Chapter 7 Study Guide – Networks
1. Why Networks Matter
Networks connect devices and allow communication, data sharing, and global business operations.
They support things like mobile payments, online learning, telemedicine, and social media.
2. What a Network Is
A network consists of devices, communication media, and software working together to share data.
3. Network Topologies
Star: Devices connect to a central hub. Easy to manage but hub failure shuts everything down.
Bus: All devices share one main cable. Simple but slower and less secure.
Mesh: Devices connect through multiple paths. Very reliable but expensive.
4. Network Types
PAN: Personal devices (Bluetooth, smartwatch)
LAN: Small area (home, office)
MAN: City-wide network
WAN: Large geographic area (Internet)
5. Network Performance
Bandwidth: Amount of data that can be transmitted.
Latency: Delay in data transmission.
Best networks have high bandwidth and low latency.
6. Communication Media
Wired: Twisted pair (cheap), coaxial (faster), fiber optic (fastest).
Wireless: Radio, microwave, infrared.
Technologies: NFC (tap-to-pay), Bluetooth (short range), Wi-Fi (common internet).
7. 4G vs 5G
4G supports streaming and mobile apps.
5G is faster, has lower latency, and supports more devices. It enables self-driving cars and AR/VR.
8. Network Software
NOS: Controls network operations.
Network management software: Monitors and fixes issues.
MDM: Manages mobile devices.
SDN: Centralized, automated network control.
9. How the Internet Works
The Internet is a global network that sends data in packets using TCP/IP. Each device has an IP
address.
10. Network Hardware
Switch: Directs data within a network.
Router: Sends data between networks.
11. Internet vs Web
Internet is the infrastructure.
Web is the content accessed through it.
12. How the Web Works
Client/server model: Clients request data, servers provide it.
URL: Website address.
DNS: Converts names to IP addresses.
Key Takeaways:
Networks are essential for communication and business.
Understand topologies, network types, bandwidth vs latency, wired vs wireless, and switch vs
router.