12 - Networks Flashcards
(26 cards)
What is the key difference in communication capabilities between a LAN and a WAN?
Only one communication can take place at a time on a LAN whereas multiple communications can take place simultaneously on a WAN.
What type of communication links do LANs typically use compared to WANs?
LAN communication links have higher speeds than WAN.
What is the latency difference between LAN and WAN?
LAN has lower latency than WAN.
What is the error rate comparison between LAN and WAN?
Lower error rates on LAN than WAN.
What is the ownership status of communication mediums in LANs versus WANs?
Communications medium in LAN likely to be privately owned, whereas likely to be leased/publicly owned in a WAN.
What is a key difference in the protocols used by LANs and WANs?
Use different protocols (at link layer / hardware level).
What hardware is typically required to connect LANs and WANs?
Different hardware required to connect.
What security risks are associated with WANs compared to LANs?
WAN may have greater security risks due to data transmitted over larger area, on public system, through more servers or devices.
What is the full name of LAN and provide an example?
Local Area Network. Example: An Intranet.
What is the full name of WAN and provide an example?
Wide Area Network. Example: An Internet.
Describe a WAN.
Nodes/systems/networks/machines/computers connected/ linked/ communicating; on different sites; over large geographical area/by satellite/telephone line.
What hardware is required to connect a stand-alone computer system to the Internet?
NIC - Network Interface Card; (older spec): Modem/ISDN adapter/ADSL adapter.
List three security measures to secure a wireless access point.
- Use WPA (WiFi Protected Access)/WPA2
- Disable broadcast of SSID (Service Set Identifier)
- Use a MAC address white list.
Explain the difference between a physical topology and a logical topology.
- Physical: The layout/arrangement/architecture of the cabling/wiring/connections
- Logical: How the data/packets flows around a network.
State one advantage of using a bus topology.
Less expensive as reduced cabling requirement.
How is the advantage of bus topology achieved?
No reliance on central node as data does not all travel through one node.
State one advantage of using a star topology.
Improved security as data only travels down one link.
How is the advantage of star topology achieved?
Improved reliability as if one link fails the other links/nodes are not affected.
Give two reasons why a PC needs a network adapter card.
- Allows the PC to communicate/send and receive/transfer data with other devices
- Holds the unique network address for that device.
Describe three benefits which the network will bring to the company.
- Provides for more effective data transfer
- Provides for the centralised storage/management of data files
- More flexible work practices.
What is peer-to-peer networking?
In a peer-to-peer network, there are no dedicated servers.
What is a router?
A device that receives datagrams or packets from one computer and uses the IP addresses that they contain to pass on these packets to another computer.
Describe the additional functionality of a gateway beyond that of a router.
Protocol conversion; connects different networks (protocols) together.
What type of network cable is suitable for physical connections of a LAN?
Twisted pair/coaxial (cable)/optical fibre/fibre optic.
