computer networks

what are computer networks?

a collection of hardware components and computers interconnected by communications channels that allow sharing of resources

what does ISP stand for?

internet service provider

what are three applications of computer networking?

resource sharing

information sharing

communication

what are examples of resource sharing?

hardware (storage, printers, resources)

software (applications)

what are some aspects of information sharing in computer networking?

easy accessibility to files

search capabilities on the web

what are four advantages to computer networks?

file sharing

resource sharing

increased storage capacity

increased cost efficiency

what are four disadvantages to computer networks?

security issues

viruses spread rapidly

expensive setup

dependency on main file server

how do computer networks work in a business setting?

the internet goes into the modem

the modem goes to the router/firewall

the router/firewall will typically go to a switch or the WiFi

each plug from a switch will be plugged into the server

all of the desktop PCs will be connected to the switch

what kind of information does the router/firewall contain?

IP address, settings, names, etc.

it also allows or denies certain things

what does a switch do?

it acts as a central connection point for devices within a certain network

allows them to communicate with other devices and share resources

what are the different types of networks?

Coax/Cable

DSL (outdated and very slow)

Fiber

Wireless

LAN, WAN, and MAN

what is the most common type of network?

Coax/Cable

what does the structure of a Coax cable look like, from the inside to the outside?

copper wire

insulation

copper mesh

outside insulation

what does LAN stand for?

local area network

what does WAN stand for?

wide area network

what does MAN stand for?

metropolitan area network

what are the advantages of Coax/Cable?

high throughout/bandwidth (how much speed/capacity it can handle)

low error rates

commonly used

what are the disadvantages of Coax/Cable?

susceptible to congestion, which slows speeds (a lot happening all at once)

• however, DSL gives constant connection, but it is much slower

possible security risk

high installation costs

in the past, it was typically used for broadcasting, not networking

T or F: unlike Coax/Cable, DSL gives a constant connection and is much faster

FALSE

while DSL gives a constant connection, it is not faster than Coax/Cable, it is much slower

how does Coax/Cable send signals?

through the copper wire

how do fiber optic cables send signals?

through the transmission of light

what are the advantages of fiber?

extremely high bandwidth

detection of cable damage

secure transmissions

what are the disadvantages of fiber?

high installation costs

special test equipment

susceptible to physical damage

what are the advantages of wireless networks?

microwave communication

Wi-Fi is easy to setup in the home

ease of use for end users

cellular is convenient

bluetooth is cheap and easy to use

what is microwave communication?

long-range line-of-sight via directional antennas

what are the disadvantages of wireless networks?

can be unreliable

vulnerable to security risks

special equipment to setup (on big wireless, not in the home)

when should a small business upgrade to a network?

when it has more than a couple of people

how did Professor Williams’ dad start his computer network in his small business?

with a network switch, shared printer, and file server

in medium-sized organization, networks and computing can be force multipliers. what does this mean?

ex. a company could purchase a new device (like a new scanner or printer), which then increases productivity and efficiency by 50%.

in other words, networking and computing can increase a company’s efficiency and productivity drastically

what is extremely critical in large organizations when it comes to networks, and how can they achieve this?

users having access to data, and information sharing and setup

can achieve this by using the intranet

what is intranet?

computer network for private business use

what may the intranet hold?

business or trade secrets, employee info, customer info, and much more

what is the definition of the internet?

a global system of interconnected computer networks

a “network of networks” that are linked by a broad array of networking technologies