Network Basics

A computer network is a system of:

• two or more computing devices connected to one another

• Data transfer and information storage

• Sharing devices like scanners

• A whole lot of individual machines working on their own

Select 3 reasons for using a network

• Increased security - user access to the network is controlled

• Data transfer can be controlled

• Sharing resources and devices

• Centralisation of data

A WLAN covers the same area as a LAN but connects computing devices within a network wirelessly.

• true

• false

Select 3 instances where a WLAN is better than a LAN

• Much more expensive to install than a LAN.

• Mobile devices can be moved and stay connected all the time.

• Connecting new devices to your network is easier.

• Wireless connections are more stable than wired connections

• Cables (that are sometimes difficult to install) are kept to a minimum.

Hardware needed to connect to a computer to the internet is:

• NIC

• Internet Explorer

• Communication medium (CAT5 Cabling)

• WAP

• Servers

Communication medium transfers data and information between computing devices in a network. Communication media include:

• Wi-Fi

• coaxial cable

• UTP

• Fibre Optic

• Routers

Fibre optic cables consist of very fine strands of glass or plastic fibre; transmitting data via

• magnetic pulses

• light pulses

• electricity

Which one of the following terms refer to the most popular LAN technology

• Ethernet

• WAN

• Internet

• Intranet

The computers in Peter's office building are linked so that staff can share files and printers. This type of network is known as .

• WAN

• GAN

• PAN

• LAN

Which one of the following terms with regard to a WAN is FALSE?

• Most organisations depend on service providers because of their WANs.

• It is based on the principle of ADSL.

• It is a network within a wider geographical area.

• At a university a LAN can for example also use the services of a WAN.