Chapter 5: Network
1. What is network operating system? Mention the additional functionalities of it.
Answer:
A network operating system allows a computer to communicate on a network.
The additional functionalities are-
a) Passing usernames and passwords to a server for checking when a user logs
in.
b) Separating user accounts and ensuring that users cannot access each
other’s files.
c) Providing access to network storage and shared resources such as
networked printers.
2.Describe how devices are identified on a network.
Answer:
There are three methods used to identify devices on a network.
a) Internet Protocol: An IP address is a unique address that networked devices
use to send data to each other. Each piece of data that is sent across a
network carries the IP address of the destination, so that each device in the
network knows where to send it.
b) Media Access Protocol (MAC): MAC addresses are universally unique
identifiers given to the network interface card.MAC addresses are used in
devices connected to LAN using Ethernet, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi . MAC
addresses are fixed addresses. It is usually made up of six pairs of
characters. The first three pairs identify the manufacturer and the
remaining pairs are assigned to identify the devices.
c) Device name: Device names are given to help users to identify computers
on a network , a device name can be changed. As they are not unique, they
could cause conflicts thus is not used by computers to communicate with
each other.
3. Explain the functions of various client software as given below:
a) Web Browser b) Search Engine c) Filter Software
Answer:
The functions of various client software are given below:
a) Web Browser: A web browser is a type of software application used to
request and display information stored on web servers. Example : Google
Chrome.
b) Search Engine: A search engine provides users with a way to find
information in web page stored on web servers.
c) Filter software: Filter software prevents users from accessing inappropriate
information. When a user tries to access a web page, the address(URL) of
the webpage are compared against two lists of URLs and keywords stored
in the filter software’s database.
4. What is server? Explain the type of servers.
Answer: A server is a computer that shares its resources with connected devices.
The types of servers are:
a) Authentication Server: An authentication server checks usernames and
passwords. When a user logs in, the client receives an electronic certificate
that can be used to access various resources.
b) Print Server: A print server manages multiple printers at a time, dealing
with print requests from client computers and adding jobs to a queue so
that individual printers are not overloaded with request.
c) File Server: File servers allow users to access shared and private storage.
d) Application Server: Application servers provide clients with access to
applications that can be run directly from the server.
e) Web Server: Web server process request for data made via HTTP
(Hypertext Transfer Protocol).
5. Write down the function of the component of the wireless network given
below:
a) Router b) Gateway c) Booster d) Switch
Answer:
The function of the component of the wireless network are given below:
a) Router: A router stores the addresses of all devices that are connected to it
so that it can forward network traffic to its destination using the quickest
route.
b) Gateway: A gateway connects to different types of network. Example: LAN
is connected to a WAN using a gateway.
c) Booster: A booster is used to amplify the signal in a network so that its
range can be extended.
d) Switch: A switch connects devices on a network .The switch makes sure
that data sent from any device gets to the correct device on the network.
6. Explain what is peer-to-peer network and client-server network. Explain each
with a diagram.
Answer:
Peer-to-peer network:
Computers in a peer-to-peer network share their resources with other computers
in a network, but they do not have access to servers.
Client-server network:
Some networks use servers. A network that uses servers and clients is called a
client-server network.
7. Write four benefits of using LANs.
Answer: The benefits are-
a) Access to shared devices
b) Media streaming
c) Communication
d) Shared access to the internet
8. State the benefits of using client-server networks.
Answer: The benefits are-
a) Control of user access rights
b) Centralized administration
c) Centralized backup
9. Kay uses the internet to work from home.
a) When Kay logs to a browser application at home, she sees the bookmarks
that she saved when she was in the office.
Describe how this is made possible.
Answer: As Kay was using the same user account both from office and home,
the information was stored in online storage.
b)
The diagram shows data sent to a laptop.
I. Describe how the firewall acts on the data that has been sent to the
laptop.
Answer:
1. It controls the network traffic to and from a network.
2. It prevents users from accessing networked devices and resources.
II. State two ways devices are identified on a network.
Answer: 1) IP Address 2) MAC Address
III. Describe how MAC addresses can be used to prevent access to the
network.
Answer: Every device has a NIC which has a unique MAC address that can be
blacklisted by a firewall.
10. James teaches in a school that uses a LAN and WAN.
a) Give an example of WAN.
Answer: Internet
b) Describe two benefits to teachers of using LAN.
Answer: The benefits are-
i. Shared printer reduces printer cost
ii. Can store files that can be accessible by colleagues and students.
c) State the function of gateway.
Answer: A gateway connects two different types of network.
11. Ruwan searches online for local sport events.
a) Explain why Ruwan must consider his use of keywords when using search
engines.
Answer: If specific keywords are entered into the search engine more relevant
result will be returned.
b) Zara enters the same search item as Ruwan but receives different results.
Explain why?
Answer: A different search engine or browser is used, that uses a filter.
12) Suppose you want to have access to Wi-Fi connectivity at your house.
Using the concept of wired and wireless access point, write step by step
process to get connected with the network.
Answer: The step-by-step process to get connected with the network are:
a) First you need a wired connection to get connected with the ISP.
b) Then a router is required which provide connection from the ISP to our
homes.
c) Finally, Router detects the MAC address of the devices and enables us to
connect our devices like: smartphone, laptop and television with the WI-FI by
setting a user name and password.
