Networks Flashcards
(22 cards)
What is a LAN?
Local Area Network, covers a small geographical area located on a single site
Who owns the hardware for a LAN?
the company or organisation that uses it
Where can you find LANS?
businesses, schools and universities
Are LANS wired or wireless?
both, can use WiFi or Ethernet cables
Why use a LAN? (8 points)
share hardware, sharing files is easier, work collaboratively (on files at the same time), copy files between machines, cheap and easy communication with instant messaging, user accounts are stored centrally (login from any device), internet connection is shared, update software on all computers at once
What is a WAN?
Wide Area Network, connects LANS that are in different geographical areas
How are WANs connected?
using fibre or copper telephone lines, satellite links or radio links
Two examples of WANs in use:
the internet, a business with offices in different countries
What is the Network Interface Controller and what does it do?
NIC, internal piece of hardware that allows a device to connect to a network
Are NICs for wired or wireless connections?
both
What is a switch used for?
connects devices on a LAN
What does a switch do?
receive data from one device and transmits it to the device on the network with the right MAC address
What is a router used for?
transmits data between networks
What do routers do?
directs data in packets to their destination
When or where are routers used?
connect at least two different networks, used in homes and offices to connect the LAN to the internet
What is an Ethernet Network an example of?
a wired network
What are ethernet cables and what are they used for?
different types of ethernet cables connect devices on a LAN
Examples of common ethernet wires and their characteristics?
CAT 5e and CAT 6, twisted pair cables; four pairs of copper wires twisted together
Why are ethernet cables made out of twisted wire?
the twisted wire reduces internal interference
What are some features of coaxial cables?
single copper wire, plastic layer for insulation, metallic mesh to shield outside interference
What do fibre optic cables do?
transmit data as light
What are fibre optic cables like?
high performance, expensive, don’t suffer interference, transmits over large distances without losing quality
