Topic 5: Network Technologies

Question 1

What is a LAN

Answer 1

Local Area Network (LAN)covers a small geographical area such as a building and uses cables to connect.

Question 2

What is a WAN

Answer 2

A Wide Area Network (WAN) covers a large geographical area on a global scale and it can use fibre optic and satellite for transmission.

Question 3

Advantages of Networks

Answer 3

 Expensive peripherals can be shared
such as printers and scanners.
 Users can share data/files.
 Users can log on at any workstation to
access their files.
 Communication between devices and
users is possible.
 Single copy of software is stored on
the file server and can be shared with
users.
 Updates can be carried out at one
time.

Question 4

What is the World Wide Web

Answer 4

An application which runs on the Internet .

Question 5

What is the Internet

Answer 5

A network of interconnected networks which provides the
communication links for data to be transferred between devices

Question 6

What is the internet of things

Answer 6

Physical devices that are connected to the internet. Devices will be able to identify themselves to other devices.

Question 7

What is the Intranet

Answer 7

A private network owned and managed by an organisation accessible only to employees

Question 8

What is Bandwidth

Answer 8

bandwidth is the rate at which data can be transmitted in a given time. It is measured in bits per second (bps).

Question 9

What is WiFi

Answer 9

WIFI is a wireless technology which operates on radio frequency, has a medium range, and is affected by physical obstructions.

Question 10

Advantages of Wi-Fi

Answer 10

 Relatively cheap nowadays.
 Easy to connect to a range of
enabled devices.

Question 11

Disadvantages of Wi-Fi

Answer 11

Requires the computer/ device to be
in range of a wireless router
(generally the further it is from the
router, the weaker the signal).
 Not as secure as wired connections.

Question 12

Advantages of Wi-Fi over Mobile Data

Answer 12

Don’t have to use your data
allowance.
 More reliable signal.

Question 13

Disadvantages of Wi-Fi over Mobile
Data (Spec)

Answer 13

 Wi-Fi range may be limited.
 Signal strength may vary depending
on proximity to router.

Question 14

Advantages of using Wi-Fi for video
calls

Answer 14

Don’t have to use your data
allowance.
 Higher bandwidth meaning better
quality video and sound – no delay.

Question 15

Disadvantages of using Wi-Fi for video
calls

Answer 15

 Problems with connectivity.
 Increased power consumption.
 Range issues/ black spots.

Question 16

Potential problems with using Wi-Fi are:

Answer 16

Security - Wi-Fi routers can be configured to require a password. However, Open
access Wi-Fi can cause issues with security if users share sensitive information
such as passwords or debit/credit card details.

 Range - The further away that a device is from the router, the weaker the radio
signal will be. This might result in slow downloading of web pages or even a black
or dead spot. This can be fixed by using a Wi-Fi repeater or extender, which
receives and repeats the radio signal from the router to improve the range.

 Traffic - Wi-Fi uses radio technology, so the number of devices that can connect is
dependent on the number of channels available on the wireless router. Home
routers will have sufficient channels but, in a school, or office setting a router may
struggle to service a large number of laptops or tablets if they are all attempting to
connect at the same time.

Question 17

What is bluetooth

Answer 17

A short-range wireless technology which allows two devices to connect for the
purpose of communication

Question 18

What is fibre optic cable

Answer 18

Definition: Fibre optic cable carries data in pulses of light and is not prone to interference. It uses glass or plastic strands .

Question 19

Advantages of fibre optic cable

Answer 19

High bandwidth so faster
transmission of data.

 Less susceptible to interference

 More secure – light is harder to
intercept

Question 20

Examples of Mobile communication technology use (4G/5G)

Answer 20

Accessing company files via the cloud while travelling

Question 21

Mobile Communication Technology Advantages for learning

Answer 21

No need to go to computer suite.
 Can connect to the
internet/email/VLE.
 A high level of pupil engagement/
enjoyment.
 Wide range of accessible apps or
resources.
 Individualised learning.

Question 22

Mobile Communication Technology Disdvantages for learning

Answer 22

Pupils may get distracted from the
task due to the presence of other
applications

Question 23

Network Interface cards function

Answer 23

 Allows devices to connect to the network/provides a port for the network
cable.
 Allows devices to communicate with the server/NETWORK.

Question 24

Functions of a switch

Answer 24

 On a wired network each device will connect to a SWITCH using Ethernet cables.
 Organises communication between the file server and the computer.
 Allows two computers connected to a switch to send data to each other.
 Operates within a single network.
 Forwards a packet of data/message to check to its destination.
 Join sections of a LAN together.
 On a wired network each device will connect to a SWITCH using Ethernet cables.

Question 25

What is a Router

Answer 25

Definition: A hardware device that connects a number of networks together by either cable or wireless

Question 26

Functions of a router

Answer 26

 Used to connect the network to the Internet A networking, hardware device or in some cases, software in a computer.  Joins two or more networks together.  Works out the best route for data to travel.  Determines the next network point to which a packet should be forwarded toward its destination or forwards data from one network to another.  Scans the packet of data/message to check if its destination is in current network or another network.

Question 27

What is File Server

Answer 27

The main computer in any network. It is more powerful and holds the software and data that operates all the other computers and peripherals on the network.

Question 28

Functions of a File Server

Answer 28

Storing data/files.  Storing all software/system software/operating system/programs.  Managing security on the network.  Communicating with all devices on the network.  Managing users’ access to the network.

Question 29

Bus Network features

Answer 29

 Single cable called a backbone is used to connect all nodes.  Data signals travel along the backbone in both directions.  As signals are passed along the backbone each node will examine the signal.  Node will only accept the signal if it is addressed to it/if message addressed to another node it be ignored.  Terminators at end of the backbone – stops the signal returning/bouncing back down the backbone cable (absorbs data). This prevents data collisions/bottlenecks

Question 30

Star Network Features

Answer 30

Features include  Each device connects (by their own cable) to a central node/ file server.  All communication goes through the (file server) central node.  Failing connection will only affect the device at the end of the connection and the rest of the network is not affected.  Failure of the central node/server will affect the entire network.  Can easily add additional nodes/computers by attaching it using its own cable to the file server.

Question 31

Function of a Server

Answer 31

 The server must be high powered/powerful computer.  Stores data/software.  Provides services to the network.  Manages user access/manages security.  Manages peripherals/manages resources.  Allows users to share information.  Manages backup.  Centralised updates.

Question 32

Ring network

Answer 32

In this network there is no central or controlling computer. All the data passes from one workstation to another If the cable fails, then the whole network is affected.

Question 33

Server Advantages

Answer 33

 Increased security.  If one machine/cable fails, it will not impact on the others.  Easily add new machines.  High performance/no collisions.

Question 34

Server Disadvantages

Answer 34

 If server fails, the network fails.  Expensive cabling /install/manage/equipment.

Question 35

Ring Network Features

Answer 35

Has a token which carries messages around nodes on network.  Node will only accept the message if it is addressed to it/if signal addressed to another node, it will be ignored.

Question 36

Ring Network Advantages

Answer 36

 Cost effective due to less cables.  Easy to add devices – printer, computer.

Question 37

Ring Network disadvantages

Answer 37

If one of the connected nodes fails, the network will fail.  If the cable fails, the whole network fails.  No central or controlling computer.  Data must visit every machine before reaching destination.  Difficult to add new computers without disrupting the network.  All data travels in one direction.