woah, you guys look like you're writing a textbook ,lol
this is meant to be a practice for what you would write in the exam, so dont go too overboard =]
JosephW said:
What is a router and what distinguishes it from a switch?
A router is a device which directs and finds the best possible pathway for data packets to travel through a network
A switch is a device that distributes data packets between the nodes or devices of a network. It receives a data packet and only broadcasts it to the required port.
Both connect devices together and allow for the transmission of data.
In contrast of the two, a router is a much more complicated device; it can find the best possible pathway from A to B by communicating with other routers e.g. if a link is broken, it can find its way around it.
Most routers also utilise wireless technology, whereas switches traditionally are wired.
Routers can connect LANs with WANs (such as the Internet) contrary to traditional switches (only LANs)
EXTRA: Hubs are exactly like switches, but, when they receive a data packet they broadcast it to ALL of the ports (which is why they are called 'dumb devices'.. they are mostly replaced by switches nowadays)
Hubs > Switches > Routers
Q: Who are the users, and who are the participants, of an information system? Give examples [general question]