Fundamentals of Computer Networks
What's covered
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Key facts
Advantages and Disadvantages of Networks
One key advantage of a network is that files and printers can be shared between connected computers.
Client-Server and Peer-to-Peer Networks
In a client-server network, files, security and backups are managed centrally on the server.
Definition and Purpose of a Computer Network
Two or more computers connected together form a computer network.
HTTP and HTTPS
HTTP stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol.
Network Hardware
Copper cable (such as twisted pair Ethernet cable) carries data as electrical signals and is cheaper but suited to shorter distances.
Network Protocols: Definition and Purpose
A common protocol is needed between two computers so they both agree on how data is sent and received.
Network Security: Authentication
Authentication on a network checks who a user or device is.
Network Security: Encryption
If encrypted data is intercepted, the attacker only sees scrambled ciphertext, not the original plaintext.
Network Security: Firewalls
A firewall blocks traffic based on rules covering source/destination address, port, protocol, and allowed action.
Network Security: MAC Address Filtering
MAC in MAC address filtering stands for Media Access Control.
Practice questions with answers
A taste of the 156 questions in this topic, answers marked. Sign up to practise the full set with spaced repetition.
Which is an advantage of using a network?
- •Computers must be in the same physical room
- •Every device must use its own internet line
- ✓Files and printers can be shared
- •Software updates must be installed manually
In a client-server network, what is the role of a client?
- •It manages user accounts and network security
- ✓It requests services or resources from a server
- •It routes data packets between separate networks
- •It stores shared files for every other computer
What is a computer network?
- •A group of users sharing one operating system
- •A set of programs that share the same database
- •A single computer with multiple processors
- ✓Two or more connected computers
What does HTTP stand for?
- •Hyper transport protocol
- •Hyperlink text transfer protocol
- ✓Hypertext transfer protocol
- •Hypertext transmission process
What does a network interface card (NIC) do?
- ✓Allows a device to connect to a network
- •Boosts a wireless signal across a building
- •Converts domain names into IP addresses
- •Stores web pages for client devices
What do network protocols allow?
- ✓Computers to communicate reliably
- •Computers to read each other's files freely
- •Computers to share one keyboard between them
- •Computers to share the same single password
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