1.5 (network Topologies, protocols and layers)

1.5 (network Topologies, protocols and layers)

1. Mesh Network

   • where some or all of the workstation or other devices are connected directly to each other. Most are usually connected to the node that they exchange the most data with.

2. Star Network

   • in a star network, each devices are connected by an individual cable directly to the server.
   • star networks are usually the layout of choice in school and offices because they tend to be the most reliable of the topologies
   • easy to add devices

3. WIFI

   • cheap set up cost
   • more vulnerable to hacking
   • the signal quality will reduce through walls or obstructions
   • less disruption to the building due to no wires being installed
   • can connect multiple devices without the need for extra hardware
   • user not tied down to a specific location
   • the connection is not as stable as wired networks and cant drop off
   • It's wireless frequency radio waves are used to transmit data packets without the need for wires

4. Encryption

   • this is a method of scrambling data with a key code which makes no sense
   • encryption is used, if intercepted the data will have no meaning
   • on an open or public WIFI network anyone can join and sniff out packets of data from another users
   • in order to read the data the user is required to decrypt the data using the key

5. Ethernet

   • stable connection
   • reduced possibility to be hacked
   • more secure
   • faster traffic speed
   • generally will have a good quality signal

6. IP Addressing

   • A unique string of numbers separated by full that identifies each computer using the internet protocol to communicate over a network
   • They are similar to as a postcode that is used to identify a house in a county on a street.
   • The address change when the device is restarted

7. MAC Addressing

   • MAC addresses, or media accss control addresses uniquely identify a device on a network by identifying the network adapter that the device is using
   • the MAC address is embedded into the device when it is manufactured and the owner cannot change it. each address is individual and is made up of 28 bits
   • The address are static

8. Protocols

   • set of rules
   • divided into layers
     • network communication is standardized
     • Changes to a layer with no effect on no layers
   • POP
     • Post office protocols
     • POP3
       • Retrieves emails
         • Cant send mail
   • FTP
     • File transfer protocols

9. Packets

   • sender IP
   • Reciever IP
   • Sequence Number
   • Data/payload
   • 7 Steps how to send a packet