Network Literacy

https://www.sqa.org.uk/files/nq/H7EA45.pdf

Practice Test

Evidence Requirements

  1. You will complete a test to show that you can;

    • Explain the function of network systems and network devices.
    • Use networks safely and responsibly.

  2. You will connect a device to a Network - It is essential that you properly document this task

Network Topology
Networks can use a range of different physical topologies
Ring
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Advantages
• Easy to predict how long data will take to arrive
• Secure

Disadvantages
• A broken ring will stop all transmissions (Dual Ring can minimise this problem.)
•A device must wait for an empty token to be able to transmit

Star
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Advantages
• Easy to connect a computer to the network.
• New nodes can be added without shutting the network down.
• Easy to detect faults and to remove parts.

Disadvantages
• Requires more cable than a bus topology.
• If the hub fails, the whole network fails
• The hub costs money.

Mesh
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Advantages
• Very Reliable.

Disadvantages
• Expensive
• Difficult to install
• Difficult to manage
• Difficult to find the location of a problem.

Bus
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Advantages
• Easy to connect a node to the bus.
• New nodes can be added without shutting the network down.
• Requires less cable than other topologies.

Disadvantages
• Entire network shuts down if there is a break in the main cable.
• Terminators are required at both ends of the Bus.
• Difficult to identify where the problem is if the network shuts down.

Tree
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Advantages
• Easy to connect a node to the network.
• New nodes can be added without shutting the network down.
• Easy to detect faults and to remove parts.

Disadvantages
• Requires more cable than a bus topology.
• If a connector fails, some of the network fails
• Management can get messy

Network Types

WAN ( Wide Area Network )
A computer network that extends over a large geographical distance

LAN ( Local Area Network )
A computer network that interconnects computers within a limited area such as a building or school.

PAN ( Personal Area Network )
A Computer network that interconnects personal devices - such as headsets or printers

MAN ( Metropolitan Area Network )
A City wide computer network

Equipment

Cable

RJ45

Wire Crimpers

Scenarios