what is a network
2 or more objects sharing resources
this is how computers are connected to other devices like a printer
what is local area network LAN? what does it do?
small geographical area is networked via cables or wireless
it allows computers to share resources such as printers or scanner
what is a wide areas network WAN? what does it do?
spans a large area such as a hospital or city
used to connect computers that arent physiclaly attached
what is a peer to peer network
can hae a limited # of comps connected to each other and all comps are equal. each comp controls its own info and operation
what is a server based network
centralized computer that controls applications, files, ect of clinet computers. the server controls aaccess of other devices to the internet.
what are the 3 types of comps found in a network
server
thin client
thick client
what is a server
comp that manages resources for other comps, servers, and devices.
a network may have one or many
what is a thin client? what is a thick client?
thin - part of a network that reqs servoces and resources from a server. ex phone
thick- a computer that can work independently frpm the network. it can process and manage its own files. ex CT scanner
how do devices on a network communicated w each other?
cables and wires running thru walls
what is a network interface card? network hub?
provides the physical connection between comp and network
used to connect several pieces together for network communication purposes (connects multiple devices wirelessly)
what is network switch? network bridge?
NS- similar to hub but more efficient, sends data only where needs to go
NB- physical component used to connect 2 smaller networks together
whats a network router
a device that can read parts of a message and direct info to where it needs to go.
what is a internet protocol address (IP address)
a series of #s that ID the hardware and its location on the network (diff for every device)
what are network protocols
a set of rules that data must comly w to travel thru the network. there are 7 layers of protocols each w a diff function.
if all components share the same low level protocols then they can comm w each other
what is topology
the physical layout of the devices connected to a network.
what is bus topology and where would it be used
all devices attached to a single wire so they can send a receives info to and from each other.
used in small offices or homes bc is very simple
whats the down side to bus topology
it the wire fails the whole sys fails
what is ring topology
devices connected in a circle. info passed from one device to the next until it reaches destination.
what is star topology
devices are connected to a central hub or switch and data os sent thru the hub to the destination device
whats the most common topology
star
what is mesh topology
WWW/internet. a network of multiple paths interconnected devices and networks, used to connect networks to networks.
mosyt expensive and complicated
