08. Network foundations, hardware and architectures - revision mindmap
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The map is a completed revision summary. Cover a branch and reconstruct it, then try the linked chapter practice. Read the image at full size when labels are small.
Text version
Network purpose and scope
- Share data, services and devices
- Benefits: access, communication, central administration
- Costs: equipment, management, outages and exposure
- LAN, WAN, internetwork, Internet and intranet
Communication ingredients
- Sender, receiver, message
- Transmission medium
- Protocol: agreed format and exchange rules
- Simplex, half-duplex and full-duplex
Hardware decisions
- NIC: network interface
- Hub/repeater: repeat or regenerate signals
- Switch: LAN frame forwarding by destination MAC
- Router: next hop between IP networks; access point bridges wireless clients
Logical architecture
- Client requests; server provides
- Central permissions and backup
- Peer can request and provide resources
- Compare cost, administration and service availability
Links and topology
- Copper: cost, distance and interference
- Fibre: capacity, distance and electromagnetic interference
- Wireless: mobility, range and shared medium
- Star, mesh, bus, ring; identify actual failure consequences
Worked example & exam traps
- Laptop → access point → switch → router → remote server.
- Switch forwards LAN frames; router connects IP networks.
- Client-server: central control; server failure can disrupt its service.
- Avoid: Internet = Web; peer-to-peer = physical mesh; switch = router
Sources and reading
This map condenses Chapter 08 and its source trail. Use the self-learning reading guide for the corresponding VJC pages and A notes. It does not add topics to the stated promo scope.