1.3.1 Networks and Topologies

Question 1

What are the two types of network? (2)

Answer 1

LAN (Local Area Network) & WAN (Wide Area Network)

Question 2

What is a LAN? (2)

Answer 2

Computers connected together (1) in a small geographic area (1)

Question 3

What is a WAN? (2)

Answer 3

A network over a large geographic area (1) that uses external hardware or the internet (1)

Question 4

What are three factors that would affect the performance of a network? (3)

Answer 4

Bandwidth of network (1) number of devices connected (1) distance to WAP if wireless (1)

Question 5

What is the role of a switch? (2)

Answer 5

It connects devices on a network (1) using MAC addresses (1)

Question 6

What is the role of a router? (2)

Answer 6

It connects networks together eg network to internet (1) using IP addresses.

Question 7

What is the role of a wireless access point (WAP)? (1)

Answer 7

It broadcasts a wireless signal allowing devices to communicate with a network (1)

Question 8

What is the role of the NIC? (2)

Answer 8

Stores the device’s MAC address (1) allows the device to connect to networks (1)

Question 9

What are the key features of a Peer to Peer (P2P) network? (4)

Answer 9

Devices are directly connected to each other (1) devices are independent / equal (1) devices install software / updates individually (1) if any device fails the remainder can continue (1)

Question 10

What are the key features of a Client / Server network? (4)

Answer 10

Devices are connected via a switch (1) software and updates can be installed from a central machine (1) requires a specialist to set up (1) hard to add new nodes (1)