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Study the school network layout and answer the questions below - NSC Information Technology - Question 3 - 2023 - Paper 2
Question 3
Study the school network layout and answer the questions below. 3.1.1 Define the term network. 3.1.2 Why do you think the school will benefit from investing in mod... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Study the school network layout and answer the questions below - NSC Information Technology - Question 3 - 2023 - Paper 2
Step 1
Step 2
Why do you think the school will benefit from investing in modern communication and network technologies?
Answer
Investing in modern communication and network technologies can significantly improve productivity by facilitating faster information sharing. It enhances reliability, ensuring that communication is consistent and effective. Moreover, it accommodates more devices, supporting both current and future technological needs. Additionally, these technologies promote collaboration, enabling students and educators to work together more effectively.
Step 3
Identify and motivate the need for at least TWO components used in a LAN.
Answer
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Network Interface Card (NIC): This hardware component is essential for connecting computers to the network. It converts data into a format suitable for transmission over the network, ensuring that the device can communicate effectively.
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Switch: A switch is a critical networking device that connects multiple devices within a local area network (LAN) and facilitates the efficient transfer of data packets between them, minimizing data collisions and optimizing bandwidth.
Step 4
Describe a potential disadvantage of this layout.
Answer
One potential disadvantage of the described layout is that the failure of one switch can impact the entire network. Since the switches are connected in series, if a failure occurs at any switch, it can disrupt communication between the segments, causing delays and loss of connectivity for all devices relying on the affected switch.
Step 5
Draw a basic diagram to suggest an alternative layout for the network that will prevent the potential problem described in QUESTION 3.1.4(a).
Answer
A suggested alternative layout is to configure a star topology for the network. In this layout, each switch connects directly to a central switch, allowing any single switch to be taken offline without affecting the others.
[Main Switch]
/ | \
[Switch 1] [Switch 2] [Switch 3]
/ \ / \
[PCs] [PCs] [PCs] [PCs]
This configuration ensures that if one switch fails, the others continue to operate, maintaining network communication.