Grade 11 Computer Applications Technology - Local Area Network (Module 2.1)

Comprehensive Question and Answer flashcards covering Grade 11 CAT Module 2.1 Local Area Networks.

What is a Local Area Network (LAN)?

A network connecting computers in a small area such as a school.

What does the acronym PAN stand for?

Personal Area Network.

What does the acronym HAN stand for?

Home Area Network.

How is the Internet defined in terms of network types?

Global computer network.

What is a workstation in a network environment?

Desktop computers providing a place where someone can sit down and use a device that is connected to the network and work on it.

How are clients defined in a network?

Any computing device or peripheral that can interact with the network and use the network resources.

What is a server in a network?

Powerful computer that provides service: storage, email, and internet and printer access to network users.

How does a computing device gain access to services in a client-server network?

Computing device must sign in to the server to access the services provided by the server.

What is the primary function of devices in a peer-to-peer network?

Devices can join the network and communicate with each other – mostly use the network to gain access to the internet.

What is the role of a file server?

Store files, shared folders.

What is the role of an email server?

Send, receive and organise all the email of the company.

What are the functions of an internet or proxy server?

Security control for viruses and internet usage monitoring.

What is the main function of a web server?

Host websites.

What is the role of a print server?

Ensuring users gain access to appropriate printers.

What is the role of a database server?

Access to data stored in a central database.

How are server roles handled differently in small companies compared to large companies?

In small companies one server can be used to perform all roles, but in large companies these roles would be assigned to separate dedicated servers (or cloud services).

What component must every computing device have to connect to a network?

Every computing device must have a NIC (Network Interface Controller), which can be a built-in wireless adapter or a built-in wired adapter.

How do laptops typically connect to a network according to the textbook?

Laptops tend to have built-in WiFi capabilities but may need a USB dongle/hub to allow connection with a cable.

What is a switch?

A switch is a device used to connect computers in a wired network, where one end of the network cable plugs into the network port of the computer, and the other end plugs into a port on the switch.

What is an Access Point (AP)?

An access point (AP) is a device that creates a wireless network to which devices can connect without cables, consisting of a sender/transceiver and an antenna which transmit and receive radio waves.

What is a router?

A router is a device that connects a local area network (LAN) or a home area network (HAN) to the internet.

What three technologies are included in a home router?

Router, WiFi access point, and Switch.

What type of network topology/setup is depicted in this diagram?

A simple LAN.

What is UTP cable and what is its primary use?

UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) is the cable most commonly used to connect computers in a LAN.

How does a fibre optic cable transmit data?

Fibre optic cable uses light signals to transmit data, making the transmission fast and efficient.

How do UTP and fibre optic cables compare in terms of data transmission speed and cost?

Fibre optic cable is faster in data transmission, but it is more expensive than UTP cable.

What advantages does fibre optic cable have over UTP regarding reach, eavesdropping, and EMI?

Fibre can span greater distance, is immune to eavesdropping, and is not affected by EMI (Electromagnetic Interference).

What does the term WLAN stand for?

Wireless LAN (Wireless Local Area Network).

What are two advantages of installing a WLAN over a cabled LAN?

Installing a WLAN is easier (not necessary to pull cables through walls and ceilings or lay them between buildings) and the network is more flexible and convenient (no cables taking up space).

How is the overall data transmission speed determined in a network with components running at different speeds?

The overall speed of the network is determined by the speed of the slowest component.

What does the specification '100/1000' in computer adverts refer to?

The data transmission speed that the switch or NIC can support, i.e. 100 Mbps / 1000 Mbps (1 Gigabit per second).

How does data transmission speed over a WLAN compare to a cabled LAN?

Data transmission over a WLAN is slower than over a (cabled) LAN.

What are four key advantages of a LAN?

1. Software, hardware, and a single internet connection can be shared. 2. Software updates can be done from a central computer. 3. Security in the network can be enforced. 4. Internet access can be monitored and controlled through a central (proxy) server.

What is a specific major issue if a file server becomes faulty on a LAN?

If the file server is faulty, nobody can access their files.

What are three possible disadvantages of a wireless connection?

1. Sending data wirelessly is less secure than using cables. 2. Network performance can decrease as the number of connected devices increases. 3. Signals could get lost or interfered with.

What is the definition of network security?

Network security refers to policies (rules) put in place to ensure the security of a network, by preventing unauthorised access to information and misuse of the computer network.

What guidelines should be followed to create a 'strong' password?

At least 8 characters long; a mixture of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters or symbols; avoid personal details easy to guess; avoid keyboard patterns like 'asdf' or '1234'.

What is a passphrase?

A passphrase is a password made up of multiple words (e.g. 4 words and at least 15 characters in total). It is more secure than a 'normal' password and easier to remember.

What is 'throttling' in the context of Internet Service Providers?

Restricting your connection speed if you download excessive amounts of data in a short period.

What is an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)?

An AUP (Acceptable Use Policy) is a document that outlines what the users may and may not do, when they are using ICT facilities and when they are online, to protect both themselves and the organisation.