Task's

=AfrostabTask's=

**__Task 2 Questions__ Question 1 ** __ Describe a computer network that you are familiar with. Provide an illustration of the network topology. __ Our school uses a LAN network. The network topology of a LAN network is a star network.
 * [[image:star-topology.gif caption="star-topology.gif"]] ||
 * star-topology.gif ||

__ What are the benefits of using a computer network? __ You can share information, files, data and resources quickly and easily through a network. It is much easier to communicate via email and chat. __ What is the difference between a LAN and a WAN? Give an example of each. __ A LAN network is a network that connects computers and devices in a small area like a home, school or business or in a local area. A WAN network connects devices over a large area like a city, country or even the whole world. The internet is a good example of a WAN network. The two main strategies for connecting computers are __in other words, all computers are independent. __ __. 
 * Question 2**
 * Question 3**
 * Question 4:**
 * __Client/Server: A computer that retrieves information from and uses resources provided by a serveror main computer. Many corporate networks are comprised of a client computer at each of the employees' desks. Each of these computers connects to a central server or mainframe allowing the employees to work.__
 * __**Peer 2 Peer**: A peer to peer network is a network that does not have a central computer or dedicated server,__
 * Question 5**:__ __ The common network topologies used are ‘Star’, ‘Bus’ and ‘Ring’.
 * __Star Topology: A star topology is one of the most common network setups where each of the devices and computers on a network connect to a central hub.__
 * __Bus Topology: A type of network setup where each of the computers and network devices are connected to a single cable or backbone.__
 * __Ring Topology: the ring topology is a type of computer network configuration where each network computer and device are connected to each other forming a large circle__
 * Question 6**: There are many types of servers that can be connected to a network. Describe the purpose of each of the following:__
 * __File Server: Computer on a network that is used to provide users on a network with access to files.__
 * __Print Server: Computer responsible for managing one or more printers on a network.__
 * __Application Server: Server software that manages one or more other pieces of software in a way that makes the managed software available over a network, usually to a Web server __

__Computers connected to a network are required to have a network interface card (NIC). What is the purpose of a NIC?__ The purpose of a Network Interface Card (NIC) is to provide your computer with a physical connection to a network. Almost all new computers come with a pre-installed NIC.
 * __QUESTION 7__**

__**QUESTION 8**__ __The following transmission media can be used to enable computers to communicate with each other.__ __ ·  Twisted pair cable (shielded and unshielded) __ __ ·  Coaxial cable __ __ ·  Fibre optic __ __Describe each type of transmission media and provide an example of the situation in which it would best be used.__

__Twisted pair cable (shielded and unshielded)__ A type of cable that consists of two independently insulated wires twisted around one another. The use of two wires twisted together helps to reduce crosstalk and electromagnetic induction. __Coaxial cable__ A type of wire that consists of a center wire surrounded by insulation and then a grounded shield of braided wire. The shield minimizes electrical and radio frequency interference. __ Fibre optic __ Fibre optics use glass (or plastic) threads (fibers) to transmit data. A fiber optic cable consists of a bundle of glass threads, each of which is capable of transmitting messages modulated onto light waves.

__In the area of data transmission, what do the following terms mean?__  __· __ __Bandwidth__ The amount of data that can be transmitted in a fixed amount of time.  __· __ __Baseband__ A type of data transmission in which digital or analog data is sent over a single unmultiplexed channel  __· __ __Broadband__ A type of data transmission in which a single medium (wire) can carry several channels at once.  __· __ __Simplex__ Refers to transmission in only one direction.  __· __ __Half-duplex__ Refers to the transmission of data in just one direction at a time. For example, a walkie-talkie is a half-duplex device because only one personcan talk at a time.  __· __ __Duplex__ Refers to the transmission of data in two directions simultaneously. For example, a telephone is a full-duplex device because both people can talk at once.
 * __QUESTION 9__**

__What is the function of the following pieces of network hardware commonly used in LAN’s?__  __· __ __Hub__ A common connection point for devices in a network. Hubs are commonly used to connect segments of a LAN.  __· __ __Repeater__ A network device used to regenerate or replicate a signal.  __· __ __Router__ A device that forwards data packets along networks.  __· __ __Bridge__ A device that connects two LAN's  __· __ __Gateway__ A node on a network that serves as an entrance to another network. <span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"> __· __ __Switch__ a device that filters and forwards packets between LAN segments __What is the purpose of a network operating system (NOS)?__ NOS is the software that organises, controls and coordinates the activities on a LAN network. It performs tasks such as administration, file management and security for the network.
 * __QUESTION 10__**
 * Question 11**

What are the most appropriate network operating systems for client/server and peer-to-peer networks? What are network protocols and why are they necessary?
 * Question 12 **
 * The most appropriate network operating system is a LAN because it is easy and inexpensive. **
 * Question 13 **
 * A protocol is a set of rules and procedures for exchanging information between two computers. Transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP) is an example of a network protocol used primarily with the internet. **