Networking

1 What is a network ?
A network is a group of computers, printers, or other devices that are connected and
communicate with each other. The communication medium used in networking can be copper wire , fiber
optics or radio waves. The three networks types are Local Area, Metropolitan and
Wide Area Network which are otherwise known as called LAN, MAN and WAN.

2 What is a LAN topology ?
LAN topology is the manner in which network devices are organized.

3 What is the definition of Ethernet ?
An ethernet is the most widely used network standard.
Ethernet was originally developed by Xerox and then by Xerox, DEC, and Intel.

4 What is UTP ?
Unshielded Twisted Pair is a type of cable used in Ethernet networks.

5 What is CAT5 cable ?
CAT 5 is the highest quality UTP cable and is tested for over a 100MHz signal.

6 What is Token Ring
The token ring is the second most widely-used LAN protocol after Ethernet.
A token ring network is a local area network in which all computers are connected in a ring or star
topology and a token-passing scheme is used in order to prevent collision of the data between
two computers that want to send messages at the same time.

7 How can I network two computers ?
- First thing is to identify the Operating Sytem that you are running on each system.
- Second is to acquire a network adapter that is supported in that operating system
or in other words, the manufacturer has drivers for it in that OS.
- Third is to install the network cards on each system (if one is not already installed).
- Forth is to decide on whether using a direct cable between the two systems or
using a hub/switch. If the two systems are connected directly, a crossover cable
must be used. When connecting to a hub or switch, a straight through cable is
needed

8 What is a HUB ?
A HUB is a passive network device that allows network nodes to
communicate with each other. The packets received on each port will be broadcasted to
all ports on the hub. In hubs the bandwidth is shared between all connected devices.
 
9 What is a Switch ?
A Switch is a network device that provides dedicated connections for network
nodes. Unlike hubs that broadcast packets to all ports, switches provide dedicated
bandwidth between source and destination ports.

10 What is an IP address ?
an IP address is a number that identify each PC node on the Internet. These addresses are
either assigned by a network administrator or received from a DHCP server. Each IP
address is comprised of 4 octets or 32 bits (IPv4).
eg 192.168.23.33

11 What is a MAC address ?
A MAC address is a unique 6 byte number that is burned into each network card when it is
manufactured.

Anything else you want to know, just ask