Computer Networks Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of a Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) network?

To connect a limited number of devices to the internet.

To link hundreds of computers across various locations.

To facilitate communication among large organizations.

To enable connection between a home and a corporate network. (correct)

Which characteristic differentiates a Local Area Network (LAN) from a Wide Area Network (WAN)?

LANs are administered by multiple service providers.

LANs support only a single type of service.

LANs provide slower speed links than WANs.

LANs cover small geographical areas while WANs cover wide areas. (correct)

What is a notable feature of the Internet?

It is owned by a single organization.

It connects a vast number of LANs and WANs. (correct)

It consists only of Local Area Networks.

It operates without any physical connections.

What does BYOD stand for?

Bring Your Own Device Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding the administration of LANs?

LANs are monitored by an individual or a single organization. Signup and view all the answers

What type of connection method might WANs use?

Various methods, including copper wires and fiber optics. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a typical device used under BYOD policies?

Desktop computers Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of collaboration tools like Cisco WebEx?

To enable instant messaging and file sharing Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the capabilities of WANs?

They connect different LANs across wide geographical distances. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical requirement for effective collaboration according to the content?

Video communication Signup and view all the answers

How do Small Home Networks primarily function?

By linking several devices to share resources and internet access. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the number of users typical for a WAN?

Hundreds or thousands of users. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cloud is intended for a specific organization?

Private Cloud Signup and view all the answers

How do smaller companies typically utilize cloud computing?

By leasing server and storage services Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of cloud computing mentioned in the content?

Access to data anytime, anywhere Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of Public Clouds?

Available free or for a pay-per-use model to the public Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP)?

To connect subscribers to designated access points or hotspots Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered an external threat to network security?

Denial of service attacks Signup and view all the answers

What technology is commonly used by wireless broadband services for connectivity?

Smartphone cellular technology Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following protocols or technologies is NOT typically involved in securing a network?

Data compression techniques Signup and view all the answers

What do internal threats in network security primarily involve?

Internal employee misuse and lost devices Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following network security threats is characterized by exploiting unpatched vulnerabilities?

Zero-day attacks Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following trends is NOT changing the way we interact through networks?

Increasing use of floppy disks Signup and view all the answers

Which threat is NOT classified as an external threat to networks?

Accidental misuse by employees Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of a host in a network?

To act as an end device Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a characteristic of a reliable network?

Robust error detection Signup and view all the answers

How do LANs and WANs connect to the internet?

By utilizing routers and switches Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration when implementing network security measures?

Maintaining quality of service while securing the network Signup and view all the answers

What encompasses common types of networks?

Both wired and wireless networks Signup and view all the answers

What does the CCNA certification primarily validate?

Foundational technologies knowledge Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant security concern in networking today?

Basic threats like malware and phishing Signup and view all the answers

What basic requirement does a reliable network NOT have?

Unrestricted user access Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical component for securing a home or small office network?

Antivirus and antispyware software Signup and view all the answers

Which security measure is specifically mentioned as being part of larger networks?

Intrusion prevention systems (IPS) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the impact of networks in modern life?

Networks connect us and create global communities Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT part of the new focus area of the CCNA certification?

Blockchain technology Signup and view all the answers

What security solution helps block unauthorized access to a network?

Dedicated firewall system Signup and view all the answers

Which technology is emphasized in the CCNA for staying relevant?

Next-generation technologies Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT included as a network security component?

Cloud storage encryption Signup and view all the answers

What role do access control lists (ACLs) play in a larger network?

They manage network traffic permissions. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Networks Affect Our Lives

Networks are important for communication and connect people both locally and globally.

Network Components

A host or end device refers to any computer connected to a network.
Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs) connect subscribers to specific access points or hotspots primarily found in rural areas.
Wireless broadband is a common solution for home and small businesses using cellular technology and external antennas.

Network Representations and Topologies

Network diagrams visually represent network connections, outlining various components and their relationships.
Network topologies describe the physical or logical arrangement of network devices.
Common network topologies include:
- Bus Topology
- Star Topology
- Ring Topology
- Mesh Topology

Common Types of Networks

Networks are categorized based on the geographical area coverage, number of users, services provided, and responsibility.
Local Area Networks (LANs) connect devices in a limited geographical area.
- LANs are typically administered by a single entity.
- LANs provide high-speed bandwidth for internal devices.
Wide Area Networks (WANs) connect LANs over broader geographical regions.
- WANs are usually managed by one or more service providers.
- WANs generally offer slower speeds compared to LANs.
The internet comprises a global collection of interconnected LANs and WANs.
- LANs connect to each other through WANs.
- The internet is not controlled by any specific individual or group.

Internet Connections

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) provide access to the internet.
Common internet connection types include:
- Dialup
- DSL
- Cable Modem
- Satellite
- Fiber-optic
- Wireless

Reliable Networks

Reliable networks possess four fundamental requirements:
- Availability: Ensuring network accessibility for users.
- Reliability: Maintaining network functionality and data integrity.
- Scalability: Adapting to changes in network size and demand.
- Security: Safeguarding the network and its data from threats.

Network Trends

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) allows users to access information and communicate using their personal devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
Online collaboration tools enable users to work together on projects remotely.
- Collaboration tools like Cisco WebEx facilitate instant communication and interaction.
Video communication allows for visual communication with anyone regardless of location.
- Video calls are becoming increasingly important for effective collaboration.
Cloud computing enables storing and retrieving data remotely on internet-based servers.
- Applications can also be accessed via the cloud.
- Cloud computing offers flexibility and accessibility to devices anywhere.
Four types of cloud services exist:
- Public cloud: accessible to the general public through a pay-per-use model.
- Private cloud: exclusive to a specific organization or entity.
- Hybrid cloud: combines both public and private cloud components.
- Community cloud: shared by a group of organizations with similar requirements.

Network Security

Network security is essential for protecting data and resources from various threats.
Security threats can be external or internal.
- External threats originate from external sources and include:
  - Viruses, worms, and Trojan horses
  - Spyware and adware
  - Zero-day attacks
  - Threat Actor attacks
  - Denial of service attacks
  - Data interception and theft
  - Identity theft
- Internal threats originate within the network and include:
  - Lost or stolen devices
  - Accidental misuse by employees
  - Malicious employees
Security solutions are crucial for mitigating threats.
- Security solutions for home or small office networks typically include:
  - Antivirus and antispyware software
  - Firewall filtering
- Larger networks may also employ:
  - Dedicated firewall system
  - Access control lists (ACLs)
  - Intrusion prevention systems (IPS)
  - Virtual private networks (VPNs)

The IT Professional

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification demonstrates knowledge of fundamental networking technologies.
- CCNA validates skills for adopting next-generation network technologies.
- The new CCNA focus emphasizes:
  - IP foundation and security
  - Wireless, virtualization, automation, and network programmability
DevNet certifications validate software development skills at associate, specialist, and professional levels.
Specialist certifications demonstrate proficiency in job-specific roles and areas of interest.

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Description

Explore the essential components, representations, and classifications of computer networks. This quiz covers various network topologies, common types of networks, and the role of networks in communication. Test your knowledge on how networks connect people and devices both locally and globally.