Networks

Front 1

What is a Network?

Back 1

A network consists of a group of two or more computing devices connected allowing for communication. An example of a network is a cup phone; both ends serve as the devices with the string serving as a bridge allowing for communication between the two nodes.

Front 2

State the meaning of the acronyms 'LAN' & 'WAN'

Back 2

LAN

'Local Area Network'. A small network contained within a restricted geographical location (e.g. An office building).

WAN

'Wide Area Network'. Unlike LAN, WAN is not limited by its range and is used to connect devices across 'wide areas' such as telephones.

Front 3

What is the purpose of a Network?

Back 3

Networks provide a channel for communication between connected devices enabling communication and file sharing, as well as allowing for the use of shared devices (e.g. a printer connected in an office can be used by several connected computer systems within the network).

Front 4

State what is meant by 'Standalone computer'

Back 4

A computer which is not connected to a network.

Front 5

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a network?

Back 5

Advantages

- Exchange of data

- Communication

- Centralised management (admin user)

Disadvantage

DEEZ NUTZ

Front 6

What is a 'Peer-to-Peer' network? (P2P)

Back 6

An arrangement of two or more computers directly connected to each other, without the use of a server. Nodes host their own files however files can be transferred between the nodes. Both nodes have equal authority.

Front 7

Name 3 network typologies and explain how they work

Back 7

Ring

With a one way data flow, ring networks have minimal to no data traffic, each node is connected to the next with a network wire. A ring topology does not require the use of a file server however the use of a ring topology is inefficient; The networks integrity depends on each node, if one machine is unresponsive or disconnected, then the whole network will fail.

Star

A star network is arranged in a star formation, with a central hub or server. Each device node is connected to the central unit with a network cable. The network is reliant on the main hub/server if this fails then the network will also fail. Unlike a ring topology, a star network sends data in all directions, and files and accounts can be accessed on any connected computer, with valid credentials.

Bus

A bus network is an easy to setup topology consisting of one main 'backbone' (the bus), two terminators and a file server. Additional nodes can be added using a network cable. Data is transferred in both directions and is send to the corresponding device, however the data continues to flow until it is terminated by the terminators (no pun intended) as the data itself does not know how long the bus is. When data is transferred all other data transfers are halted until the current data transfer is completed meaning the data flow is very slow. However this is necessary as it prevents, data collisions.

Front 8

What is Client-Server?

Back 8

A client server network consists of one or more computers (nodes) connected to a main server. An example of a client - server network is the internet; the end user sends a request and the server validates the request (checks if end users address/login/password is valid, then responds with the desired data. However like most server oriented networks, if the server fails so does the network.

Front 9

Peer-to-Peer

Back 9

A peer-to-peer network consists of two or more computers directly connected to each other. Both computers have equal authority as no file server is required (all files are stored on the computers hard drive)

However when a request for files is sent to the other users a server client relation ship is formed.