network (VPN) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes a Wide Area Network (WAN)?

A WAN can span across cities or countries. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of network is specifically designed for public access and often includes geographical information systems?

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

What is the main characteristic of bus topology?

All computers are linked by a single line of cable. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes mesh topology?

Each device is interconnected with every other device. Signup and view all the answers

What is one disadvantage of bus topology compared to other topologies?

Network failure occurs if the main cable is damaged. Signup and view all the answers

What defines the star topology configuration?

All devices connect through a central hub. Signup and view all the answers

Which property is NOT typically used to categorize networks?

Speed Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of star topology?

Node failure does not significantly affect the network. Signup and view all the answers

In which topology does network performance slow down as more nodes are added?

Bus topology Signup and view all the answers

What type of technology is Bluetooth classified as?

Wireless technology standard Signup and view all the answers

What is a common risk to network computing caused by natural disasters?

Equipment malfunctions Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cable is considered the least expensive and commonly used in telephone systems?

Twisted-pair cable Signup and view all the answers

What is measured in bits per second (bps) in data communication?

Transfer rates of data Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cable uses hundreds of thin, flexible fibers and has a greater bandwidth?

Fiber-optic cable Signup and view all the answers

What type of wireless media relies on high-frequency radio signals to transmit data through the atmosphere?

Microwave system Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cable is primarily used by the cable television industry?

Coaxial cable Signup and view all the answers

What advantage does fiber-optic cable have over metal wires?

It is lighter and carries more data Signup and view all the answers

Which technology typically uses antennae resembling telephone towers?

Cellular technology Signup and view all the answers

What is a major disadvantage of a star network topology?

A single coordinator's failure can disrupt the entire network. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about ring topology?

One faulty device can affect the entire network. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Internet Protocol in TCP/IP?

To assign an address to each packet for its destination. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic does NOT describe a mesh network?

Cost-effective. Signup and view all the answers

What do most networks primarily utilize for data transmission?

TCP/IP. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of protocols is not typically defined?

The network topology used. Signup and view all the answers

What are the four layers of the Internet Protocol Suite?

Network, Internet, Transport, Application Signup and view all the answers

In an Ethernet LAN using a bus topology, what ensures that all stations receive the signal?

Any station can send a signal along a single long cable. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following protocols is specifically used for sending e-mail messages?

Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of TCP in TCP/IP communications?

To divide messages into packets for transmission. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of network architecture allows computers to connect with each other directly without a central server?

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

What function does a router perform in a network?

Relays messages to their intended destinations Signup and view all the answers

Which protocol would you use to allow wireless devices to access the Internet?

Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of a gateway in network architecture?

To allow communication between dissimilar networks Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following devices is specifically designed to connect computers in a local area network (LAN)?

A hub Signup and view all the answers

What type of device is a repeater and its primary function?

It receives and amplifies signals Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

What is a Network?

A network is a system of two or more computers linked together.
Local Area Networks (LANs) are confined to a small geographical area like a building or office.
Wide Area Networks (WANs) cover a large geographical area and are often made up of several connected LANs.

Types of Networks

LAN: Resources like software applications and files are stored on a file server. Multiple users can share a printer through a print server.
WAN: Several types exist:
- Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
- Public Access Network (PAN)
- Value Added Network (VAN)
- Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Intranet: A private LAN designed for use by everyone within an organization. It often includes internal email, message boards, and company news websites. Access is restricted by a firewall.
Extranet: A network securely connecting people inside a company with those outside, accessed from anywhere.

Benefits of a Network

Information Sharing: Authorized users can access and share information and data, including special group projects and databases.
Hardware Sharing: A single device like a printer or scanner can be accessed by multiple users.
Software Sharing: Programs are installed on a server, allowing all users to access them from one location.
Collaborative Environment: Users can collaborate on group projects by combining different equipment.

Risks of Network Computing

Equipment Malfunctions and System Failures: Including natural disasters, power outages, and electrical disturbances.
Virus Attacks: Unauthorized software that can harm computer systems.
Hackers/Crackers: Individuals attempting to gain unauthorized access to computer systems.

Communications Media

Communications Channel: A link used to transfer data between computers.
Transmission Media: Physical or wireless mediums used to send data through the channel.
Data Transfer Rates: Measured in bits per second (bps).

Physical Media

Twisted-pair cable: Two insulated wires twisted together, commonly used in telephone systems.
Coaxial cable: An insulated center wire with a braided wire shield, used by the cable television industry.
Fiber-optic cable: Thin, flexible glass tubing carrying data through hundreds of fibers. Offers greater bandwidth, is lighter, and less susceptible to interference.
ISDN line: A digital telephone line transmitting information at high speeds.

Wireless Media

Microwave system: Transmits data using high-frequency radio signals through the atmosphere.
Satellite system: Receives, amplifies, and transmits signals to specific locations.
Cellular technology: Uses antennae to pick up radio signals within a specific area.
Infrared technology: Transmits data as infrared light waves between devices.
Bluetooth: A wireless technology standard for data exchange between fixed and mobile devices over short distances.

Network Categorizations

Topology: Refers to how computers and peripherals are physically connected. Common types:
- Bus: All computers are connected by a single cable.
- Star: Multiple computers are connected to a central hub computer.
- Ring: Each computer is connected to two others, forming a circle.
- Mesh: Every computer and device is interconnected.
Protocol: An agreed-upon set of rules and procedures for transmitting data.
Architecture: How a network is designed and built. Two main types:
- Peer-to-peer: Computers connect in a workgroup to share resources, suitable for small numbers of computers.
- Client/server: Information is sent from a client computer to a server, which then relays it back to the client or other computers on the network.

Networking Hardware and Software

Hub: Electronic device with multiple ports, used to link groups of computers in a LAN.
Repeaters (amplifiers): Receive signals, amplify them, and send them along the network.
Routers: Electronic devices ensuring messages are sent to their intended destinations.
Gateway: Hardware and/or software allowing communication between dissimilar networks.
Bridge: Hardware and/or software allowing communication between two similar networks.

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Description

This quiz explores the basics of computer networks, including definitions, types, and benefits. Learn about Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs), as well as other network types such as intranets and extranets. Test your knowledge on the essential concepts of networking.