Introduction to Computer Networks and Cybersecurity

Solutions Manual For Introduction to Computer Networks and
Cybersecurity 1st Edition By Chwan-Hwa (John) Wu; J. David
Irwin 9781138071896 ALL Chapters .
Characteristics of computer networks: - ANSWER:
- Sharing
- Performance
- Reliability
- Security
Sharing - of digital resources
Performance - Assessed in terms of speed of data transmission and number of users
Reliability - maintenance of data communication in case of hardware failure or
connectivity issues
Security - where steps for protecting data from unauthorised access can be
implemented

Advantages of computer networks - ANSWER: - share hardware, software and data
files
- allows internal communication (email)
- central backup
- network activity can be monitored
- centrally controlled security
- can access data from any computer

Disadvantages of computer networks - ANSWER: - network manager may have to be
employed
- security problems e.g. files sent between computers may spread viruses
- if the server is down, all workstations on the network are affected
- initial cost of servers, devices etc.

Network - ANSWER: collection of computers,servers and other nodes connected to
each other to allow the sharing of resources and data

Network topology - ANSWER: arrangements of nodes and connections between
them that make up a network

LAN - ANSWER: connected computer systems are relatively close to each other, wire
optic cables

WAN - ANSWER: Networks of computer systems that are geographically remote,
microwave links, undersea cables and communication satellites

Star Topology Advantages and Disadvantages - ANSWER: Advantages:
- stable layout, if one node fails, the rest of the network will continue working
unaffected

, - devices can be added/removed without the network being taken offline
Disadvantages :
- If the central hub goes down then network won't be able to function
- expensive and will need an expert to set up

Ring Topology Advantages and Disadvantages - ANSWER: Advantages:
- efficient at transmitting data without errors as only one is allowed to send data at a
time, reducing the risk of packet collisions
Disadvantages:
- if one node goes down, it can take the entire network with it
- addition of more devices can result in communication delays

Bus Topology Advantages and Disadvantages - ANSWER: Advantages:
- simple, all nodes connected with one cable
- more nodes can easily be added
Disadvantages:
- if the cable experiences a failure the whole network goes down, expensive to
restore

Mesh Topology Advantages and Disadvantages - ANSWER: Advantages:
- reliable, node failures won't bring network down
- much less chance of collisions
Disadvantages:
- complex, high cabling costs
- needs expert to set up

Router - ANSWER: Device designed to receive, analyse and move incoming packets
to another network.
Commonly used in home networks to share a single internet connection between
multiple computers

Hub - ANSWER: Serves as a connection point for all devices in a LAN. No intelligence
on where to send info and broadcasts all network data across each connection ( to
every node)

Switch - ANSWER: A LAN device that determines where to send each incoming
message according to the Media Access Control (MAC) address.

Bridge - ANSWER: A device that can create a single network by connecting two or
more networks together so that they work as a single network

Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) - ANSWER: Technical standard for accessing
information over a wireless network

Network Interface Card/controller (NIC) - ANSWER: Hardware component that
connects a computer to a computer network