Chapter 1 : Understanding Networks

Question 1

Give 3 examples on what a server can do.

Answer 1

• Recieve a word-processed file and save it to a network storage drive.
• Find a spreadsheet file you ask for and send it to your computer
• Recieve an email from you and pass it on to someone else.

Question 2

What are the differences between hubs and switches?

Answer 2

• A hub is cheaper, and easier to set up, but it is less secure as messages can easily be hacked, and it is slower as a message is send to every device.
• A switch is more expensive and harder to set up, but it is more secure and faster as the message is only sent to the intended reciever.

Question 3

What are the main components of a network system?

Answer 3

• Router
• Modem
• Switch
• Wireless access point

Question 4

What are the 2 types of cables in a LAN?

Answer 4

• fibre-optic cable
• copper cable

Question 5

What is the difference between fibre-optic cable and copper cable?

Answer 5

• Data can be sent faster through fibre-optic cables.
• Fibre-optic cables are more expensive than copper cables.
• Data can be sent across longer distances with fibre-optic cables.

Question 6

What are packets?

Answer 6

Any file that is sent over the internet us split into smaller sections. These smaller sections are called packets.

When the packets reach their destination, they automatically put themselves back together.

Question 7

What is packet switching?

Answer 7

When a file is send over the internet, it is split into smaller sections called packets. As they travel through the internet, they switch to the quickest, clearest route.

Question 8

What does a packet contain?

Answer 8

• The address
• The number of packets
• The sequence number

Question 9

Explain the 3 types of network connections.

Answer 9

• Wired: You must connect to a data point on the wall with a cable and you cannot move around freely.
• Wireless: Doesn’t need a cable and signals are sent from a wireless access point and you can move freely.
• Mobile phone: Smartphones can connect to the internet with mobile phone connection. A connection can be made anywhere with a phone signal.

Question 10

What is a hotspot?

Answer 10

It is a wireless access point in a public space.

Question 11

What does a router do?

Answer 11

It joins two networks together. They are usually used to connect a LAN or a home network to the internet.

Question 12

What is ‘the cloud’?

Answer 12

It is a term used to describe the internet.

Question 13

Where is data saved when it is saved to the cloud?

Answer 13

It is stored in large storage devices which are held at a data centre.

Question 14

Describe 3 cloud services.

Answer 14

• Collaboration: It makes working in a team easier. If files are stored in the cloud, any team member can work on it. It also allows people to use web-conferencing.
• Software application: It makes it easier to work with people because sharing files and documents are easier.
• Web hosting: Companies help people create and set up websites, making creating a server easy.

Question 15

Name 5 advantages of using cloud services.

Answer 15

• Data is safe
• Collaborating is easy
• Low cost to start with
• Technical help is available
• Files are available on any device anywhere.

Question 16

Name 4 disadvantages of using cloud services.

Answer 16

• The owner can change the way the service works.
• The owner can change the cost of the service
• The service may not be what you are looking for
• Can be expensive over time.