1.3.1 Networks & Topologies

• What is a network?

  A network is a collection of interconnected devices, such as computers or servers, that can communicate and share resources with each other.
• What is a node?

  A node is a fundamental unit in a network or data structure that can hold data or connect to other nodes.
• What are some advantages of a peer-to-peer network?

  • Easy to maintain
  • No dependence on server (if one device fails the whole system is not lost)
• What are some disadvantages of a peer-to-peer network?

  • No centralised management
  • Easy to lose track of what’s stored where
  • Less reliable
  • Machines prone to slow down when other devices access them
• What is a peer-to-peer network?

  A network where all devices are equal and connect directly to one another.
• Where are peer-to-peer networks usually found?

  Homes and small offices.
• What is a peripheral?

  An external device connected to a computer.
• What are some examples of a peripheral?

  Keyboard, mouse, printer.
• What does tethered mean?

  Tethered means to be tied or connected to something.
• What type of network is this?

  A peer-to-peer network.

  
• What is a client?

  A device which requests data from a server.
• What is a server?

  A device which provides services for other devices.
• Are devices in a peer-to-peer network servers, clients, or both?

  Both.
• What is a client-server network?

  A type of network managed by a server, which takes requests from client devices.
• What is a request?

  What a device is asking to do.
• Where are files and software usually stored in a client-server network?

  Centrally on the server.
• Where are client-server networks most commonly used?

  In businesses and organisations.
• What are some advantages of a client-server network?

  • Easy to keep track of files
  • Easier to perform backups
  • Easier to install updates and software
  • Improved network security
  • Reliable servers which are always on
• What are some disadvantages of a client-server network?

  • Expensive
  • Needs IT specialists to maintain it
  • If server goes down, every device goes down
  • Server can become overloaded
• What does LAN stand for?

  Local Area Network.
• What does WAN stand for?

  Wide Area Network.
• What area does a LAN cover?

  A small area (up to 1km).
• What area does a WAN cover?

  A large area (up to roughly 50km).
• What are some advantages to using a LAN?

  • Sharing files is easier
  • Can share hardware
  • Internet connection can be shared
  • Install and update software on all computers at once
  • Cheap and simple communication with other LAN users
  • Accounts stored centrally so users can log in from any device
• Where are LAN’s usually found?

  Homes, schools and universities.
• Why do many households have a LAN?

  To connect devices like printers, PCs and tablets.
• What does a WAN connect?

  LANs that are in different geographical locations.
• What is one disadvantage of a WAN?

  Very expensive.
• What does NIC stand for?

  Network Interface Controller/Card.
• What is an NIC?

  An internal piece of hardware that allows a device to connect to a network through a wired or wireless connection.
• What is a switch?

  A piece of hardware that connects multiple wired devices in a network and allows data transfer.
• What does WAP stand for?

  Wireless Access Point.
• What is a WAP?

  A piece of hardware which allows devices to connect and send data through radio waves wirelessly. It doesn't give direct internet access.
• What is a router?

  The hardware responsible for transmitting data between networks.
• What is the router’s role on the internet?

  To direct data packets to their destination.
• Why are routers used in homes and offices?

  To connect LANs to the internet.
• The difference between a star network and a mesh network is that…

  There is more than one route for data to take on a mesh network.
• A major disadvantage of a mesh network is…?

  High cost.
• What is mesh topology?

  A network topology where each device is directly or indirectly connected to every other without a central switch or server.
• What is star topology?

  A type of network topology where all devices are connected to a central switch or server which controls the network.