Networks

Question 1

Define “protocols”

Answer 1

Rules that allow the transmission and exchange of data between devices

Question 2

Additional functionality provided by network OS?

Answer 2

• Passing usernames and passwords to a server when a user logs in
• Separating user accounts and ensuring users cannot access each other’s files
• Providing access to network storage and shared resources

Question 3

What is the IP address?

Answer 3

A unique address that networked devices use to send data to each other

Question 4

How are IP addresses assigned?

Answer 4

By a network administrator or dynamically allocated by a server running Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)

Question 5

What is a DHCP server?

Answer 5

A networked computer that automatically assigns an address to other computers when they join the network

Question 6

Explain MAC address

Answer 6

Media Access Control is a universally unique identifier assigned to the NIC by the NIC manufacturer and is used in devices connected to LAN.

It is made up of six pairs of characters

Question 7

Uses of MAC addresses:

Answer 7

• Restricting or allowing access to a network
• Identifying a device on a network
• Tracking a device (by checking which wireless access points have been accessed by specific MAC addresses)
• Assigning fixed IP addresses

Question 8

Types of cables:

Answer 8

1. Cat5e cables
2. Cat6 cables
3. Fibre optic cables

Question 9

Cat5e cables connect devices through their ____

Answer 9

NICs (contains LEDs)

NICs allow the exchange of data from computers to networked computers

Question 10

The function of wireless access points?

Answer 10

Allows devices with Wi-Fi connectivity to connect to a wired network

Question 11

The function of switches?

Answer 11

Connects devices on a network

Makes sure data sent from any device gets to the correct devices on a network

Question 12

The function of gateways?

Answer 12

Gateways connect two different types of network

Question 13

The function of routers?

Answer 13

• Store the addresses of all devices that are connected to it
• Reads the packet header
• Takes the recipient’s address
• Compares it against the addresses stored
• Forwards network traffic to its destination using the quickest route

Question 14

How can wireless access points be used as boosters?

Answer 14

By setting them to repeater mode

Question 15

What does a server do?

Answer 15

A server is a computer that shares its resources with connected computers (clients)

Question 16

Types of servers:

Answer 16

• Authentication servers
• Print servers (manage multiple printers and deal with print requests)
• File servers (shared and private storage)
• Application servers
• Web servers

Question 17

What do web servers do?

Answer 17

They process requests for data made via HTTP

Question 18

Define HTTP

Answer 18

A set of standards that control how computer documents that are written in HTML connect to each other

Question 19

What do ISPs do?

Answer 19

ISPs provide connections to the telecommunications infrastructure that form the framework for the internet

ISPs provide access via mobile phone network or landline telephone network

Question 20

Define telecommunications infrastructure

Answer 20

A network of hardware facilities that are used to transfer data

Question 21

Define URL

Answer 21

Uniform Resource Locator: a website address

Question 22

What are peer-to-peer networks?

Answer 22

Computers share their resources with other computers in a network but do not access a server

Question 23

What are client-server networks?

Answer 23

Networks that use servers and clients

Question 24

Benefits of LAN:

Answer 24

• Access to shared peripherals
• Access to shared storage and data
• Flexible access
• Media streaming
• Communication
• Shared access to the internet

Question 25

Benefits of client-server networks:

Answer 25

- Control of user access rights - Centralised administration - Centralised backup - Access to shared software - Access to shared storage - File access right - Roaming profiles

Question 26

Where is a firewall used?

Answer 26

A firewall is used at the gateway of a network

Question 27

What does a firewall do?

Answer 27

It controls the network traffic It prevents unauthorized users from accessing network devices and resources

Question 28

Types of encryption:

Answer 28

- Caesar cipher - Symmetric key encryption - Public key encryption - Wireless Encryption Protocol - Wi-Fi Protected Access

Question 29

VPN stands for

Answer 29

Virtual Private Network

Question 30

What does a VPN do?

Answer 30

It provides access to a private LAN from a remote location. The connection is made using the infrastructure of a public network like the internet

Question 31

Uses of VPN:

Answer 31

- Accessing employer's network when working from home - Accessing computers in a different geographical location - Making secure payments - Preventing surveillance of and access to web activity

Question 32

Purpose of transaction logs?

Answer 32

Used to identify which computers and network devices have been accessed. Allows administrators to identify any unusual activity that might be a threat to data security