Computer Networks - AQA Computer Science Cheat Sheet
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What is a Computer Network? Methods of Network Security
A digital telecommunications network which allows nodes (i.e. Auth‐ Checking the identity of a user, usually by requiring them
computers) to share resources. entica‐ to input a password or biometric ID.
tion
Pros and Cons of Networks Encrypt‐ Encoding data it using a key, meaning that the same key
Advant Communication: becomes easier as a result of technology ion is needed to decrypt the data. This is how HTTPS works.
ages: like texting, emailing, etc. Fire‐ Protects a network from unauthorised access.
Flexibility: if information is stored on a network, it means walls
users can access it from anywhere in the world. MAC Allows devices to access or be blocked from accessing a
Sharing resources: sharing files and information over a Address network based on their physical address embedded
network, including software (can be streamed using web Filtering within the device’s network adapter.
applications) and access to printers.
TCP/IP
Disadv Hardware: routers, network cards etc are required to set
ant‐ up a network. This is expensive and requires professional TCP Transmission Control Protocol, a protocol dictating how
ages: expertise to set up. to establish and maintain a network conversation.
Vulnerability: hackers can break into networks. Malware IP Internet Protocol
can spread and damage files on many computers via a TCP/IP A 4-layer model that is essential to networking.
network.
Appl‐ Where the network applications, such as web browsers
Dependence: users relying on a network might be stuck ication or email programs, operate. Examples: HTTP, HTTPS
without access to it. Layer
Tran‐ Sets up the communication between the two hosts and
Wired vs Wireless
sport they agree settings such as ‘language’ and size of
Wired Networks Layer packets.
The computers are physically connected by wires (e.g. coaxial Network Addresses and packages data for transmission. Routes
copper cables, fibre optics). They are arranged in topologies. Layer the packets across the network.
Wireless Networks Data This is where the network hardware such as the NIC
There is no physical connection, as radio waves (e.g. in the form Link (network interface card) is located. OS device drivers
of WiFi) are used to communicate data instead. Layer also sit here.
Which is Better?
TCP/IP Diagram
It is dependent on situation. Wired networks are more reliable, as
there is less interference. Security is also easier to manage.
However, cabling and other physical components can make it
very expensive. Wireless networks allow mobility and flexibility,
but are much less secure and interference can occur. Data
transfer may also be slower.
Why is network security important?
Network security is a broad term for any measures that protect a
http://microchipdeveloper.com/tcpip:tcp-ip-five-layer-model
network from unauthorized access, misuse, destruction, or the
sharing of confidential information. It is important because otherwise
sensitive data may be shared or lost. It is also essential from a legal
persepctive. For businesses, corporate espionage is another a
potential issue.
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Computer Networks - AQA Computer Science Cheat Sheet
by [deleted] via cheatography.com/56036/cs/15127/
Network Protocols Network Topologies (cont)
Ethe‐ A family of protocols that dictate how devices on the same What is bus topology?
rnet network segment format and transmit data. A network where there is a central backbone of cable connecting
Wi-Fi A family of protocols that deal with wireless transmission. every computer. At each end of the cable is a terminator to stop
or data from continually being moved around.
WLAN
Advantages of bus toplogy:
TCP Transmission Control Protocol: splits (and later reasse‐
1. Cheap.
mbles) data into packets. Also involves error checking, as
2. Easy to add more devices.
expects an acknowledgement transmission within a set
Disadvantages of bus topology:
time frame.
1. Only appropriate for small networks, otherwise data transm‐
UDP User Datagram Protocol:
ission is too slow.
IP Internet Protocol: each device has an IP address. Packets
2. Data collisions are likely.
are 'addressed' to ensure they reach the correct user.
3. If the backbone is severed, all computers are impacted.
HTTP Hypertext Transfer Protocol: used to access a web-page
from a web server.
Bus Topology
HTTPS Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure: u7ses encryption to
protect data.
FTP File Transfer Protocol: handles file uploads and
downloads, transfers data and programs.
SMTP Simple Mail Transfer Protocol: handles outbound email. http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/ict/datacomm/networkt‐
SMTP servers have databases of user's email addresses. opsrev1.shtml
IMAP Internet Message Access Protocol: handles inbound
Star Topology
emails.
A network protocol is a set of rules/conventions that dictate how a
network operates.
Network Topologies
What is network topology?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/ict/datacomm/2network‐
The way that a network is physically structured.
srev6.shtml
What is star topology?
A network where there is a central server that all of the computers Types of Network
and peripherals are connected to. PAN Personal Area Network - a network comprising only a small
Advantages of star toplogy: number of devices belonging to only one individual (e.g.
Bluetooth).
1. If a computer fails, there is no impact on the other devices.
2. Security is good, because the data only passes through the LAN Local Area Network - a network that encompasses a small
server, not any other devices. area (e.g. one company's network).
3. There are no data collisions. WAN Wide Area Network - a network comprising many devices
and covering a large area (e.g. the Internet). Often under
Disadvantages of star topology:
collective ownership.
1. If the server fails, it's a catastrophe.
2. Lots of cabling is need to connect all the devices individually,
so it's quite expensive.
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