ITN Chapter 1 Exam Online

Because network devices and dedicated servers are not required, peer-to-peer networks are easy to create, less complex, and have lower costs. Peer-to-peer networks also have no centralized administration. They are less secure, not scalable, and those devices acting as both client and server may perform slower.

A router is used to determine the path that the messages should take through the network. A firewall is used to filter incoming and outgoing traffic. A DSL modem is used to provide Internet connection for a home or an organization.

Criteria for choosing a network medium are the distance the selected medium can successfully carry a signal, the environment in which the selected medium is to be installed, the amount of data and the speed at which the data must be transmitted, and the cost of the medium and its installation.

Applications on end devices generate data, alter data content, and are responsible for initiating the encapsulation process.

End devices originate the data that flows through the network. Intermediary devices direct data over alternate paths in the event of link failures and filter the flow of data to enhance security. Network media provide the channel through which network messages travel.

An extranet is a network area where people or corporate partners external to the company access data. An intranet simply describes the network area that is normally accessed only by internal personnel. The wired LAN is affected by BYODs (bring your own devices) when the devices attach to the wired network. A college wireless LAN is most likely used by the tablet and smartphone. A wireless WAN would more likely be used by college students to access their cell provider network.

Home users will go online shopping over the Internet because online vendors are accessed through the Internet. An intranet is basically a local area network for internal use only. An extranet is a network for external partners to access certain resources inside an organization. A home user does not necessarily need a LAN to access the Internet. For example, a PC connects directly to the ISP through a modem.

Intranet is a term used to refer to a private connection of LANs and WANs that belongs to an organization. An intranet is designed to be accessible only by the organization’s members, employees, or others with authorization.

Cable and DSL both provide high bandwidth, an always on connection, and an Ethernet connection to a host computer or LAN.

Cellular connectivity requires the use of the cell phone network. Satellite connectivity is often used where physical cabling is not available outside the home or business.

When the demand on the network resources exceeds the available capacity, the network becomes congested. A converged network is designed to deliver multiple communication types, such as data, video and voice services, using the same network infrastructure.

Video conferencing utilizes real-time audio and video communications. Both of these are time-sensitive and bandwidth-intensive forms of communication that require quality of service to be active on the network. QoS will ensure an uninterrupted user experience.

A method of limiting the impact of a hardware or software failure is fault tolerance. A measure of the data carrying capacity is bandwidth. A set of techniques to manage the utilization of network resources is QoS. A state where the demand on the network resources exceeds the available capacity is called congestion.

A security policy requiring strong, complex passwords contributes to data confidentiality because only authorized users can access the data.

Cloud computing allows users to access applications, back up and store files, and perform tasks without needing additional software or servers. Cloud users access resources through subscription-based or pay-per-use services, in real time, using nothing more than a web browser.

The Internet provides global connections that enable networked devices (workstations and mobile devices) with different network technologies, such as Ethernet, DSL/cable, and serial connections, to communicate. A private network for an organization with LAN and WAN connections is an intranet.

Powerline networking adds the ability to connect a device to the network using an adapter wherever there is an electrical outlet.​ The network uses existing electrical wiring to send data. It is not a replacement for physical cabling, but it can add functionality in places where wireless access points cannot be used or cannot reach devices.​

On a personal PC, denial of service to servers, worms and viruses, and spyware producing spam emails can be annoying, invasive, and frustrating. However, identity theft can be devastating and life altering. Security solutions should be in place on all personal devices to protect against this type of threat.

Technically complex security measures such as intrusion prevention and intrusion prevention systems are usually associated with business networks rather than home networks. Installing antivirus software, antimalware software, and implementing a firewall will usually be the minimum requirements for home networks. Installing a home wireless network will not improve network security, and will require further security actions to be taken.

BYOD, or bring your own device, is a trend in networking where users are allowed to use personal devices and tools on business and campus networks.

A converged network is one in which multiple technologies such as data, telephone, and video are all delivered on the same network infrastructure.

DSL is an always-on, high bandwidth connection that runs over telephone lines. Cable uses the same coaxial cable that carries television signals into the home to provide Internet access. Dialup telephone is much slower than either DSL or cable, but is the least expensive option for home users because it can use any telephone line and a simple modem. Satellite requires a clear line of sight and is affected by trees and other obstructions. None of these typical home options use dedicated leased lines such as T1/E1 and T3/E3.

Data integrity verifies that the data has not been altered on the trip between the sender and the receiver. A field calculated by the sender is recalculated and verified to be the same by the receiver. Passwords and authorization maintain control over who has access to personal data. Redundant devices and links attempt to provide 99.999% availability to users. Integrity is made possible by requiring validation of the sender, not the destination. VPNs are not the only secure method by which data can be transferred confidentially.