OCR J275 - Networks Part A

Define what is meant by a computer network

• Two or more computers connected together where they communicate and share files/resources like printers.
• One computer not connected to any other computer.
• A computer connected to other computers on a network.
• Allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network using radio waves. They convert data received through cables into a wireless signal and vice versa.

Define what is meant by a stand-alone computer

• Two or more computers connected together where they communicate and share files/resources like printers.
• One computer not connected to any other computer.
• A computer connected to other computers on a network.
• Allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network using radio waves. They convert data received through cables into a wireless signal and vice versa.

Define what is meant by a workstation or network node.

• Two or more computers connected together where they communicate and share files/resources like printers.
• One computer not connected to any other computer.
• A computer connected to other computers on a network.
• Allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network using radio waves. They convert data received through cables into a wireless signal and vice versa.

What is meant by a 'local area network'or LAN?

• Two or more computers connected together within a small geographical area such as a home, school or office.
• Two or more LAN's connected together over a large geographical area. The largest example is the internet which is a global network of computers.

What is meant by a 'wide area network'or WAN?

• Two or more computers connected together within a small geographical area such as a home, school or office.
• Two or more LAN's connected together over a large geographical area. The largest example is the internet which is a global network of computers.

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of networking stand-alone computers into a local area network?

• Transferring files between computers.
• Centralised backup of all files.
• They are expensive to setup and maintain.
• Sharing peripherals such as printers and scanners saves money.

Which of the following is a disadvantage of networking stand-alone computers in to a local area network?

• Viruses can spread around the network causing havoc.
• If the server, hub or switch fails, users cannot access files or network resources.
• Building a network is not cheap.
• All of the above.

What is meant by the term 'topology'?

• The term refers to the layout of a computer network.
• A computer connected to other computers on a network.

What is meant by a bus network topology?

• Computers are connected to a single cable.  Only one computer can transmit at any one time.
• Computers are connected to adjacent computers in a ring.  Computers take turns to transmit.
• All computers have their own cable connecting them to a central computer.

What is meant by a ring network topology?

• Computers are connected to a single cable.  Only one computer can transmit at any one time.
• Computers are connected to adjacent computers in a ring.  Computers take turns to transmit.
• All computers have their own cable connecting them to a central computer.