1.3.1 Networks & Topologies

What is a LAN (Local Area Network)?

A network that covers a small geographical area like a school, office, or home. They are usually privately owned.

What is a WAN (Wide Area Network)?

A network that covers a large geographical area (e.g., across cities/countries). It is often made up of several interconnected LANs and may be under collective ownership (e.g., the Internet).

Name two key factors that affect the performance of a network.

Bandwidth and the Number of Devices Connected.

Define Bandwidth.

The maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over a network within a given time. Higher bandwidth means faster network performance.

How does the number of connected devices affect network performance?

As more devices use the network, the available bandwidth is shared between them, potentially slowing down everyone's connection.

Describe the role of a Server in a client-server network.

It controls the network and provides services and resources (like files, web pages, or printing) to the clients. It waits for and responds to client requests.

Describe the role of a Client in a client-server network.

A device (PC, phone) that requests and uses the services and resources provided by the server.

What is the key difference of a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) network?

There is no central server. Files and services are shared directly between all the devices (peers) on the network, and all devices have equal status.

What is the role of a Router?

To connect two or more different networks together (e.g., a home LAN to the Internet WAN) and forward data packets between them.

What is the role of a Switch?

Connects devices within a single network (LAN). It receives data packets and sends them only to the intended recipient device (using the MAC address).

What is a Wired Access Point (WAP)?

A device that uses radio transceivers to allow devices to connect wirelessly (Wi-Fi) to a wired network.

What is a NIC (Network Interface Controller/Card)?

A hardware component inside a device that enables it to connect to a network. It converts data into electrical signals for transmission.

What is the Internet?

A worldwide collection of computer networks (a WAN) that use a common set of protocols to communicate.

What is the role of a DNS (Domain Name System)?

It converts a URL (e.g., google.com) into its corresponding IP address (e.g., 142.250.65.100) so computers can locate the correct web server.

What is Hosting?

The process of storing a website's files on a server and making them available for access by users over the Internet.

What does "The Cloud" refer to?

Using remote servers over the Internet to provide services like storage, software (SaaS), or processing, rather than using local resources.

State two advantages of using The Cloud.

1. Data is accessible from anywhere with an Internet connection.

2. No need for the user to manage or upgrade the hardware or software.

State two disadvantages of using The Cloud.

1. Requires an Internet connection to access data/services.

2. Data may be less secure as it is stored on a third-party server.

Describe the Star Topology (including its central point).

All devices connect to a central switch or hub. Data travels from the device to the central point, then to the destination device.

Give one advantage of the Star Topology.

Easy to add or remove devices. A cable failure only affects one connection, not the whole network.

Give one disadvantage of the Star Topology.

If the central switch/hub fails, the entire network fails (all communication stops). It can be expensive due to the amount of cabling required.

Describe the Mesh Topology (including its connections).

Each device is connected directly to multiple other devices in the network. A fully connected mesh means every device is connected to every other device.

Give two advantages of the Mesh Topology.

1. It is fault-tolerant/reliable because data can take an alternative route if one path fails.

2. Data can be transferred quickly using the shortest route.

Give one disadvantage of the Mesh Topology.

It requires a lot of cabling and network ports, making it expensive and complex to install, especially for a fully connected mesh.