Topic 3

• What is a network?

  A network is a collection of devices connected together for the purpose of sharing data and resources.
• What is the typical structure of a network?


  There is usually one server and many clients in a network.
• What is a network?


  A network is a collection of devices connected together for sharing data and resources.
• What is the primary purpose of a network?

  The primary purpose of a network is to share data and resources among connected devices.
• What does LAN stand for?

  LAN stands for Local Area Network.
• What is a local area network (LAN)?

  A LAN interconnects computers within a limited area such as a residence or office building.
• What are the benefits of using a LAN?

  Users can share expensive devices and communicate with each other through email or chat.
• How does data transmission speed in LANs compare to telephone lines?

  LANs transmit data at much faster rates than telephone lines.
• What does VLAN stand for?

  VLAN stands for Virtual Local Area Network.
• What is a virtual LAN (VLAN)?

  A VLAN is a broadcast domain that is partitioned and isolated at the data link layer.
• What are the advantages of using VLANs?

  VLANs help reduce IT costs, improve network security and performance, and provide easier management.
• What does WAN stand for?

  WAN stands for Wide Area Network.
• What is a wide area network (WAN)?

  A WAN extends over a large geographic area for the purpose of computer networking.
• How are WANs typically established?

  WANs are often established with leased telecommunication circuits.
• What is the primary function of WANs?

  WANs connect LANs and other types of networks together for communication.
• What does SAN stand for?

  SAN stands for Storage Area Network.
• What is a storage area network (SAN)?

  A SAN provides access to consolidated, block-level data storage.
• What is the primary use of SANs?

  SANs are primarily used to access storage devices from servers.
• What does WLAN stand for?

  WLAN stands for Wireless Local Area Network.
• What is a wireless LAN (WLAN)?


  A WLAN links devices using wireless communication to form a local area network.
• What technologies do WLANs use for data transmission?

  WLANs use radio, infrared, and microwave transmission.
• What is Wi-Fi?


  Wi-Fi is an example of WLAN where devices connect wirelessly within a limited range.
• What is a VPN?

  A VPN extends a private network across a public network, enabling secure data transmission.
• What are the main functions of a VPN?

  A VPN allows remote access to a network while encrypting the connection for privacy.
• What does PAN stand for?

  PAN stands for Personal Area Network.
• What is a personal area network (PAN)?

  A PAN interconnects electronic devices centered on an individual's workspace.
• What does P2P stand for?


  P2P stands for Peer-to-Peer.
• What is peer-to-peer (P2P) computing?

  P2P computing partitions tasks between equally privileged participants in a network.
• What is the primary goal of peer-to-peer networks?

  The primary goal is to share resources and enable collaborative work among devices.
• What is a server?

  A server is hardware or software that provides functionality for clients.
• What is a client?

  A client is hardware or software that accesses services from a server.
• What does NIC stand for?

  NIC stands for Network Interface Controller.
• What is the function of a network interface controller (NIC)?


  A NIC connects a computer to a computer network.
• What does MAC address stand for?

  MAC address stands for Media Access Control address.
• What is a MAC address?

  A MAC address is a unique identifier assigned to a network interface controller.
• What is the purpose of Ethernet cables?

  Ethernet cables connect network devices or computers to share resources.
• What is the difference between peer-to-peer networks and client-server networks?

  Peer-to-peer networks connect computers to share resources, while client-server networks have central servers managing resources.
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of client-server networks?

  Advantages:

  • Centralized backups and network security
  • Central location for file storage
  • Central control of network peripherals
  • Access to shared data is centrally managed

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Requires a specialist network operating system
  • Expensive server purchase
  • Needs specialist staff for management
  • Disruption occurs if any part of the network fails
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of peer-to-peer (P2P) networks?

  Advantages:

  • No need for a network operating system
  • No expensive server required
  • No specialist staff needed
  • Easier setup than client-server networks
  • Failure of one computer does not disrupt the network

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • No centralized backup for files
  • Performance can slow down with multiple accesses
  • Files are not centrally organized
  • Virus protection is the user's responsibility
  • Limited security measures
• Why are standards important in network construction?

  Standards ensure compatibility among networking products from different manufacturers.