networks

Question 1

advantages of wired networks

Answer 1

More security and control
Less prone to interference (esp. fibre)
Fibre optic cables transmit light – very fast

Question 2

disadvantages of wired networks

Answer 2

Low flexibility and portability
Can be slower if using metal cables
Costly to add devices, increase network size

Question 3

advantages of wireless networks

Answer 3

Support portability – can easily move devices
Saves cabling costs
Easy to extend network (using repeater/extender) Wireless radio waves travel at light speed

Question 4

disadvantages of wireless networks

Answer 4

Security concerns due to signals in air
Difficult to control connections
Limited coverage, prone to interference

Question 5

advantages of connecting computers to networks

Answer 5

Sharing information between computers
Software for computers can be installed and
upgraded from a central server
Sharing hardware such as printers
Sharing services such as security & backup
Communication between human users

Question 6

disadvantages of connecting computers to networks

Answer 6

Expenses – hardware, software, connectivity
Extra work – business staff for network setup &
maintenance
Security risks – network connectivity is an additional access method to a computer

Question 7

types of networks

Answer 7

LAN (Local Area Network) and WAN (Wide Area Network)

Question 8

how does a bus topology work

Answer 8

All the computers use short wires to connect to a single main cable – the bus.

Question 9

advantages of bus topologies

Answer 9

One cable – simple, cheap setup
Network unaffected by any computer breakdown

Question 10

disadvantages of bus topologies

Answer 10

Cable can be overloaded with signals Packets may collide if sent simultaneously
If main cable fails, whole network fails
Security concerns over single shared medium

Question 11

how does a star topology work

Answer 11

Different connection to each computer, connected to a central network device.

Question 12

advantages of star topologies

Answer 12

Each computer has its own cable – no overload of connections, no collisions
✓ Faults easier to find and fix as cables not shared

Question 13

disadvantages of star topologies

Answer 13

Uses more cabling than bus topology - expense
Central switch is an added expense
Failure of switch can bring down network