Principles of Information Systems Networks

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology related to the principles of information systems networks discussed in the lecture notes.

What is the purpose of a computer network?

To transmit, exchange, or share data and resources between two or more devices.

What hardware components are essential for a computer network?

Routers, switches, access points, and cables.

What does 'network topology' refer to?

The shape or structure of a network, including the arrangement of devices and communication links.

Name three common network topologies.

Star, bus, and mesh.

What is a major disadvantage of a star network topology?

If the central hub fails, all connected devices are unable to communicate.

What is a key advantage of a mesh topology?

Provides high fault tolerance as multiple paths are available for data transmission.

Define a Local Area Network (LAN).

A network that connects devices within a small geographic area, such as a home or office.

What distinguishes a Wide Area Network (WAN) from other network types?

Covers a large distance, potentially countrywide or global.

What are guided transmission media?

Wired media that guide communication signals along a solid medium.

List examples of unguided transmission media.

Radio waves, microwaves, infrared waves, and satellite signals.

What is the role of a router in a network?

To forward data packets between different networks toward their destinations.

What is 'network latency'?

The time it takes for a data packet to travel from its source to its destination.

What does TCP/IP stand for?

Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol.

Identify a function of a firewall in a network.

To protect the network from unauthorized access.

What is software-defined networking (SDN)?

An approach to networking that allows management via a controller without needing physical access to all devices.

Name one advantage of 5G communications over 4G.

Higher data transmission speeds and lower latency.

What is the main difference between synchronous and asynchronous communication?

Synchronous communication occurs in real-time, while asynchronous communication has delays.

Define an Intranet.

A private corporate network that uses Internet and Web standards for internal communication.

What is an Extranet?

A network that provides secure access to business resources for external stakeholders.

What is the role of a client in the client/server architecture?

To request services or resources from a server.

What is a network operating system (NOS)?

Software that controls computer systems and devices on a network and facilitates communication.

Describe one benefit of network resource sharing.

Improved accessibility and cost savings by allowing multiple users to access shared files and hardware.

How does the Internet facilitate communication?

By enabling data transmission through a global network of computers and devices.

What role does the Domain Name System (DNS) play on the web?

Translates domain names into IP addresses to locate resources on the Internet.

Name three client-side programming languages.

HTML, JavaScript, and CSS.

What is network performance measured by?

Metrics such as bandwidth, latency, and throughput.

What are the main types of wireless communication technologies?

Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Zigbee.

Explain the significance of encryption in data transmission.

It secures sensitive data by converting it into an unreadable format for unauthorized access.

What are the characteristics of decentralized processing?

Tasks are distributed across multiple locations, reducing vulnerability to single points of failure.

What is 'broadband communications'?

A telecommunications system with a very high rate of data exchange.

What does a multiplexer do?

Encodes data from multiple sources onto a single communication channel.

What do 'protocols' govern in networking?

Rules for how data is transmitted and received between devices.

What is done under 'mobile device management' (MDM)?

Remotely manages and troubleshoots mobile devices.

What is an example of guided transmission media?

Twisted pair cables.

What defines a metropolitan area network (MAN)?

Connects several Local Area Networks (LANs) within a municipality.

What is the function of a switch in a network?

Forwards messages to devices on the same network based on their physical address.

State one disadvantage of using fiber optic cables.

They can be expensive to install and maintain.

Explain the concept of 'network scalability'.

The ability of a network to grow and expand without impacting performance.

Name one characteristic of full-duplex communication.

Permits data transmission in both directions simultaneously.

What is a common use case for a VPN?

To create an encrypted connection for secure remote access to a private network.

Identify a risk associated with wireless networks.

Data can be intercepted without proper security measures.