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Flashcards · 9210 · Topic 5
Computer networks flashcards
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Topic 5: Computer networks
- What is the difference between a LAN and a WAN?
- LAN: covers a small area such as one building, usually with its own hardware. WAN: covers a large geographical area, often using communication links owned by others. The internet is the largest WAN.
- What are the advantages of networking computers?
- Sharing files, printers and an internet connection; central back-up and security; and communication between users.
- What is the difference between a star and a bus topology?
- Star: each device connects to a central switch; one cable failing affects only that device. Bus: all devices share one main cable; cheap, but a break stops the network and collisions increase with traffic.
- What is a network protocol?
- A set of rules that devices follow to communicate, covering the format and the order of messages.
- What are HTTP and HTTPS used for?
- HTTP transfers web pages between a web server and a browser. HTTPS does the same but encrypts the data.
- What are TCP and IP responsible for?
- TCP splits data into packets, checks they all arrive and puts them back in order. IP addresses the packets and routes them across networks.
- What is the difference between an IP address and a MAC address?
- An IP address identifies a device on a network and can change. A MAC address is a unique hardware address fixed into the network interface card.
- What is the difference between wired and wireless connections?
- Wired: faster, more reliable and more secure. Wireless (WiFi): devices can move around and no cables are needed, but signals are affected by distance and walls and can be intercepted.