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1.
Definitions and Descriptions
Read the descriptions below and fill in the table with the correct
key component of IT infrastructure that matches each
description.
Key
Description
Component
A computer accessible via an organisation’s network

Server
providing services to other clients.
A central server providing access to file systems and Central file

storing digitised materials. server
Manages print requests and printer queue status
Print server
information.
Oversees publishing and hosting a website on the
web server
internet.
Sends and receives emails, classified into outgoing and
Email server
incoming servers.
Manages and provides database services, handling data

Data server
access, retrieval, and client requests.
Stores and runs applications for client computers, often
Application
serving as middleware between database servers and
server
end-users.
2. Network Devices
Match the network device with its primary function.
Network
Primary Function
Device
A repeater is any device that receives a signal, amplifies it and
then transmits the amplified signal down another link.
Repeaters are used to increase the physical range of the
transmission media. Dedicated repeaters are routinely used to
Repeater extend the reach of fibre optic cable. Most wireless access
points can be used as simple repeaters to extend the coverage
range of wireless local area networks (WLANs). Transponders
used for ground-based and satellite microwave transmissions
are also repeaters.
Network Switches are essential components of any network. They
Switch connect several devices on the same network within a building
or campus, such as PCs, wireless access points, printers, and
servers. A switch allows connected devices to transfer data
and communicate with one another.
Network
Primary Function
Device
Switches determine the MAC address of the sender and
intended receiver that precedes each message. The receiver’s
address is used to identify the destination node and forward
the message to that node only. In essence, a switch sets up a
direct connection between
the sender and the receiver, therefore each node exists on its
own segment, the switch being the only other device on the
segment. As no other nodes exist on each segment each node
is free to transmit messages at any time without the need to
detect or avoid collisions.
A router is a simple networking device that connects your
computer or mobile phone with a modem or other network
devices. It transfers data packets from our computer networks
to the internet servers and from the internet to our devices. A
router transfers data between devices and from the device to
the internet within a network. The devices are usually
Router computers, scanners, printers which are interconnected with a
router and a modem as well to access the internet. It does so
by assigning a local IP address to each device connected with
it. This IP serves as a delivery address for data packets that
these devices are sending or receiving either from the internet
or other devices. With the help of these IPs, routers ensure
that data is being transferred to the right device.
A wireless access point (WAP), or more often just an access
point (AP), is a piece of hardware used in computer networking
that lets Wi-Fi devices connect to a wired network. A wireless
Wireless
access point (WAP) is a piece of networking equipment that
Access
lets wireless devices
Point
connect to wired networks. Installing WAPs is simpler and
easier than using wires and cables to connect all the
computers or devices in your network.
3. Storage and End-Point Devices
Briefly explain the function of the following components in a

network:
a. Network Attached Storage (NAS)- Storage is an important network

component. The way data is stored needs careful planning to allow for the
efficient and secure access to data. Storage is typically through the use of
Network Attached Storage (NAS) systems, which are preconfigured file
servers. They are made up of one or more internal servers, preset disk
capacity, and an operating system.
All NAS systems contain a central processing unit (CPU), some kind of
network-shareable storage, a place to store the operating system, random
access memory (RAM), and a network interface for communication.
b. End-point Devices- End-point devices are network-connected
products that communicate across networks. It can include any device
linked to a system. These serve as a user end-point in a distributed
network. An end-point device includes hardware connected to the internet
on an IP or TCP network. Examples include PCs, laptops, phones, tablets,
servers and much more.
Part 2: On-Premises vs. Cloud Computing
4. Comparing Systems
Complete the table below by listing at least two key

features/characteristics for each type of computing system.
System
Key Features/Characteristics
Type
On-premise computing consists of onsite IT infrastructure
comprised of servers, workstations, network connection
On- devices and other hardware, and software applications. With
Premises an on-premise system, generally the enterprise owns all
Computin components. Traditional on-premise systems have been
g gradually supplanted by cloud computing. A key distinction
between the two is the local storage and physical
maintenance of systems required by on-premise systems.
On-premise systems are ideal if a business requires
customisable hardware or systems that can be built to match
their purposes. There is however, less scope for scalability
with on-premise systems. With on-premise systems, internet
Cloud
access or connectivity is distinctly not required to access
Computin
software applications of the business.
g
With cloud computing, IT-based services are on-demand and
can be requested from anywhere via the internet. It is a
widely used and deployed technology system. Cloud
computing is known for its accessibility and ease of use.
5. Scenarios
Determine whether the following scenarios would be best served

by on-premises computing or cloud computing. Explain your
reasoning.
a. A small startup needs to scale its server capacity quickly

without a large upfront investment.
Cloud computing
b. A large corporation requires a highly customised and secure
IT infrastructure.
On-premises computing
Part 3: Application Questions

6. Real-World Application
Answer the following questions based on your understanding of

IT infrastructure:
a. Why might a business choose to use a file server over cloud

storage for sensitive documents?
It has a privacy and security settings confirming the safety of the
files.
b. How does the role of a print server improve efficiency in a
large office setting?
It creates it easier to collect documentation

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1.

Definitions and Descriptions

A computer accessible via an organisation’s network

A central server providing access to file systems and Central file

Manages and provides database services, handling data

Match the network device with its primary function.

3. Storage and End-Point Devices

Briefly explain the function of the following components in a

a. Network Attached Storage (NAS)- Storage is an important network

Part 2: On-Premises vs. Cloud Computing

Complete the table below by listing at least two key

Determine whether the following scenarios would be best served

a. A small startup needs to scale its server capacity quickly

Part 3: Application Questions

Answer the following questions based on your understanding of

a. Why might a business choose to use a file server over cloud

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