Networks

Question 1

Define LAN full term and what it is

Answer 1

Local Area Network
Covers a small geographical area located on a single site

Question 2

Advantages of using LAN

Answer 2

Sharing files is easier - network users access the same files
You can share the same hardware on a LAN
Internet connection can be shared between every device connected to the LAN
Can install and update software on all computers at once

Question 3

Define WAN full term and what it is

Answer 3

Wide Area Network
Connects LANs that are in different geographical locations

Question 4

Explain why WANs are expensive to set up

Answer 4

Need to hire infrastructure from telecom companies

Question 5

Describe the factors that can affect the performance of Networks

Answer 5

Greater the bandwidth, the better the network can perform
Too many users may cause congestion and slow network
Wired connections are generally faster and more reliable than wireless
Choice of hardware and network topology

Question 6

Define Bandwidth

Answer 6

Amount of data than can be transferred in a given time

Question 7

Name 3 things wireless performance depends on

Answer 7

Range of the device, amount of interference from other devices and physical obstructions

Question 8

Define NIC and what it does

Answer 8

Network Interface Controller
Internal piece of hardware that allows a device to connect to a network

Question 9

Difference between switch and router

Answer 9

Switch connects devices on a LAN
Switches receive data from one device and transmit this data to the device the network with the correct MAC address
Routers are responsible for transmitting data between networks
Routers are used in homes to connect the LAN to the internet

Question 10

Two reasons why Wi-fi signal may be poor

Answer 10

Physical obstructions between WAP and device
May be a long distance from device and WAP

Question 11

Define virtual network

Answer 11

Software based network which is created by partitioning a physical networks bandwidth to create a separate network

Question 12

Purpose of Cloud Computing

Question 13

Purpose of URL

Answer 13

Translates websites domain name into IP address which allows the web server to located on the internet

Question 14

Purpose of DNS servers

Answer 14

Translates a websites domain name into an IP address

Question 15

Advantages of Cloud computing
(4 marks)

Answer 15

Users can access files from any connected device
Easy to increase how much storage is available
No need to buy expensive hardware to store data
No need to pay IT specialists to manage hardware

Question 16

Disadvantages of cloud computing
(3 marks)

Answer 16

An internet connection is required to access files
Dependent on the host for security and backup of their files
Data stored in cloud is vulnerable to hacking

Question 17

Define VPN

Answer 17

Network that is entirely software based used to send data securely over a WAN

Question 18

Benefits of a star topology ( 3 marks)

Answer 18

If a device fails or a cable is disconnected, rest of the network unaffected
Simple to add new decides to the network
Network has better performance than other setup because more daya goes straight to the central device

Question 19

Drawbacks of star topology ( 2 marks)

Answer 19

Every device needs a cable to connect to the central switch or server- expensive
If there is a problem with the switch or server, whole network os affected

Question 20

Benefit and drawback of bus toplogy

Answer 20

Cheaper to set up and manufacture - requires less cables - doesn’t need server
Device send data packets in both directions which causes network to slow down due to collisions

Question 21

Benefit drawback Ring toplogy

Answer 21

Data sent in one direction - reduces chance of collisions
Only one device can send data at a time

Question 22

Pros cons mesh

Answer 22

Data transmission is more consistent because failure doesn’t disrupt its processes
Expensive to set up and manufacture

Question 23

Purpose of MAC address

Answer 23

Unique identifier for a decide which allows it to he found on a network

Question 24

Define layers and 3 benefits

Answer 24

Group of self contained protocols with similar functions thar cover one part of network communications

Layers are self contained
There are set rules for each layer
Layers break network communication into manageable pieces

Question 25

Define passive attack

Answer 25

Where someone monitors data travelling on a network and intercepts any sensitive information they find

Question 26

Define active attack

Answer 26

When someone attacks a network with malware or other planned attacks

Question 27

Main defense against active attack

Answer 27

Firewall

Question 28

Define insider attack

Answer 28

Someone within an organization exploits their network access to steal information

Question 29

Define brute force attack

Answer 29

Type of active attack used to gain information by cracking passwords through trial and error using automated software

Question 30

Define Denial-of-service

Answer 30

Where a hacker tries to stop users from accessing a part of network or website

Question 31

Examples of the different layers protocols

Answer 31

HTTP FTP SMTP TCP IP Ethernet

Question 32

Purpose of Cloud Computing

Answer 32

Uses client server network to allow riles to be stored centrally on a network server

Question 33

Describe four types of malware

Answer 33

Deleting or modifying files Scareware Locking files Spyware

Question 34

Describe the three ways malware can access your device

Answer 34

Virus attach by copying themselves to certain files Worms self-replicate without any user help - spread really quickly - exploit weakness in network security Trojans are malware disguised as legitimate software

Question 35

Advantages of using layers ( 3 marks)

Answer 35

Breaks network communication into manageable pieces - helps developers concentrate on only one area of network Layers are self-contained, can be changed without the layers being affected Having standards for each layer forces companies to make compatible, universal hardware and software

Question 36

Difference between bluetooth and wifi (6 marks)

Answer 36

Usually a direct connection between two devices so that data can be shared Connection range varies, but mobile devices are typically 10 maters Low bandwith Can be used on multiple devices to connect to a LAN at the same time Connection have a range betwen 40-100 m High bandwith connection Often used in the home