Networks

• What is a network?

  A network is created when you connect a device to another one to share information and resources.
• What does LAN stand for?

  LAN stands for Local Area Network.
• What is the geographical coverage of a LAN?

  A LAN covers a small geographical area.
• What hardware is typically required to create a network?

  • Network Interface Card (NIC)
  • Switches
  • Routers
  • Cables (e.g., fibre optic, CAT5e, CAT6, coaxial)
• What is the function of a Network Interface Card (NIC)?

  A NIC allows a device to connect to networks.
• What is the role of switches in a LAN?

  Switches are used to connect devices on a LAN.
• What do routers do?

  Routers transmit data between different networks and connect to the Internet.
• What is a common feature of most home routers?

  Most home routers are a combination of a router, switch, and WAP.
• What types of cables are used in wired networks?

  • Fibre optic cables
  • CAT5e and CAT6 Ethernet cables
  • Coaxial cables
• What is the advantage of fibre optic cables?

  Fibre optic cables transmit data as light, are high performance, and reliable.
• What are CAT5e and CAT6 cables used for?

  CAT5e and CAT6 cables are common types of Ethernet cables used for LAN connections.
• What is the main characteristic of coaxial cables?

  Coaxial cables are made of a single copper wire surrounded by insulation and shielding.
• What do wireless networks use to transmit data?

  Wireless networks use radio waves to transmit data.
• What is a WLAN?

  A WLAN is a Local Wireless Area Network.
• What is a Wireless Access Point (WAP)?


  A WAP is a device that allows devices to connect wirelessly to a network.
• How do devices connect to a wireless network?

  Devices need wireless capability, which is often built-in or can be added with a USB dongle.
• What are the benefits and drawbacks of wireless networks compared to wired networks?

  Benefits:

  • Convenience and mobility
  • Cheaper and environmentally friendly
  • Easy to add more users

  
  

  Drawbacks:

  • Less secure
  • Reduced signal strength due to distance and interference
  • Lower bandwidth and reliability
• What should you consider when comparing fibre optic and copper cables?

  • Cost: Fibre optic is expensive, copper is cheap.
  • Speed: Fibre optic is fast, copper is slow.
• What is a Star Topology?

  • In a Star Topology, all devices are connected to a central device.
• What is a Bus Topology?

  • In a Bus Topology, all devices are connected to a single cable.
• What is a protocol in networking?

  A protocol is a set of rules for how devices communicate and transmit data across a network.
• What does a protocol control in data communication?

  A protocol controls how communication starts and stops, organizes data, and handles errors.
• What is packet switching?

  Packet switching is the process of directing data packets to their destination across a network.
• What are the four layers of the TCP/IP model?

  The four layers are Application, Network, Transport, and Link layers.
• What does each layer in the TCP/IP model do?

  • Layer 4 (Application): Provides computing services to applications (e.g., HTTP, SMTP).
  • Layer 3 (Network): Sets up communication and splits data into packets (e.g., TCP, UDP).
  • Layer 2 (Transport): Adds IP addresses and routes packets (e.g., IP).
  • Layer 1 (Link): Passes data over the physical network (e.g., Wi-Fi, Ethernet).
• What are the advantages of using layers in network protocols?

  Using layers helps manage communication, allows changes without affecting other layers, and ensures compatibility.
• What does HTTP stand for?

  HTTP stands for Hyper Text Transfer Protocol.
• What is the purpose of HTTPS?

  HTTPS is a secure version of HTTP that encrypts information sent and received.
• What is FTP used for?

  FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol and is used to access and move files between devices.
• What does IMAP stand for?

  IMAP stands for Internet Message Access Protocol.
• What is SMTP used for?

  SMTP stands for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol and is used to send emails.
• What is the difference between TCP and UDP?

  TCP establishes a connection and checks packet order, while UDP sends packets without confirmation.
• What is the role of Internet Protocol (IP)?

  IP establishes connections between routers and directs data packets using packet switching.
• How does IP handle network traffic?

  IP directs data packets to their destination by reading the packet's header and using the IP address.
• How does network traffic affect packet routing?

  Network traffic can change the route that packets take to their destination.
• What is TCP better suited for?

  Reliable connections, such as live video streaming
• Why is TCP preferred for live video streaming?

  Because it ensures data integrity and prevents file corruption
• What does IP stand for in networking?

  Internet Protocol
• What is the role of IP in networking?

  It establishes connections between routers and handles network traffic
• What are IP addresses?

  Unique numbers assigned to every device connected to an IP network