Chapter 1 Building A Simple Network

The characteristic of speed in a network refers to how fast data is transmitted over the network. This indicates the efficiency and responsiveness of the network in transferring data from one point to another. A network with high speed ensures quick data transfer, reducing latency and improving overall performance.

The characteristic of cost in a network refers to the general price of components, installation, and maintenance of the network. This means that it indicates the overall expenses associated with setting up and maintaining the network infrastructure. It includes the cost of purchasing hardware components, the cost of installing and configuring the network, and the ongoing cost of maintenance and support. This characteristic is important for organizations to consider when planning and budgeting for their network requirements.

A router's purpose is to interconnect networks and choose the best paths between them. It acts as a gateway between different networks, allowing data to be transmitted between them efficiently. By analyzing network traffic and using routing protocols, routers determine the most optimal path for data to travel, ensuring that it reaches its destination quickly and reliably. This allows for effective communication and connectivity between different networks, making routers essential in modern networking infrastructure.

Memory is not sharable on a network because it is a physical component of a computer system that stores data and instructions temporarily. It is directly connected to the CPU and is not designed to be accessed or shared by multiple devices over a network. In contrast, applications, peripherals, and storage devices can be shared on a network, allowing multiple users to access and utilize them simultaneously.

The three common network applications are e-mail, collaboration, and databases. E-mail is a widely used application for sending and receiving electronic messages. Collaboration refers to the ability to work together on projects and share information in real-time, often through tools like shared documents or video conferencing. Databases are used to store and manage large amounts of data, allowing for efficient retrieval and manipulation of information. Graphics creation and word processing, although important applications, are not specifically network applications and can be performed offline on individual computers.

The three accurate statements about networks are:
a. Networks can transmit data in various environments, such as homes, small businesses, and large enterprises.
b. A main office can have a significant number of people who rely on network access for their work.
c. A network is a collection of interconnected devices that can communicate with each other.

A switch serves as the endpoint in the network, meaning it acts as a connection point for devices to send and receive data. It allows devices to communicate with each other within the local network by intelligently switching the data between them. Unlike routers, switches do not choose the path over which data is sent to its destination. Instead, they focus on providing network attachment and facilitating efficient data transmission within the local network.

The purpose of network interconnections is to provide network attachment to the end systems and intelligent switching of the data within the local network. This means that network interconnections allow devices to connect to the network and enable the efficient transfer of data within the network. It involves routing the data through the most efficient path and filtering the traffic to ensure smooth and effective transmission.