Computer Networks
Date: 29-Apr-24
Lesson: Networks and Topologies
1. What is the difference between a LAN and a WAN?
LAN is a small geographical area such as an office whereas WAN is over a large
geographical area such as an international banking company.
2. What is the purpose of a router on a network?
Connects Networks
3. A law company currently uses a Local Area Network (LAN) linked to a Wide Area
Network (WAN). They want to upgrade their system to utilize cloud storage.
(a) Define what is meant by a Wide Area Network.
Network over a large geographical area
(b) Explain two advantages to the law company of storing their data in the Cloud.
Can be accessed anytime and anywhere as long as internet connection is there
Share data easily between the employers and proceed with regular backups
Cloud storage also enables collaboration beyond a single team
Data can be accessed anywhere.
(c) Explain two disadvantages to the law company of storing their data in the Cloud.
Potential risk to hackers therefore data breach
Need internet connection
4. A small business has five computers, a printer, a scanner, and an internet
connection. It is considering connecting the devices together to form a network.
(a) State two advantages of connecting the computers together to form a network.
Data can be transferred efficiently between the devices
All devices can be secured through a network protection instead of individual
software on each device.
(b) Identify and describe the role of two pieces of network hardware that will be
needed to create a wired local network.
Router connects networks so it is a necessity, also a switch would be needed for
specific transmission of data to the intended recipient.
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(c) The computers will all be connected and will store their own files. Identify the
name of a network set up in this manner.
Star Topology Incorrect
Peer to peer network
(d) Explain two advantages to the business of installing this type of network.
Devices can be added to the network easily.
If one node has an error, no ther device or connection will be effected.
5. A wireless home network relies on radio signals to transmit data between devices.
(a) State the role of a WAP in the network.
Allows wireless devices to connected to a network that is wired
(b) Describe two ways in which the performance of the network may be affected by
using wireless transmission rather than cables.
Less efficient as other interference with radio signals may be present.
There could be physical barriers which lead to slower transmission speed.
6. A large company has its devices connected using a star topology.
(a) Describe a star topology.
Star topology is a network topology in which each network component is physically
connected to a central node such as a router, hub or switch.
(b) Identify three reasons why a large company would choose to use a star topology.
If one cable or device fails then all the others will still work.
It is high-performing as no data collisions can occur.
Devices can be added easily.
(c) The firm is considering storing its data in the cloud. Explain two advantages to the
firm of storing their data in the cloud.
Not done
7. The company has recently developed a new website and has registered a domain
name.
(a) Identify where the files for the web pages will be stored.
A server
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(b) Describe how the company’s website can be accessed using its domain name.
A website domain is the unique address that people type into their web browsers to
access a specific website, so when the user enters the domain name, the address of
the website is returned for the user to access the companies website
• A user will type the domain name into a web browser.
• The web browser will contact a DNS server to find out the IP address.
• The DNS server will return the IP address to the web browser.
• The web browser will then send a request for the website to its IP address.
8. State two types of cable that can be used to network computers
Coaxial, Fibre Optic
9. State one piece of hardware needed to set up a LAN.
Switch
10. Give three factors that can affect the performance of a network.
Num of devices
Bandwidth
Amount of data being transferred
Date: 19-May-24
Assessment Corrections
4) Disadvantages: Cost a fee which could be more across larger expanses of time. If the
cloud storage's max capacity has been reached, then you lose the data. If your subscription
ends you lose access to the data, making it less reliable.
9) MAC addresses can’t be changed and IP addresses can.
MAC addresses are assigned when the NIC is manufactured, Ip addresses are assigned
each time a device connects to a network.
MAc addresses are used within a LAN scale, however IP addresses are used on a global
WAN scale.
10) It is easy to maintain
no expensive hardware is needed.
No dependence on a server
If one device fails nothing is affected
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Easy to share files between the devices.
Easy process to connect to an external device such as a printer
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