Std - 8 - Chapter - 1

1.	What is a computer network?
	A computer network is a collection of computers and peripheral devices connected by communication links.
2.	What is a workstation?
	Workstation is a computer that is connected to a network.
3.	What are the basic types of topologies?
	Star, Ring and Bus are the basic types of topologies.
4.	Write full forms of the following
	a)      LAN – Local Area Network b)      WAN – Wide Area Network c)      MAN – Metropolitan Area Network d)      PAN – Personal Area Network e)      CAN – Campus Area Network f)       NIC – Network Interface Card g)      TCP/IP – Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol h)      HTTP – Hyper Text Transfer Protocol
5.	What is a Node?
	A node is a computer or any other devices on a network that communicates with other devices.
6.	What is a topology?
	The art of connecting different computers in a network is known as topology.
7.	Describe a network and networking in your own words?
	A network is a group of devices connected with one another.  Networking refers to the inter-connection of various devices to share their resources.
8.	Differentiate between LAN and WAN.
	LAN (Local Area Network) is a computer network covering a small geographic area, like a home, office, schools, or group of buildings.	WAN (Wide Area Network) is a computer network that covers a broad area (e.g., any network whose communications links cross metropolitan, regional, or national boundaries over a long distance.
	High Speed	Low Speed
	Network in an organization can be a LAN	Internet is a good example of a WAN
9.	Write short note on the hardware parts required to establish a network.
	Network hardware includes the physical components that are used to create a network. Cables: Cables are the wires that connect computers and resources on a network. Connectors: A connector is a device that joins two computers or networks together. NIC: Network Interface Card is a device that joins a cable to a computer.
10.	Write Three benefits of a network.
	Ease of Access: Storing information on one or two central computers makes it easy for people to work with and manage their files. Work From Home: The network has dedicated computers that allow people to connect to the company’s network at home using a modem. Share Resources: Computers connected to a network can share equipments and devices including printers and hard drives.
11.	Write advantages and disadvantages of the following:
	a)      Ring Topology Advantages: The ring works well where there is no central-site computer system. It is more reliable than a star network. Disadvantages: Requires more complicated control software. Failure of one node results into the failure of the entire network. b)      Star Topology Advantages: Star topology has minimal line cost. If any of the local computers fails, the remaining portion of the network is unaffected. Disadvantages: The system crucially depends on the central switch. If it fails, the entire network goes down. c)      Bus Topology Advantages: It is quite easy to set up. Failure of one node does not affect the rest of the network. Disadvantages: It offers limited flexibility for change. A signal on the bust must be strong enough to reach the receiver.

Additional Questions

1.	What is a File Server?
	A file server is a computer connected to the network, which serves or distributes files to the network users.
2.	Explain Wi-Fi?
	Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) technology is the wireless computer network that allows users to connect to the Internet without wires or cables.
3.	What is an Enterprise Network?
	When a single company owns and controls a wide area network, it is often called as an Enterprise Network.
4.	What is HTTP?
	Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is a set of rules for transferring files (text, graphic images, sound, video, and other multimedia files) on the World Wide Web.
5.	What do you mean by a network protocol?
	A network protocol defines rules for communication between network devices.  E.g.: HTTP, FTP, TCP/IP