Networks

• What does the term "topology" refer to in networking?

  Topology refers to the structure of a network.
• What are the two types of network topology?

  The two types of topology are physical and logical.
• What does physical network topology refer to?

  Physical network topology refers to the actual architecture of a network.
• What are the two types of physical network topology?

  The two types of physical network topology are star and bus.
• How does a physical star network topology function?

  In a physical star network, each client has its own direct connection to the central hub.
• What is the role of the central hub in a physical star network?

  The hub receives packets for all clients and delivers them to the correct recipient.
• How can a server be added to a physical star network?

  A server can be added to the network in the same way that clients are connected to the central hub.
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of a physical star network topology?

  Advantages:

  • Packets are sent directly to their recipient.
  • Easy to add and remove clients.
  • Each cable has just one device communicating, eliminating collisions.
  • Failure of one cable does not affect the rest of the network.

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • If the central hub fails, all communication stops.
  • Expensive to install due to the amount of cable required.
• How does a physical bus topology connect clients?

  A physical bus connects clients to a single cable called a backbone.
• What device is placed at either end of the backbone in a physical bus topology?

  A terminator is placed at either end of the backbone.
• What is a key difference between physical star and physical bus topologies?

  Physical bus topology does not require a central hub, while physical star topology does.
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of a physical bus network topology?

  Advantages:

  • No central hub, reducing chances of network failure.
  • Inexpensive to install due to minimum cable length.

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Packets are sent through a shared backbone, allowing all clients to see packets.
  • If the backbone fails, the entire network becomes unusable.
  • Risk of collisions due to multiple clients using the backbone.
• What does logical network topology refer to?

  Logical network topology refers to the flow of data packets within a network.
• How does a logical bus network deliver packets?

  A logical bus network delivers packets to all clients on the network.
• How does a logical star network deliver packets?

  A logical star network delivers packets only to their recipient.
• Can a physical star network behave as a logical bus?

  Yes, a physical star can behave as a logical bus by running a bus protocol on the hub.
• What is a host in networking?

  A host is a device on a network that provides services.
• What is a common example of a host?

  A common example of a host is a server.
• What services can a server provide in a network?

  Servers can provide file storage, printer sharing, and internet access.
• How do client-server networks function?

  In a client-server network, one or more central servers provide services to the clients.
• What is a key characteristic of clients in a client-server network?

  Clients request services from the servers.
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of client-server networking?

  Advantages:

  • Central management of clients improves security.
  • Servers can manage multiple services efficiently.

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Requires expertise to set up and manage.
• What is peer-to-peer networking?

  Peer-to-peer networking allows clients to provide services to each other without a shared server.
• What is a primary disadvantage of peer-to-peer networking?

  All clients providing services must be running for the network to be operational.
• What is an advantage of peer-to-peer networking?

  Peer-to-peer networking is more cost-effective than client-server networking.
• What types of organizations commonly use peer-to-peer networking?

  Large file-sharing networks and multimedia providers use peer-to-peer networking.
• What is required for wireless networks to function?

  Wireless networks require a wireless access point and a wireless network adapter.
• What is WiFi?

  WiFi refers to a wireless local area network based on international standards.
• How does WiFi allow devices to connect globally?

  WiFi allows devices made in one part of the world to connect seamlessly to wireless networks all over the world.
• How are wireless networks secured?

  Wireless networks are secured by encrypting transmitted data using WPA or WPA2.
• What does WPA stand for?

  WPA stands for WiFi Protected Access.
• What is one method of securing a wireless network?

  One method is disabling SSID broadcast.
• What does SSID stand for?

  SSID stands for Service Set Identifier.
• How does disabling SSID broadcast enhance wireless security?

  Disabling SSID broadcast stops devices from displaying the network, allowing only those who know the SSID to connect.
• What is a MAC address?

  A MAC address is a unique identifier assigned to every wireless device by its manufacturer.
• How can MAC address filtering enhance wireless security?

  MAC address filtering allows only specific devices to connect to a network.
• What is the purpose of Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA)?

  CSMA/CA is a protocol used in wireless networks to avoid data collisions.
• How does CSMA/CA work when a device is ready to transmit?

  The device listens to the communication channel to check if it is idle before transmitting.
• What happens if the communication channel is busy when a device wants to transmit?

  The device waits for a random period before checking the channel again.
• What is an exponential backoff algorithm in CSMA/CA?

  An exponential backoff algorithm increases the wait time after each check of the channel.