Differentiate between physical and logical network topologies
Describe in general terms the operation of these networks.
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Candidates should be able to compare local area networking with standalone operation.
Network Segment
Define the term and explain why local-area networks based on a bus topology are segmented.
Peer-to-peer networking & Server-based networking
Explain these terms and describe situations where these might be used.
Thin client computing & Web services
Compare and contrast thin client computing (software as a service, AJAX, Web 2.0, etc) vs rich client computing (client-server, peer-to-peer), web services as examples of ‘systems architectures’.
Wireless networking (Wi-Fi & Bluetooth)
Radio-based LAN protocols for connecting mobile/portable devices.
Inter-networking
Explain the meaning of the term inter-networking.
Routers particularly, Gateways
Define these and consider where and why they are used.
Consider how routing is achieved across the Internet and how local area networks are connected to the Internet via gateways.
Consider how a subnet mask is used to identify the network identifier part of an IP address.
Be familiar with the role of MAC addresses in routing packets/frames.
Distinguish between routable and non-routable IP addresses.
Discuss worms, spam, phishing, pharming as well as viruses, also vulnerabilities that these exploit and how to address them through improved code quality, monitoring, protection.
