The diagram below illustrates the network of a small business - NSC Information Technology - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 2

All devices must have a unique IP address to ensure that data is correctly routed between devices without conflicts or miscommunication during network communication.

Two possible reasons for slow connection speeds on the WLAN include:

1. Interference from physical structures like walls and furniture that can degrade wireless signals.
2. Excessive users accessing the network simultaneously, leading to limited bandwidth for each user.

Two services that can be provided by an ISP include:

1. Email services.
2. Web hosting services.

Two benefits of using an ADSL connection are:

1. It offers a high-speed and permanent connection.
2. It allows simultaneous internet and telephone use, enhancing user convenience.

The switch connects devices within the LAN and directs traffic between them, ensuring that data packets are sent to the correct destination efficiently, thereby optimizing network performance and reducing collisions.

Fibre-optic cables use light as the medium to transmit signals.

Two reasons why fibre-optic cables are more suitable include:

1. They provide less interference and diminished Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), ensuring clearer signals.
2. They allow for greater distances without the need for signal regeneration, making them ideal for extensive LAN setups.

A thin client is a lightweight computer that relies on a server for processing and storage, having minimal local resources. It typically lacks a hard drive and has limited hardware capabilities.

Two reasons for the preference of thin clients include:

1. They require software to be installed only on the server, simplifying maintenance and management.
2. Their lower hardware specifications lead to cost savings and space efficiency in the office environment.

The purpose of a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) is to provide backup power immediately during a power failure, ensuring that devices can shut down properly without data loss.

One practical example is that staff can remotely access the business network securely from any location, allowing for flexible work arrangements and continued productivity.

The technique used to maintain privacy on a VPN is encryption, which protects data from unauthorized access during transmission.

Two possible reasons for connection issues to the VPN include:

1. Incorrect login credentials, such as a mistyped password.
2. Firewall blocking that prevents the connection from being established.

The term used to describe this capability is 'scalability,' which refers to a system's potential to be adjusted in size to accommodate varying workloads.