3.1 Networks are used at the studio to allow for fast and efficient communication to take place - NSC Information Technology - Question 3 - 2024 - Paper 2

The process of transferring data using SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) involves several key steps:

1. Encryption: SSL encrypts data to make it unreadable to outsiders. This ensures that even if data is intercepted during transmission, it cannot be easily understood.

2. Key Exchange: The browser obtains a public key from the secure site. This public key is used to establish a secure connection between the client and server.

3. Session Key Creation: A session key is created which is unique for each session. This key is mathematically tied to the public key and is used for subsequent encryption of the data.

4. Secure Connection: Once a session key is established, a secure tunnel is created where data can be securely transferred. The private key is never exposed during this exchange, and all data transferred is encrypted using the session key.

The switch connects devices in a network to a central location, allowing for communication to occur. It effectively manages data traffic by directing it to the appropriate device.

The router connects different networks together and routes data between them. It directs internet traffic to and from devices on the network, ensuring that data reaches its intended destination.

The modem converts digital data from a computer to analog for transmission over telephone lines and vice versa. It is essential for enabling internet connectivity.

A firewall acts as a barrier between your computer and the internet, monitoring incoming and outgoing traffic. It blocks unauthorized access attempts and filters out potentially harmful data. By doing so, it protects against malware, hackers, and other malicious activities that could compromise the security of a computer.

A peer-to-peer network may be more suitable because it allows direct communication between devices without relying on a central server. This can distribute the load across multiple connections, reducing the strain on any single device and speeding up the transfer process.

Files are transferred using FTP (File Transfer Protocol) by establishing a connection between a client and a server. The client sends requests to the server to upload or download files over a network. FTP provides a secure method for managing file transfers, ensuring that files can be accessed and shared efficiently.

Shaping refers to the process of controlling the amount of bandwidth allocated to different services, prioritizing critical applications to ensure they receive sufficient resources. This helps prevent congestion during peak usage times.

Throttling, on the other hand, involves intentionally slowing down the data rate for certain applications when they exceed a specified limit. This technique ensures that bandwidth is fairly distributed across users, preventing any single user from consuming excessive resources.

Both methods are essential for maintaining optimal performance and fair usage in a gaming studio environment.

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the interconnection of everyday devices to the internet, allowing them to send and receive data. This technology enables smart devices to communicate and automate tasks, improving efficiency and user experience across various applications.

1. Smart Game Consoles: These can adjust settings or optimize performance based on user preferences and playing habits, enhancing the gaming experience.

2. Connected VR Equipment: This technology can gather data from players to create personalized gaming environments based on real-time feedback.