CPE 046 Flashcards
(26 cards)
What is a computer network?
A collection of computing devices connected in order to communicate and share resources
Connections can be physical (using wires or cables) or wireless (using radio waves or infrared signals)
What are the key functions of a computer network?
- Communication
- Resource Sharing
- Information Access
- Centralized Management
What does ‘throughput’ refer to in networking?
The actual data transfer rate that is sent over a network
It is measured in bits per second (bps) and can be affected by factors such as network traffic and processing power.
Define ‘bandwidth’ in the context of computer networks.
The amount of data that can be transmitted and received during a specific period of time
It is usually measured in bits per second (bps).
What is ‘latency’ in networking?
The time it takes for a packet of data to travel from the source to the destination.
What is a ‘node’ in a computer network?
Any device on a network.
What is a ‘client’ in the client/server model?
Any computer hardware or software device that requests access to a service provided by a server.
True or False: A server is a computer program or device that provides a service to another computer program and its user.
True
What is a protocol in networking?
A set of rules that defines how data is formatted and processed on a network.
List two types of servers mentioned.
- File server
- Web server
What is ‘network topology’?
The physical arrangement through which various endpoints and links in an enterprise network communicate with each other.
Fill in the blank: A _______ topology directly links two nodes.
Point to Point
Describe bus topology.
All nodes are linked using a single cable with a terminator on both ends.
What is the main characteristic of ring topology?
Each node is linked with its neighbor to form a closed network.
What is the central hub’s role in star topology?
To control and manage the entire network.
Define tree topology.
Nodes are arranged in a configuration that resembles a tree’s leaves, branches, and trunk.
What is a mesh topology?
All nodes are interconnected and can send and receive their data and relay data from other nodes.
What characterizes a hybrid topology?
Features characteristics of multiple other topologies.
What is a Wide-area network (WAN)?
A network that connects local-area networks over a potentially large geographic distance.
What is the main function of a gateway in networking?
To handle all communication going between that LAN and other networks.
What is the Internet backbone?
A set of high-speed networks that carry Internet traffic.
What are the two categories of transmission media?
- Guided Media
- Unguided Media
What is the advantage of fiber optic cable?
Increased capacity and bandwidth.
What is RJ45 used for?
To connect computers onto Ethernet-based local area networks (LAN).
