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Q & A on Networking

Question No. 1

What is Networking?• Two or more computers that are linked in

order to share– Resources (such as printers & CDs)– Exchange files– Allow electronic communications

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Question No. 2

What are two basic types of Networking?• Local Area Network (LAN)– Confined to relatively small geographic area

• Wide Area Network (WAN)– Connect larger geographic area

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Question No. 3

What are the advantages of LAN?– Speed– Cost– Security– Centralized Software Management– Resource sharing

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Question No. 4

What is a Protocol?• A Protocol is a set of rules that governs the

communication between computers on a network

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Question No. 5

What is Network Hardware?• Network hardware includes all computers,

peripherals, interface cards and other equipment needed to perform data-processing and communication within the network

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Question No. 6

What is a Switch?• A Switch is a device that provides a central

connection point for cables from workstations, servers, and peripherals

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Question No. 7

What is a Router?• A router translates information from one

network to another• it is similar to a super-intelligent bridge. • Routers select the best path to route a message,

based on the destination address and origin. • The router can direct traffic to prevent head-on

collisions, and is smart enough to know when to direct traffic along back roads and shortcuts

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Question No. 8

What is Network Cabling?• Cable is the medium through which

information usually moves from one network device to another

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Question No. 9

What is a Topology?• The physical topology of a network refers to

the configuration of cables, computers, and other peripherals.

• Physical topology should not be confused with logical topology which is the method used to pass information between workstations

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Question No. 10

What is a Network Operating System?• Unlike operating systems, such as Windows,

that are designed for single users to control one computer, network operating systems (NOS) coordinate the activities of multiple computers across a network.

• The network operating system acts as a director to keep the network running smoothly

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