Networks Chapter 8

A client/server network is a type of network where clients send requests to a central server, which processes these requests and returns the appropriate response. This is different from a peer-to-peer network where all nodes have equal capabilities and communicate directly with each other.

Network hardware refers to devices that are used to connect computers or other electronic devices to share resources and information. A switch is a common network hardware device used to connect multiple devices within a local area network (LAN). Keyboards, mice, and monitors are input/output devices used for interacting with computers and displaying information, but they are not considered network hardware.

Fibre optic refers to a type of communication medium that utilizes optical fibers to transmit data through the form of light impulses. Copper wire, wireless, and coaxial cable are not examples of fibre optic media.

In a star topology, all nodes are connected to a central hub. This central hub facilitates communication between all nodes. In a mesh topology, each node is directly connected to every other node in the network. In a bus topology, all nodes are connected to a central cable called a bus. In a ring topology, each node is connected to exactly two other nodes, forming a closed loop.

A mesh network topology is characterized by each device being connected to every other device in the network, providing multiple paths for data transmission. This redundancy increases network reliability but also comes with higher infrastructure costs compared to other topologies.

A peer to peer network is a type of network where each computer has equal responsibilities and capabilities. In a client-server network, one or more computers serve as servers that provide resources to client computers. LAN (Local Area Network) and WAN (Wide Area Network) refer to the geographic scope of the network, not the type of network.

Network hardware refers to physical devices such as routers that are used for communication and data transfer over a network.

A wireless access point is a device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi. It is not a router, switch, or modem, as each of these devices serves a different function in a network setup.

Category 5 (Cat 5) or Ethernet cables are commonly used for wired network connections due to their reliability and cost-effectiveness. Fiber Optic cables transmit data using light signals, Coaxial Cable is often used for cable television connections, and Bluetooth is a wireless technology for short-range communication.