LANs and WANs Flashcards
(18 cards)
What does LAN stand for?
Local Area Network
A LAN covers a small geographical area located on a single site.
What is one key feature of a LAN?
All the hardware for a LAN is owned by the organisation that uses it
This includes devices like routers, switches, and cables.
What are the two types of connections found in LANs?
Wired and wireless
Wired connections typically use Ethernet cables, while wireless connections use Wi-Fi.
Where are LANs commonly found?
In businesses, schools, and universities
Many homes also have LANs to connect various devices.
What is a benefit of using a LAN for file sharing?
Network users can access the same files and work collaboratively on them
This allows for real-time collaboration and easier file management.
What does WAN stand for?
Wide Area Network
A WAN connects LANs that are in different geographical locations.
What is a primary purpose of a WAN?
To connect LANs in different geographical locations
For example, a business with offices in multiple countries would use a WAN.
How does a WAN differ from a LAN in terms of infrastructure ownership?
Organisations hire infrastructure from telecommunications companies for WANs
Unlike LANs, which use owned hardware.
What are some types of connections used in WANs?
Fibre or copper telephone lines, satellite links, or radio links
These connections facilitate communication over large distances.
What is bandwidth?
The amount of data that can be transferred in a given time, e.g. 500 Mbps
Mbps stands for megabits per second, a measure of bandwidth.
How does available bandwidth affect network performance?
It is shared between users; too many users or heavy use can cause congestion and slow the network.
What type of connections are generally faster and more reliable?
Wired connections.
What is the performance advantage of fibre optic cables over copper cables?
Fibre optic cables can give much better performance due to their higher bandwidth capacity, transmission via light and their immunity to Electromagnetic interference, which is the main issue with copper cables
What factors affect wireless performance?
Signal quality, range of the device, interference from other devices, and physical obstructions.
Fill in the blank: The greater the ______, the better the network can perform.
bandwidth
What can be done to address congestion and slowing down of the network?
Limit the bandwidth available to individual users.
What choices can affect network performance aside from cables?
Choice of hardware and network topology.
True or False: Wireless networks are always faster than wired connections.
False.
