Network Component Questions by Phoebe Barnett

5. A company wants to set up an intranet.

phoebe_mb — 2015-11-19 10:22:52 UTC

(a) What is an intranet?

The internet is not the same as the World Wide Web and it is important not to get the two terms mixed up. The internet is the infrastructure provided to connect computers together across the globe using telecommunications systems such as telephone lines, leased lines, mobile phones and satellites. It uses the TCP/IP protocol for communication between devices. Any computer with an external communication link can connect to the internet, meaning that the internet can be referred to as an OPEN network.

(b) Why might they want one?

4. Clearly describe the purpose of a router.

phoebe_mb — 2015-11-19 10:24:25 UTC

3. What does a network card do?

phoebe_mb — 2015-11-19 10:24:32 UTC

A network interface card (NIC) enables a computer to be connected to a network using a cable. More modern computers include the network interface as part of the circuitry on the motherboard of the computer, but it is also possible to add network interface cards to computers.

Each NIC has a media access control (MAC) address that is unique to that card. Other devices that are connected to networks also have MAC addresses so they can be identified uniquely.

2. Describe the use of a repeater.

phoebe_mb — 2015-11-19 10:24:44 UTC

Signals deteriorate along long cables, so a device is required to extend the range of cables. A repeater will sit between two segmenets of cable. It receives the signal from one cable and then re-sends the signal along the next cable. It is used when copper cable needs to be used over distances longer than 100 metres.

1. Clearly explain the difference between a hub and a switch.

phoebe_mb — 2015-11-19 10:25:03 UTC

A switch is a device that connects several devices together to enable communication to take place between those devices. A hub looks physically the same as a switch and has the same purpose of enabling communication to take place between devices that are connected to it. However, it does not examine data packets, but instead sends them out to every port that is connected to it.

4. Clearly describe the purpose of a router.

phoebe_mb — 2015-11-19 10:30:33 UTC

A router is an advanced version of a switch. It stores the addresses of devices connected to it and sends data to recipient devices using an effective route. It is mainly used to connect a LAN to a WAN. Routers were once used exclusively by large organisations, but smaller versions of routers are now available to connect home computers to the internet.