Module 2.1- Local area network

Question 1

Hardware

Answer 1

Physical components connected to a network
Main terms used for hardware in networks: client, workstation, server

Question 2

Client

Answer 2

Any computing device that’s connected to a network

Question 3

Workstation

Answer 3

Specifically a desktop computer connected in a network

Question 4

Server

Answer 4

A computer that provides resources to clients instead of serving as a user

Question 5

Types of servers

Answer 5

File server
Email server
Web server- host websites
Printer server- handle printing requirements
Internet/proxy server- Used for security control and monitoring for viruses that need to be implemented at one place
Database server- Allow access to data stored in central databases

Question 6

Speeding up internet access

Answer 6

Internet access can be sped up by storing up recently opened web pages on a disk

Question 7

Switch

Answer 7

• Used to connect computers in a network with a cable so that communication can happen between the computers (not used for internet access)
• One end of the network cable connects into port that’s connected to NIC and other end is connected to switch
• Switch can send data that was sent fr one computer to another on a network
• Switches are stored in cabinets
• Large networks will have multiple switches

“100/10” this refers to the data transmission speed

Question 8

WLAN (wireless LAN)

Answer 8

• Easier to install
• More practical between buildings
• Reduces clutter
• Adds mobility for mobile users

Question 9

Fibre Optic vs UTP

Answer 9

Fibre
* More expensive
* More complex to install
* No electromagnetic interferance
* Signal travels furhther and faster
* Uses light
* Is immune to eavesdropping
UTP
* Cheap
* Easy to install
* Loses signal over a distance
* Slower
* Is succeptible to electromagnetic interferance
* Can be eavesdropped on

Question 10

Wireless connection

Answer 10

• Access points are needed in a wireless network to allow radio waves to communicate between devices
• These access points are connected via a cable

Question 11

Wireless connection

Answer 11

• Devices s in a network communocate wirelessly through access points
• Access points consist of antennas and senders that communicate with each other using radio waves
• Access points are connected using cables to a port
• Wireless connections are slower than wired ones

“802.11” refers to the speed that the wireless adaptor os capable of

Question 12

Network Software

Answer 12

• Software that controls all the security and communication in a network
• Some Operating Systems like Microsoft 10 have bulit-in network software
• Larger operating systems will have a server like edition that provieds more security and allows more people to be connected to it

Question 13

Advantages to LAN

Answer 13

• External portrable devices are not necessary to transfer files
• Files are stored on one main computer so the file can be accessed through any deivce connected iin that network
• All computer can share hardware like printers
• All computers can share internet access
• Easier to update/install things like anti-virus as they do not have to be installed one by one, only by the main computer
• All computers share software applications
• Security is easier to manage as user’s access to certain info can be limited al at once

Question 14

Disadvantages to LAN

Answer 14

• Can be expensive to install
• If an issue occurs at the main server then all other connected computers may get affected
• If its a WLAN then the signal may be affected by electrical interference
• WLAN is not as secure as it can be hacked
• Data must be maintained regularly
• A network administrator is needed to manage the network

Question 15

Network security

Answer 15

• This refers to policies put in place to make sure that unauthotised users do not have access to information to ensure safety

Question 16

Acceptable Use Policy

Answer 16

• Helps hold users accountable by providing them a frame work as to what they may and may not do and their rights and responsiblities
• Serves a contract to protect users when they are utilising ICT
  Comprises of:
• Basic nettiquette of what to do and not to do on social networking platforms and emails
• What kind of info may be accessed
• Limitations on what may be downloaded
• The importance of why ethics are followed
• Details on when and where portable devices may be used
• Procedures to follow if user falls victim to theft/hacking/malware/etc
• Clearly stated consequences of not ahering to AUP