3.1b Network Hardware & Internet

• What are data packets?

  Data packets are smaller parts that files are broken into for network transfer.
• Why are data packets used instead of whole files for transfer?

  Data packets allow data to be transferred quickly across a network.
• How are data packets directed across networks?

  Data packets are redirected by routers until they reach their destination.
• What happens to data packets when they arrive at their destination?

  The data is reassembled back into the original file.
• What is the function of a Wireless Access Point (WAP)?

  A Wireless Access Point provides a link between wireless and wired networks.
• What is an example of a Wireless Access Point in a public space?

  A WiFi hotspot in a coffee shop or airport.
• Can a Wireless Access Point be a separate device?

  Yes, it can be a separate device or built into another device like a router.
• What is the primary function of routers?

  Routers transfer data packets between networks.
• How do routers determine the best route for data packets?

  Routers use the IP address in the packet header to determine the best route.
• What is a routing table?

  A routing table is a list used by routers to calculate the quickest route for data transfer.
• What is the purpose of a switch in a LAN?

  A switch connects devices together on a LAN.
• How does a switch forward data packets?

  A switch reads the destination address in the packet header and forwards the data directly to its destination.
• What does a switch generate when it receives data?

  A switch generates a list of the MAC addresses of all devices connected to it.
• What is the difference between a switch and a hub?

  A hub forwards a copy of received data to all connected nodes, making it slower and less secure than a switch.
• What is a Network Interface Controller (NIC)?

  A NIC is an internal piece of hardware required for a computer to connect to a network.
• What is the role of the MAC address in a NIC?

  The MAC address is used when sending data across a LAN.
• How is a NIC typically connected to a network?

  An ethernet cable is plugged into the network card to allow data exchange.
• How has the design of NICs changed over time?

  NICs used to be separate expansion cards but are now typically embedded on the motherboard.
• What are the three common types of transmission media?

  • Ethernet cables: Used on LANs (e.g., Cat5e, Cat6).
  • Fibre Optic cables: Fast, used for WANs, data sent as pulses of light.
  • Coaxial cables: Older, slower, affected by electromagnetic interference.
• What is the internet?

  The internet is a global network of interconnected networks.
• How is the World Wide Web (WWW) different from the internet?

  The WWW is a way of accessing information using protocols like HTTPS, while the internet is the underlying network.
• What is the role of servers on the internet?

  Servers provide services, such as responding to web browser requests.
• What must a website do to be accessible on the internet?

  A website must be hosted on a web server.
• What is a domain name?

  A domain name is a unique name registered for a website, like csnewbs.com.
• What is the purpose of a DNS server?

  A DNS server stores a list of domain names and their corresponding IP addresses.
• What happens when a domain name is typed into a browser's address bar?

  A query is sent to the local DNS server for the corresponding IP address.
• What does the local DNS server do if it holds the IP address for a domain name?

  The local DNS server passes the IP address to your browser.
• What happens if the local DNS server does not hold the IP address?

  The query is passed to another DNS server at a higher level until the IP address is resolved.
• How does a DNS server pass the IP address back to the browser?

  The IP address is passed down to lower-level DNS servers until it reaches the local DNS server and then to the browser.
• What does cloud computing refer to?

  Cloud computing refers to networks of servers accessed on the internet.
• What are some purposes of cloud servers?

  Cloud servers can run applications, perform remote processing, and store data.
• What happens when you store data in the cloud?

  Your data is stored on large servers owned by the hosting company.
• What is a benefit of cloud storage?

  Cloud storage allows multiple people to work on a file at the same time.
• What is a disadvantage of cloud storage?

  If the internet connection fails or servers are attacked, data could become inaccessible.
• What are the characteristics of cloud storage?

  • Huge capacity, with options to upgrade.
  • Portability depends on internet connection speed.
  • Typically free for a limited amount of storage.
• What is the free storage limit offered by Dropbox?

  Dropbox allows 2 GB of free storage.
• What is the purpose of web hosting?

  Web hosting is the service that stores a website on a web server for access.
• How does a DNS server search for an IP address if it is not found locally?

  The DNS server queries higher-level DNS servers until the IP address is found.
• What is the role of a web server in responding to client requests?

  A web server processes the client request to prepare and return the web page.
• What is the significance of registering a unique domain name?

  A unique domain name must be registered to ensure it is valid and not already taken.