Quiz 7 Communications and Networks

1. Discuss the components required for successful communications.

 Answer:

     Computer communications describes a process in which one computer transfers data, instructions and information to another computer or computers. Also required are a communications device that receives signals from the communications channel and converts or formats them so the receiving device can understand the signals, and a receiving device that accepts the data, instructions or information.

2. Identify various sending and receiving devices.

Answer:

Sending device — initiates instruction to transmit data,instructions, or 

information.

Receiving device — accepts transmission of data, instructions, or information.

	Microcomputers, minicomputers, and mainframes all can serve as sending and receiving devices.
	Besides, Internet appliances and Web enabled handheld computers and devices (e.g., cellular telephones and pagers) can also serve as sending and receiving devices.

3. Describe uses of computer communications.

Answer:

     Computer and Communications networks are key infrastructures of the information society with high socio-economic value as they contribute to the correct operations of many critical services (from healthcare to finance and transportation). Internet is the core of today's computer-communication infrastructures. 
 

4. List advantages of using a network.

Answer:

     By using a network, people can communicate efficiently and easily via email, instant messaging, chat rooms, telephony, videophone calls and videoconferencing. In a networked environment, each computer on the network can access and use hardware on the network, such as printers or scanners. Authorised computers on a network can also access data and information stored on other computers in the network. Users connected to a network can access software (programs) on the network.

5. Differentiate among client/server, peer-to-peer, and P2P networks.

Answer:

Network architecture is the logical design of the components of a network, including the number and type of servers, workstations and network resources. It includes the communications devices and the type of physical transmission media used to connect components.

A peer-to-peer LAN is a simple, inexpensive network that typically connects less than 10 computers together. Each computer on a peer-to-peer network can share hardware (such as a printer), data or information located on any other computer in the network. Each computer stores files on its own storage devices, and contains both the network operating system and application software. Peer-to-peer networks are ideal for very small businesses and home users. Another use of peer-to-peer, called P2P, describes an Internet network that enables users with the same networking software to connect to each other's hard disks and exchange files directly.

A client/server LAN is a network in which one or more computers acts as a server and the other computers on the network can request services from the server. A server, sometimes called the host computer, controls access to the hardware and software on the network and provides a centralised storage area for programs, data and information. The other computers on the network, called clients, rely on the server for these resources. The major difference between the server computer and the client computer is that the server has more storage space and power. Dedicated servers perform a specific task - a file server stores and manages files, a print server manages printers and print jobs, a database server stores and provides access to a database and a network server manages network traffic. A client/server network provides an efficient means to connect 10 or more computers together, but can be used to connect a smaller number of computers. A network administrator is the operations person in charge of the network.

6. Describe the various network communications standards.

Answer:

Network standards define:

•  Way devices access the medium
•  Speed on different types of networks
•  Types of network technology (cable / wireless)

Protocols

•  Rules on how devices communicate with each other
•  Data format used
•  Coding Scheme
•  Error Handling
•  Sequencing techniques etc.
•  Hardware / Software Vendors try to meet these guidelines

7. Explain the purpose of communications software.

Communication software is used to provide remote access to systems and exchange files and messages in text, audio and/or video formats between different computers or user IDs. This includes terminal emulators, file transfer programs, chat and instant messaging programs, as well as similar functionality integrated within MUDs.

8. Describe various types of lines for communications over the telephone network.

Answer:

A telephone network is a telecommunications network used for telephone calls between two or more parties.

9. Describe commonly used communications devices.

10. Discuss different ways to set up a home network.

Answer:

To set up a home network that is wired, you will need to have a network card in each computer, a router, and enough cables to connect them all.  You will also need the documentation that came with your router.  

• Step 1 - Connect the cable from your internet modem to the port on the router labeled either uplink, or internet in most cases.  
• Step 2 - Connect the first computer to anyone of the other ports.  
• Step 3 - Log into your router refer to the information that came with your router.  This is usually done by entering 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 into your address bar.  Your documentation will tell you which one.  
• Step 4 - Enter the username and password that is instructed by your router documentation.  
• Step 5 - You should now be in the router setup.  Enter all the information for internet, you will need the protocol, PPPoE in this case, the username and password from your internet service provider.  Click on Save when done.

11. Identify various physical and wireless transmission media.