3.1 Wi-Fi, UTP cables and fibre-optic cables are network media that need to be considered when networks are set up - NSC Information Technology - Question 3 - 2020 - Paper 2
Question 3
3.1 Wi-Fi, UTP cables and fibre-optic cables are network media that need to be considered when networks are set up. Fibre-optic cables have a greater bandwidth, but ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:3.1 Wi-Fi, UTP cables and fibre-optic cables are network media that need to be considered when networks are set up - NSC Information Technology - Question 3 - 2020 - Paper 2
Step 1
Describe bandwidth in this context.
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Answer
Bandwidth refers to the total amount of data that can be sent and received in a network during a specific time period. It reflects the capacity of the network to transmit information, measured typically in bits per second.
Step 2
Expand the abbreviation Mbps.
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Mbps stands for Mega bits per second, which indicates the data transfer rate of a network.
Step 3
Apart from having a greater bandwidth and higher speed, name TWO other advantages of fibre-optic cables as opposed to UTP cables.
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Fibre-optic cables exhibit lower or no signal degradation over distances, meaning they can effectively transmit data over longer distances without loss of quality.
They are largely immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI), making them more secure and less prone to issues caused by nearby electrical equipment.
Step 4
Give TWO reasons why UTP cables are sometimes preferred in an office environment rather than Wi-Fi.
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UTP cables are less likely to suffer from interference, providing a more stable connection compared to Wi-Fi.
They are not affected by physical barriers like walls and furniture, ensuring consistent connectivity in office spaces.
Step 5
Define the term network backbone.
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A network backbone is a central part of a computer network that connects different segments or local area networks (LANs), facilitating the exchange of data across the network.
Step 6
State the function of an NIC.
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An NIC (Network Interface Card) facilitates communication between a computer and a network by providing the necessary interface for sending and receiving data over the network medium.
