Module 2.1 - Local Area Networks

Question 1

What are the types of network and do each of them organised around

Answer 1

PAN - around an individual with range of few metres
HAN - around home environment
Internet - large world-wide computer network
LAN - connects computers in a small area like a school or university campus

Question 2

What is an intranet and what can it be used for

Answer 2

An organisation’s private network and is an internet-like environment consisting of web pages relating to the organisation’s business
Used for publishing an organisation’s documents e.g newsletter

Question 3

What are the basic components that networks consist of

Answer 3

Hardware
Communication/connection method
Network software

Question 4

What is hardware in a network

Answer 4

The computers and devices that are linked in the network such as tablets and phones as well as other devices that can be shared such as printers

Question 5

What are the three general terms used for computers linked in a network

Answer 5

Server - powerful computer that provides shared resources
Client - computers that make use of the resources provided by server and interact with the network
Workstation - desktop connected to a server as distinct from a server

Question 6

What are a few examples of servers and their functions

Answer 6

File server - stores files
Email server - handles all email needs
Internet/proxy server - security control for viruses and internet usage monitoring
Web servers- host other websites
Database servers - access to data stored
Print server - handles all printing requirements

Question 7

How can you know that you are connected to a network

Answer 7

Extra logical drives (U: ; V: ; T:)
Other computers in network
Access to devices without direct access
Network activity shown in notification area

Question 8

What is a network interface controller

Answer 8

A way for every computing device in a network to be connected to the network via a cable

Question 9

What is a switch

Answer 9

A device used to connect computers in a network with cables so that communication can occur between the computers

Question 10

How do switches connect

Answer 10

One end connects tothe network port which is connected to the NIC of the computer
The other connects to a port on the switch
Switch can then send and receive data from computers and manage communication
Larger network will have more switches stored in a cabinet

Question 11

What does WLAN mean

Answer 11

Wireless local area network
Indicates that at least part of the network is connected wirelessly

Question 12

In what ways is a WLAN better than a LAN

Answer 12

Installation is easier
Easier and more practical to make use of wireless connectivity
Adds mobility for users with mobile devices
Avoids clutter caused by cables

Question 13

Which type of cable is used commonly for computers in LAN and why

Answer 13

UTP - unshielded twisted pair cable
Easy and cheap to install

Question 14

What other cable can be used for a wired connection and why is sit not used commonly

Answer 14

Fibre optic cable - uses light to transmit data; expensive and difficult to install

Question 15

How is a fibre optic cable mainly used

Answer 15

Used as a backbone - to connect different LANs together

Question 16

What are the main differences between a UTP and fibre cable

Answer 16

Fibre cable provides faster transmission than UTP cable
UTPs span over a certain distance, but fibre cable can span over a longer distance
One can eavesdrop on a UTP cable and intercept the data being transmitted but one cannot do that with fibre cable
UTP cables can be affected by electrical sources ( EMI - electromagnetic interference)

Question 17

How does a wireless connection work

Answer 17

Wireless access points allow wireless communication between devices
The access points are connected via a cable that goes to the switch
Access points send out radio waves that allow for the communication to occur

Question 18

What is an access point

Answer 18

A device that consists of a sender/transceiver and an antenna which transmit and receive radio waves so that devices that are wireless-enabled are able to communicate with one another and the network

Question 19

What is the data transmission speed of a network

Answer 19

Rate at which data is transferred over the media used

Question 20

Which one has faster data transmission, WLAN or LAN

Answer 20

LAN

Question 21

What is a specification “ 100/1000” refer to

Answer 21

Transmission speed

Question 22

What is a network software

Answer 22

Software that controls all the communication and security in a network

Question 23

What are the advantages of a LAN or WLAN

Answer 23

Access to files from any computer in the network
Files can be transferred easily
Software applications can be shared by users
Hardware e.g printers can be shared by users
Security in a network can be controlled
Single internet connection shared by users
Easier to keep software up to date
Software allows you to broadcast to all computers in a classroom
Internet access can be monitored

Question 24

What are the advantages of using of using a WLAN and LAN

Answer 24

Expensive to install and maintain
Network administrator needed to manage network
Network security must be maintained
If file server is faulty no one can access their files
Disadvantages specifically for WLAN:
Sending data wirelessly is less secure
Performance can decrease as number of computers connected increases
Signals can get lost or interfered with due to electronic and magnetic ineference

Question 25

What are some measures that can be put in place to ensure basic network security

Answer 25

Use username and password to access network and its resources
Set a strong unpredictable password
Use different passwords for different sites

Question 26

What is the AUP and what is its use

Answer 26

AUP- Acceptable use policy; outlines rights and responsibilities of users in networked environments and clearly lists what users are permitted and not permitted to do in order to protect them when they are using ICT

Question 27

What should be included in an AUP

Answer 27

Basic netiquette rules
Restrictions for what can be accessed online
Restrictions on amount of data and info that can be downloaded from internet
Importance of responsible ethical, legal and safe practice
Restrictions on installing hardware and software
Consequences of violating conditions in AUP
Procedures to follow if you are a victim of identity theft, malware, cyber-bullying, cyberstalking etc.