9618 · 2.1
Networks including the internet flashcards
Revision flashcards for Cambridge 9618 Networks including the internet (syllabus 2.1). Flip, recall, then mark a real past-paper question.
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What is a LAN (Local Area Network)?
A network confined to a small geographical area, such as a single building or a university campus. It typically has high data transfer rates and is owned by an individual or organisation.
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What is a WAN (Wide Area Network)?
A network that spans a large geographical area, often a country or continent. The internet is the largest WAN. It uses third-party communication links like fibre optic cables or satellite.
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What is a PAN (Personal Area Network)?
A very short-range network for connecting devices centred around an individual's workspace, like a wireless mouse, keyboard, and smartphone connected to a laptop via Bluetooth.
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Describe the Client-Server model.
A network architecture where clients (user devices) request services from a central, powerful server. The server processes requests and returns data. Example: A web browser (client) requesting a webpage from a web server.
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Describe the Peer-to-Peer (P2P) model.
A network architecture where all devices (peers) are equal and can both provide and request services from each other directly, without a central server. Example: BitTorrent file sharing.
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What is the key advantage of the Client-Server model?
Centralised management. Backups, security, and administration are easier to manage from a single server.
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What is a key disadvantage of the Client-Server model?
It has a single point of failure. If the central server goes down, the entire network service can be disrupted. It can also be expensive to set up and maintain.
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What is packet switching?
A method of data transmission where a message is broken down into smaller units called packets. Each packet is sent independently across the network and reassembled at the destination. This is the fundamental communication method on the internet.
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What is the difference between the 'Internet' and an 'intranet'?
The Internet is a global, public network. An intranet is a private network, belonging to an organisation, which uses internet protocols and technologies. It is only accessible by the organisation's members.
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What is an 'extranet'?
An extranet is a controlled private network that allows access to parts of an organisation's intranet to external stakeholders, such as business partners, suppliers, or customers.
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Exam Trap: What's the difference between bandwidth and latency?
Bandwidth is the maximum data transfer rate of a network (e.g., in Mbps). Latency is the delay in data communication (e.g., in ms). A network can have high bandwidth but also high latency, making it feel slow for real-time tasks.
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What is a router's primary function on the internet?
A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks. Routers perform the traffic directing functions on the Internet, choosing the best path for a packet to travel to its destination.