Data Communications & Computer Networks Chapter 1 | Introduction to Computer Networks Practice Questions | 2026/2027

Chapter 1 Final Exam- Introduction to Computer Networks and Data Communications

Computer Network An interconnection of computers and computing equipment using either wires or
radio waves over small or large geographic areas.



Local Area Network (LAN) Networks that are small in geographic size spanning a room, floor, building, or
campus.



Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) Networks that serve an area of 1 to 30 miles, approximately the size of a typical
city.



Wide Area Network (WAN) A large network that encompasses parts of states, multiple states, countries and
the world.



Personal Area Network (PAN) A network of a few meters, between wireless devices such as PDAs, laptops,
and similar devices.



Voice Network A network that transmits only telephone signals (almost extinct).




Data Network A network that transmits voice and computer data (replacing voice networks).




Data Communications The transfer of digital or analog data using digital or analog signals.




Telecommunications The study of telephones and the systems that transmit telephone signals.




Network Management The design, installation, and support of a network, including its hardware and
software.



Network Cloud A network (local or remote) that contains software, applications, and/or data.




Microcomputer-to-Local Area Network Layout Highly common throughout business and academic environments, and now
homes.



Microcomputer-to-Local Area Network Layout Typically a medium to high speed connection.




Microcomputer-to-Local Area Network Layout Computer (device) requires a Network Interface Card (NIC).




Microcomputer-to-Local Area Network Layout NIC connects to a hub-like device (switch).




Microcomputer-to-Internet Layout Popular with home users and small businesses.

, Chapter 1 Final Exam- Introduction to Computer Networks and Data Communications
Microcomputer-to-Internet Layout A dial-up modem is used to connect user's microcomputer to an Internet service
provider.



Microcomputer-to-Internet Layout Technologies such as DSL and cable modems are quickly replacing dial-up
modems.



Local Area Network-to-Local Area Network Layout Found in systems that have two or more LANs and a need for them to
intercommunicate.



Local Area Network-to-Local Area Network Layout A bridge-like device (such as switch) is typically used to interconnect LANs




Local Area Network-to-Local Area Network Layout Switch can filter frames




Personal Area Network-to-Workstation Layout Interconnects wireless devices such as PDAs, laptops and notebooks, and music
playback devices.



Personal Area Network-to-Workstation Layout Used over short distances such as a few meters




Local Area Network-to-Metropolitan Area Network Layout Used to interconnect companies (usually their local area networks) to networks
that encompass a city.



Local Area Network-to-Metropolitan Area Network Layout High-speed networks with redundant circuits.




Local Area Network-to-Metropolitan Area Network Layout Metro Ethernet is latest form of metropolitan LAN.




Local Area Network-to-Wide Area Network Layout One of the most common ways to interconnect a user on a LAN workstation to
the Internet (a wide area network)



Local Area Network-to-Wide Area Network Layout A router is the typical device that performs LAN to WAN connections.




Local Area Network-to-Wide Area Network Layout Routers are more complex devices than switches.




Wide Area Network-to-Wide Area Network Layout High-speed routers and switches are used to connect one wide area network to
another.



Wide Area Network-to-Wide Area Network Layout Thousands of wide area networks across North America, many interconnected
via these routers and switches.



Sensor-to-Local Area Network Layout Not all local area networks deal with microcomputer workstations.