Topic 3 - Networks (definitions)

Question 1

Bus topology

Answer 1

Computer network in which a “bus” connects all the devices
together through a common cable.

Question 2

Cable

Answer 2

Copper wire (usually coaxial and twisted pair) and fibre (fibre optic cable-made from glass) Cables allow for the connection of computers over a network.

Question 3

Check digit

Answer 3

Extra digit added to numerical data that is used to check data, integrity after input, transmission, storage and processing.

Question 4

Data integrity

Answer 4

The accuracy of data after input, transmission, storage or processing.

Question 5

Check sum

Answer 5

Error—detecting procedure that generates a sum from the digits of a number.

Question 6

Data packet

Answer 6

Portion of a message that is transmitted through a network. Contains data such as check digits and destination address.

Question 7

Gateway

Answer 7

Link that resides between computer networks and is responsible for converting data passing through into the appropriate format so it can be understood by the receiving network.

Question 8

Handshaking

Answer 8

Exchange of predetermined signals to signify that a connection has been established between two systems.

Question 9

Hub

Answer 9

Network connection point for devices. Data arriving at a hub is copied and send to all the devices on the network.

Question 10

ISDN (integrated services
digital network)

Answer 10

International communications standard that allows for the transmission of audio/video and other data over digital
telephone lines.

Question 11

Local area network (LAN)

Answer 11

Computer network where all the connected computers are
within a limited geographical area (ex. a home, school, etc.). Connection between the computers may be through cables and/or microwave transmission.

Question 12

Microwave transmission

Answer 12

Electronic communication without the need for cables.

Question 13

Modem (abbreviation of
modulator/demodulator)

Answer 13

Electronic equipment that converts computer digital signals into audio signals and back. The audio signals are transmitted over telephone lines, which allows for distant communication.

Question 14

Network

Answer 14

Computer systems that are interconnected and can share resources and data.

Question 15

Packet

Answer 15

Group of bits. May include control signals, error control bits, coded information, as well as the destination for the data.

Question 16

Packet switching

Answer 16

Network communication method that creates and transmits small units of data, called packets, through a network, independently of the overall message.

Question 17

Networking

Answer 17

Making use of a network.

Question 18

Parity bit

Answer 18

Error-detecting procedure that appends a binary digit to a group of binary digits. The sum of all the digits, including the appended
binary digit, establishes the accuracy of the data after input, transmission, storage or processing.

Question 19

Protocol

Answer 19

International rules that ensure the transfer of data between systems. A protocol that is recognized as the standard for a specific type of transfer is called standard protocol. For example: TCP/IP is a standard protocol.

Question 20

TCP/IP (transmission
control protocol/
Internet protocol)

Answer 20

Communications protocols used to connect hosts on the
Internet.