Networks

Front 1

Give some advantages of a computer networks

Back 1

Here are some examples: it allows for computers to interact and share data, files can be shared easily, there is high standard security, easy to back up data if it is lost, they can share peripheral resources, cost of computing is reduced per user

Front 2

Give some disadvantages of a computer network

Back 2

Here are some examples: purchasing cabling to construct a network is expensive, it is complicated to manage, if a file server breaks down those files can be inaccessible, if a virus gets on the system it can damage the network, hacking is also an issue.

Front 3

What is a server?

Back 3

Servers - these are powerful computers that provide the services for the network.

Front 4

What is a protocol?

Back 4

A protocol is basically a language that the computers use to communicate between each other on a network. Real life example: when a fire goes off, you leave in silence, bringing nothing and meet at an agreed location. This is a type of protocol.

Front 5

What is a bus topology?

Back 5

Bus topologies uses a common backbone to connect all devices. It is a single cable that acts like a backbone of the network and connects all devices

Front 6

What are some advantages and disadvantages of using a bus topology?

Back 6

Advantages: it is easy and cheap to install and is suitable for small networks.

Disadvantages: The cable length is limited so restricts the size of the network, it can only handle a certain number of computers, and if a part of the cable breaks, the whole network will shut down!

Front 7

What is a ring topology?

Back 7

A ring topology is when each computer has exactly 2 neighbours for communication purposes. The messages get passed around in a "ring" can be either clockwise or anti-clockwise. These are most common in offices or schools.

Front 8

What are some advantages and disadvantages of a ring topology ?

Back 8

Advantages: the central server is not needed for the management of this topology.

Disadvantages: the failure of any cable will completely shut down the network, the changes to the network computers can impact the performance of the network

Front 9

What is a star topology?

Back 9

A star topology is used most commonly by home networks, this topology has a central connection point that can be a network hub switch or a router.

Front 10

Name some advantages and disadvantages of a star topology.

Back 10

Advantages: it has a centralised layout, which offers operational simplicity, this also isolation of each device within the network.

Disadvantages: this network completely relies on the central hub and so if that breaks down, so will the network.

Overall, this is probable the best network.

Front 11

What is a wireless network?

Back 11

A wireless network is a network which communicates using radio waves. Things that use this are: radios (duh), mobile phones and even televisions!

Front 12

So how does a wireless network work?

Back 12

A wireless network works by the wireless adaptor translating the data into a radio signal and transmits it using an antenna and receives radio signals and converts them into data. The wireless modem called a router handles the 2 way communication. The router is connected by an Ethernet cable.

Front 13

Define bandwidth:

Back 13

Bandwidth affect the amount of data that can be transferred from one place to another in a certain amount of time

Front 14

What is an analogue signal?

Back 14

an analogue signal varies between a minimum and maximum frequency and the difference between those frequencies is the bandwidth of that signal.

Front 15

What is the bandwidth of an analogue signal?

Back 15

Bandwidth of an analogue channel is the difference between the highest and lowest frequencies that can be reliably received over the channel.

Front 16

What are digital signals?

Back 16

They are made up of a Iarge number of frequency components.

Front 17

What is a network adaptor?

Back 17

(it is also referred to as the network interface card) is a circuit board equipped with components which can receive and send data.

Front 18

The larger the bandwidth...

Back 18

...the larger the data transfer rate

Front 19

What is a client?

Back 19

They are computers that the server provides service for (less powerful than a server)

Front 20

What is a wireless signal / network adaptor?

Back 20

Type of communication media which is a connection between devices.

Front 21

What is a user?

Back 21

It is any person that uses a client to access resources on the network.