FBLA Networking Infrastructures F) Network Topologies and Connectivity

Star Topology

A network topology where all devices are connected to a central device, such as a switch or hub.

Advantages of Star Topology

Easy to set up and manage. Failure of one device doesn't affect the network. Centralized troubleshooting.

Disadvantages of Star Topology

Single point of failure: if the central device fails, the network goes down. Requires more cabling than other topologies.

Bus Topology

A network topology where all devices share a single communication line, or backbone.

Advantages of Bus Topology

Easy and inexpensive to set up. Works well for small networks.

Disadvantages of Bus Topology

Limited scalability. Difficult to troubleshoot. A break in the backbone can bring down the entire network.

Ring Topology

A network topology where devices are connected in a circular fashion, and data flows in one or both directions.

Advantages of Ring Topology

Easy to install. Equal access for all devices.

Disadvantages of Ring Topology

Failure of one device can bring down the entire network. Difficult to troubleshoot and reconfigure.

Broadband

A high-speed communication method that allows multiple signals to be transmitted simultaneously.

Baseband

A communication method where a single data signal is transmitted at a time over the medium.

Advantages of Wireless Networking

Mobility and flexibility. Easy to install and expand. No cables required.

Disadvantages of Wireless Networking

Susceptible to interference. Security vulnerabilities. Speed may be slower compared to wired networks.

Wired Networking

A network that uses physical cables (e.g., Ethernet) to connect devices.

Advantages of Wired Networking

Faster and more reliable connections. Better security compared to wireless networks.

Disadvantages of Wired Networking

Limited mobility. Requires more effort to install cables.

IEEE 802 Networking Specifications

Standards developed by the IEEE for LAN and MAN technologies, including Ethernet (802.3) and Wi-Fi (802.11).

Fiber Optics

A method of transmitting data using light signals through glass or plastic fibers.

Advantages of Fiber Optics

Faster speeds and higher bandwidth. Immune to electromagnetic interference.

Coaxial Cable

A type of cable with a central conductor surrounded by insulation and shielding, used in older networks and cable TV.

CAT5 Cable

A type of Ethernet cable that supports speeds up to 100 Mbps.

CAT5e and CAT6 Cables

Improved versions of CAT5, supporting gigabit speeds and reduced interference.

Network Interface Card (NIC)

A hardware component that provides a computer with a physical network connection.

Common Connectivity Methods

Cable modem, DSL, T1, dial-up, Wi-Fi.

Wi-Fi (802.11)

A wireless networking standard that allows devices to connect to a local network and the internet.

Bluetooth

A short-range wireless technology used for connecting devices, such as headphones and keyboards.

WiMAX

A wireless communication technology that provides broadband internet access over long distances.

GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications)

A standard for mobile networks that supports voice and data communication.

Factors Affecting Wireless Range and Speed

Interference from other devices. Antenna type and placement. Environmental factors like walls and obstacles.

TCP/IP Utilities for Troubleshooting

Tools like ping, tracert, ipconfig, and nslookup to test and validate IP connectivity.

VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A secure, encrypted connection over the internet that allows remote access to a private network.

Analog Circuits

Process continuous signals, such as audio or radio waves. Susceptible to noise and distortion.

Digital Circuits

Process discrete signals, such as binary data (0s and 1s). More resistant to noise, easier to process and store data.

Components of Coaxial Cable

Central conductor, insulating layer, shielding, and outer jacket.

Fiber Optic Connectors

Includes SC, LC, and ST connectors for fiber optic cables.

T1 Connection

A leased line that provides a dedicated 1.544 Mbps connection.

Infrared Networking

Wireless communication using infrared light, often for short-range device connections.

Dial-Up Networking

A slow internet connection using a telephone line and modem.

Satellite Internet

Broadband internet service delivered via satellites, often used in remote areas.

Antenna Types for Wireless Networks

Omnidirectional: Broadcasts in all directions. Directional: Focuses signal in a single direction for longer range.

Common Wireless Interference Sources

Other wireless devices, microwaves, walls, and environmental noise.

Peripheral Equipment

Devices like printers, external drives, and wireless adapters that connect to a network.

Broadband Technologies

High-speed internet options like DSL, cable, satellite, and fiber optics.

Benefits of Remote Access

Enables telecommuting, secure connections, and collaboration via VPNs and teleconferencing.

802.11x Wireless Standards

IEEE standards for Wi-Fi, including 802.11a/b/g/n/ac for different speeds and frequencies.

Mesh Topology

A topology where each device is connected to every other device, either fully or partially.

Advantages of Mesh Topology

High redundancy and fault tolerance. Data can take multiple paths to its destination. Reliable for large networks.

Disadvantages of Mesh Topology

Expensive to implement due to extensive cabling. Complex setup and maintenance.

Tree Topology

A hierarchy-based topology where groups of devices (branches) are connected to a central backbone.

Advantages of Tree Topology

Scalable and flexible for larger networks. Easier to troubleshoot sub-networks.

Disadvantages of Tree Topology

A failure in the backbone can bring down the entire network. Requires more cabling than star or bus topologies

Hybrid Topology

A combination of two or more different topologies (e.g., star-bus or star-ring).

Advantages of Hybrid Topology

Flexible and scalable to meet specific network needs. Combines the strengths of multiple topologies.

Disadvantages of Hybrid Topology

Complex to design and implement. Expensive due to additional components.

Point-to-Point Topology

A direct connection between two devices, typically used for dedicated links.

Advantages of Point-to-Point Topology

Simple and easy to set up. High speed and low latency between connected devices.

Disadvantages of Point-to-Point Topology

Limited scalability. If the link fails, communication is disrupted.

Point-to-Multipoint Topology

A topology where one device communicates with multiple devices, often used in wireless networks.

Advantages of Point-to-Multipoint Topology

Cost-effective for connecting multiple devices. Common in wireless networks and broadcast systems.

Disadvantages of Point-to-Multipoint Topology

Performance decreases as the number of connected devices increases. Potential interference in wireless connections.

Logical Topology

The way data flows within a network, regardless of its physical layout.

Physical Topology

The actual physical layout of devices and cables in a network.

What does a "collision domain" mean in a network?

A collision domain is a network segment where data packets can collide with one another.

What does a "broadcast domain" mean in a network?

A broadcast domain is a logical division of a computer network, in which all nodes can reach each other by broadcast at the data link layer.

What is the importance of choosing the correct network topology?

Choosing the correct network topology ensures optimal performance, reliability, and scalability for the specific needs of the network.

Topology Used in Ethernet Networks

Typically uses a star or tree topology, with devices connected to a central switch or router.

Topology Used in Token Ring Networks

A ring topology where a token is passed around for communication.

Topology Used in Wireless Networks

Often uses a mesh or point-to-multipoint topology for flexibility and coverage.

802.11a

5 Ghz, up to 54Mbps

802.11b

2.4 GHz, up to 11Mbps

802.11g

2.4 Ghz, up to 54Mbps

802.11n

2.4 GHz and 5GHz, up to 600 Mbps

802.11ac

5GHz, up to gigabit speeds.

802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6)

2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, increased efficiency and capacity.

Repeater

A network device that amplifies a signal to extend its range.

Packet Loss

The failure of one or more packets of data traveling across a computer network to reach their destination