networks and topologies

• What is a network?

  A connection of two or more devices
• What is the purpose of a network?

  To share resources among connected devices
• What are the two types of networks?

  • Local Area Networks (LANs)
  • Wide Area Networks (WANs)
• What is a Local Area Network (LAN)?

  A network covering a small geographical area
• What is the maximum geographical area for a LAN?

  Under 1 mile
• Who owns the hardware in a LAN?

  The company or household using it
• What types of cables do LANs use?

  UTP, fibre optic, or wireless connections
• What is a Wide Area Network (WAN)?

  A network covering a large geographical area
• What is the minimum geographical area for a WAN?

  Over 1 mile
• How are computers connected in a WAN?

  Via routers
• Who owns the hardware in a WAN?

  Not all owned by the organization
• What is an example of hardware used in WANs?

  Telephone lines owned by telecom companies
• What are the advantages of having a network?

  • Resource sharing (printers, internet)
  • Access files from any network computer
  • Easier communication via email
  • Easy file and folder sharing
  • Centralized backups and updates
• What are the disadvantages of having a network?

  • Increased security risk to data
  • Malicious software can infiltrate
  • Central point of failure (servers/switches)
  • Performance impacted by users and data
• How does a LAN differ from a WAN in terms of geographical area?

  LAN is small; WAN is large
• What infrastructure does a WAN typically use?

  External/shared infrastructure
• What is the main function of servers in a network?

  To provide centralized backups and updates
• What infrastructure does a LAN typically use?

  Dedicated infrastructure owned by users
• What can impact the performance of a network?

  The number of users and data on the network
• What is the purpose of a network?

  To share resources among devices
• What is the role of routers in a WAN?

  To connect different LANs together
• What is the maximum distance for a LAN?

  Under 1 mile
• What is the minimum distance for a WAN?

  Over 1 mile
• What is a disadvantage of having a network?

  Increased security risk to data
• What is an advantage of having a network?

  Users can share resources easily
• How does a LAN typically connect devices?

  Using dedicated infrastructure
• How does a WAN typically connect devices?

  Using external/shared infrastructure
• What is the role of a server in a network?

  To provide centralized backups and updates
• What can impact network performance?

  The number of users and data on the network
• What are the five key factors that affect network performance?

  Number of users, bandwidth, latency, error rate, transmission media
• How does the number of users affect network performance?

  Too many users can slow down the network
• What is bandwidth?

  Amount of data sent and received at once
• How is bandwidth measured?

  In bits per second (bit rate)
• What happens when bandwidth is smaller?

  Less data can be sent, slowing the network
• What is latency?

  Delay between data being sent and received
• What can a big delay in latency cause?

  More data on the network causing collisions
• What is the error rate?

  Measure of packets not reaching their destination
• What contributes to an increased error rate?

  Poor wireless signal and less reliable connections
• What is transmission media?

  Type of cable used in wired connections
• How do wired connections compare to wireless connections in terms of bandwidth?

  Wired connections offer higher bandwidth