1.3.1 Networks and Topologies Flashcards

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1
Q

How does Number of Users affect Network Performance?

A

Too many users can cause a network to slow down as bandwidth has to be shared among users.
- won’t always be shared equally.

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2
Q

How does Transmission Media affect Network Performance?

A

Cheaper cables (copper) cannot carry as much data or as quickly as more expensive ones (fibre optic). Wired have a higher bandwidth than wireless.

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3
Q

How does Error Rate affect Network Performance?

A

Less reliable/weaker connections have a higher error rate, which means data has to be resent again until send correctly.

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4
Q

How does Bandwidth affect Network Performance?

A

Low bandwidth means less data can be transferred at a given period of time.

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5
Q

How does Latency affect Network Performance?

A

Caused by bottlenecks in the infrastructure of the network.
- causes delays when transmitting and receiving data.

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6
Q

Advantages of a Wired Network.

A
  • high bandwidth.
  • excellent security as node has to be physically connected to the network.
  • allows hundreds of people to log in at the same time
  • immune to radio interference.
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7
Q

Disadvantages of a Wired Network.

A
  • signal affected by walls & doors.
  • more costly to install in a building.
  • not portable.
  • many physical cables needed.
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8
Q

Advantages of a Wireless Network.

A
  • not affected by building layout.
  • only needs a WAP to set up, so is cheaper.
  • very mobile.
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9
Q

Disadvantages of a Wireless Network.

A
  • lower bandwidth.
  • not very secure.
  • affected by radio interference.
  • only allows a limited number of people to be connected at a given time.
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10
Q

Advantages of a Peer-to-Peer Model Network.

A
  • not dependant on a single machine.
  • easy to maintain as specialist staff aren’t required.
  • cheaper to set up as no expensive hardware is required.
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11
Q

Disadvantages of a Peer-to-Peer Model Network.

A
  • users need to manage their own backups.
  • network is less secure.
  • difficult to maintain a well-ordered file store.
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12
Q

Advantages of a Client-Server Model Network.

A
  • easier to manage security of files.
  • easier to take backups.
  • easier to install software updates.
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13
Q

Disadvantages of a Client-Server Model Network.

A
  • can be expensive to set up & maintain.
  • requires IT specialists to maintain.
  • users will lose access if the server fails.
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14
Q

What is a Wireless Access Point?

A

A device that connects wireless devices to a wired network.
- is able to pick up Wi-Fi data packets and convert them into data packets for the wired network & vice versa.

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15
Q

Disadvantages of a WAP.

A
  • doesn’t read the MAC address of a data packet so it’s broadcasted to everyone.
  • data packets may be read by another device connected to the same WAP.
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16
Q

What is a Router?

A

A device that transfers packets via the most efficient route between networks & connects other networks together.
- helps filter traffic & prevent unauthorised intrusion by malware

17
Q

What happens when a Router receives a data packet?

A
  1. Reads the packets destination address
  2. Looks at all available paths to that address
  3. Checks how busy each path is
  4. Sends packets along the fastest route
18
Q

What is a Switch?

A

A device that connects nodes within a LAN and directs data packets to their destination.
- reduces the impact of data collisions
- doesn’t broadcast every data packet to every device

19
Q

What is a Network Interface Card?

A

Allows devices to physically connect to a network.
- holds the Media Access Control address (unique hardware address)
- responsible for converting data on the computer into the form used by the network

20
Q

What are Ethernet cables?

A
  • made of copper wires in a plastic sleeve
  • data is carried by electrical signals
21
Q

What are Fibre Optic cables?

A
  • uses light signals to send data
  • more expensive than Ethernet cables
  • higher bandwidth
22
Q

What is the Domain Name Server?

A

The Internet’s system for converting alphabetical names into IP addresses
- keeps index of URLs and IP addresses

23
Q

Advantages of a DNS.

A
  • can change to a new IP address if the host’s IP address changes
  • easier to remember than an IP address
24
Q

What is Hosting?

A

The storing of files and data on a web server

25
Q

Advantages of Hosting.

A
  • allows individuals users to store files
26
Q

What is the Cloud?

A

A server can be used to store data and programs that can be accessed and used all over the internet

27
Q

Advantages of the Cloud.

A
  • excellent backup and recovery options
  • no hardware required as everything is hosted in the Cloud
  • data is accessible anywhere, anytime
  • easy to scale up & expand
28
Q

Disadvantages of the Cloud.

A
  • ongoing costs for hosting data
  • bandwidth problems
  • relies on a stable internet connection
  • lack of control regarding handling of data
29
Q

What is a Star Topology?

A

A network in which data traffic is routed through a single central node

30
Q

Description of a Star Topology.

A
  • consists of a central switch
  • every node is connected by individual cables
  • if node breaks, the rest are unaffected
31
Q

Advantages of a Star Topology.

A
  • the switch is intelligent & sends traffic down the fastest route
  • if one cable breaks not all the nodes are affected
32
Q

Disadvantages of a Star Topology.

A
  • switch is a serious point of failure
  • very expensive
  • cables needed
33
Q

What is a Mesh Topology?

A

A network in which every node has multiple routes for data to take.

34
Q

Description of a Mesh Topology.

A
  • every node is connected to every node
35
Q

Advantages of a Mesh Topology.

A
  • if you break any connections, other route still available
36
Q

Disadvantages of a Mesh Topology.

A
  • lots more cabling
  • costly for large networks