Network, Internet Technologies and Implications

Question 1

What is a network?

Answer 1

• Independent computers connected via physical or wireless links
• Enables data, hardware, and service sharing

Question 2

What is a LAN ?

Answer 2

(Local Area Network

• Covers small areas (home, office)

Question 3

What is a WAN

Answer 3

Covers large geographical areas (cities, countries, global)

Connects multiple LANs

Uses telecom networks or satellites

Question 4

What are network cables?

Answer 4

Connect computers to LAN/internet

Types: Ethernet (RJ‑45), DSL phone, fibre-optic

Question 5

What do hubs, switches, and routers do?

Answer 5

Hub/switch: connect multiple computers in LAN

Router: connects networks, routes internet traffic

Question 6

What is a network adapter?

Answer 6

Hardware (often built-in)

Enables computer connection to a network

Question 7

What is the internet?

Answer 7

a global network of networks
Global network of interconnected networks

Question 8

Explain the following terms

HTTP
HTTPS
FTP
IMAP
POP3
SMTP
VoIP

Answer 8

HTTP: Hypertext Transfer Protocol—fetches web pages

HTTPS: HTTP Secure—encrypted web traffic

FTP: File Transfer Protocol—uploads/downloads files (username/password enabled)

IMAP: Internet Message Access Protocol—retrieves emails, keeps them on server

POP3: Post Office Protocol v3—downloads emails, usually deletes from server

SMTP: Post Office Protocol v3—downloads emails, usually deletes from server

VoIP: Voice over Internet Protocol—voice/video calls over the internet

Question 9

Pros and cons of instant messaging

Answer 9

Pros:
- Immediate delivery & read receipts
- Global, group chatting & collaboration

cons:
- Lack of reflection time
- Messages may not be saved
- Reduces in-person interaction

Question 10

pros and cons of VoIP

Answer 10

Pros:
- Cost-effective (especially internationally)
- Supports video & collaboration
- Strengthens remote teamwork

cons:
- Expensive setup & maintenance
- Requires internet and power
- Vulnerable to outages

Question 11

FTP pros and cons

Answer 11

pros:
- User-friendly (with training)
- Transfers multiple directories
- Robust: resumes after interruptions
- Scheduled transfers supported

cons:
- Transfers in plain text—security risk
- Requires user training
- Harder to monitor misuse
- not all servers encrypt data

Question 12

What is grid computing?

Answer 12

• Networked computers working together as a ‘supercomputer’
• Solves complex, large-scale problems

Question 13

pros and cons of grid computing

Answer 13

pros:
- Handles bigger, faster computing
- Optimises existing hardware
- Reliable: redundancy if one fails

cons:
- Requires training & coordination
- Needs multiple participants

Question 14

What is cloud computing?

Answer 14

• Uses remote servers for storage or software
• Accessible via internet (often pay-as-you-go)

Question 15

pros and cons of cloud computing

Answer 15

pros:
- High reliability & managed services
- Accessible from anywhere, any device

cons:
- Potential service downtime
- Possible security risks
- User has less control over data

Question 16

pros and cons of cloud-based file sharing

Answer 16

pros:
- Simple drag/drop workflow
- Saves bandwidth
- Multi-device access
- Convenient for collaboration

cons:
- Privacy concerns with shared files
- Risk of accidental deletion
- Internet connection required
- May need extra software

Question 17

What is streaming?

Answer 17

Live or on-demand audio/video directly over the internet

Question 18

pros and cons of streaming

Answer 18

pros:
- On-demand control: pause/rewind
- Saves local storage
- Convenient access

cons:
- Requires fast internet and uses data
- Can promote binge-watching

Question 19

What are government internet services? and list exmaples. abd why they;re useful

Answer 19

• Digital platforms for public services

examples:
- Pay TV licence online
- Electoral registration and info
- SARS e-filing
- Smart ID/passport online apps via eHomeAffairs
- Online tertiary applications via CACH

useful because:
- saves time & effort
- Convenient 24/7 access
- Reduces queuing and bureaucratic delays

Question 20

What is broadband?

Answer 20

• high data-rate connection that allows the user to send data over multiple channels
• Faster and more reliable than dial-up

eg. Fibre, ADSL, 3G

Question 21

What 4 key factors should you consider when choosing an internet connection?

Answer 21

1. Internet speed
2. Data cap
3. Cost
4. Required equipment

Question 22

What is internet bandwidth?

Answer 22

Amount of data transferred in a given time

Measured in Mbps

Higher bandwidth = faster data transfer

Question 23

What is downloading and uploading?

Answer 23

downlaoding: Receiving data from the internet to your device

uploading: Receiving data from the internet to your device

Question 24

What is a data cap?

Answer 24

Limit on amount of data used per month

Imposed by ISP

Extra usage = extra charges or slower speed (throttling)

Question 25

How do data caps affect users?

Answer 25

prepaid internet access (measured in bytes) Cheaper and flexible Doesn’t depend on time online – only data usage

Question 26

What equipment is needed to connect to the internet?

Answer 26

1. Computer or smart device 2. Internet connection (wired or wireless) 3. Internet communication device (e.g., modem/router) 4. ISP (Internet Service Provider)

Question 27

What is bandwidth throttling?

Answer 27

Intentional slowing of internet speed Reduces available bandwidth Can affect download/upload speed

Question 28

What is traffic shaping?

Answer 28

Prioritizing certain types of network traffic Delays or slows non-priority data