36 Questions
What is a network?
A set of technologies used to connect computers together
What is a LAN?
A network that spans a small geographic area
What is the role of a switch in a LAN?
To provide connection points for computers and devices
What is a WLAN?
A wireless network that allows devices to connect together
What is the purpose of a Wireless Access Point?
To connect devices wirelessly
What is a characteristic of a LAN?
It spans a small geographic area
What is used to connect devices to a LAN?
Cables
What can a WLAN be attached to?
A LAN
What device is required for a LAN to communicate with another LAN or the Internet?
Router
What type of network is formed when interconnected networks span across wide geographical locations?
Wide Area Network (WAN)
What is the primary function of a switch in a LAN?
To interconnect devices in a LAN
What component is required for each computer/device in a LAN?
Network Adapter or NIC
What type of device is a Wireless AP?
Wireless networking device
What is the purpose of a File Server in a LAN?
To store and manage files
What is the difference between a LAN and a WAN?
LAN is local, WAN is wide-area
What is the role of a Router in a network?
To connect a LAN to a WAN or the Internet
What is the primary function of a network cable in a LAN?
To connect devices to a switch
What is the purpose of a MAC address in a LAN?
To allow devices to communicate with each other
Where is a MAC address typically located?
On the device's NIC
How can you find your device's MAC address?
By typing 'ipconfig /all' at the command prompt
What is the main difference between MAC addresses and IP addresses?
MAC addresses are used for LAN communication, while IP addresses are used for internet communication
What is the primary function of an IP address?
To identify devices connected to the internet
What is the default port number for the HTTP protocol?
80
What is the primary function of a network firewall?
To prevent unauthorized access to the private network
What type of firewall uses a set of individual instructions to control actions?
Packet filtering firewall
What happens when a rule is matched in a packet filtering firewall?
No further rules will be evaluated
What is the default port number for the FTP protocol?
21
What is the primary function of a packet filtering firewall?
To control incoming and outgoing network traffic
What is the default port number for the DNS protocol?
53
What happens when the 'Prompt' action is taken in a packet filtering firewall?
The user is asked what action to take
What is the primary function of an Intrusion Detection System (IDS)?
To monitor the network for possible security threats
What is the main difference between an IDS and an IPS?
IDS detects intrusions, while IPS prevents intrusions
What happens when an IPS detects an attack?
It gives commands to a firewall to block the attacker's IP address
How does an IDS typically receive network traffic?
Through a network tap or mirrored port
What is the typical placement of an IPS in a network?
Between the firewall and the rest of the network
What is the primary goal of an IPS?
To block malicious traffic from entering the network
Study Notes
Networking Basics
- A network is a set of technologies used to connect computers together, allowing them to communicate and share resources.
- A typical network is a Local Area Network (LAN) that spans a small geographic area such as a home, a floor within a building, or a single building or multiple buildings in a campus.
Types of Computer Networks
- A LAN uses a network device (e.g., switch) to provide connection points for computers and devices using cables.
- A Wireless LAN (WLAN) allows devices to connect together using a Wireless Access Point, forming a larger LAN.
- A Wide Area Network (WAN) connects LANs over a wide geographical area, requiring a networking device called a Router.
Networking Hardware Components
- In a typical LAN, the networking hardware components are:
- A network device (interconnecting device), typically a switch.
- A network adapter or network interface controller (NIC) for each computer/device.
- Network cables to connect the computers/devices to the switch.
MAC Addressing
- Each device has a MAC address (media access control address) that allows devices to communicate within a LAN.
- MAC addresses are physical hardware addresses burnt-in to the NIC.
- You can find your device's MAC address by typing the command
ipconfig /allat the command prompt.
IP Addressing
- IP addresses identify each device connected to the Internet.
- Examples of well-known ports:
- HTTP port number: 80.
- FTP port number: 21.
- Secure Shell port number: 22.
- Telnet port number: 23.
- DNS port number: 53.
- HTTPS port number: 443.
Network Security Tools
- A network firewall is a system designed to prevent unauthorized access from entering the private network by filtering information from the Internet.
Network Firewall
- A Packet filtering firewall uses a set of individual instructions to control actions (Rule-based firewall):
- Allow (let packet pass through).
- Deny (drop packet).
- Prompt (ask what action to take).
- Rules are evaluated from top down, and once a rule is matched, no further rules will be evaluated.
IDS and IPS
- Intrusion Detection System (IDS):
- Monitors network for possible dangerous activity, including malicious acts and violations of security protocols.
- Alerts the administrator when a problem is detected, but doesn't necessarily take any other action.
- Intrusion Prevention System (IPS):
- Begins with intrusion detection, but can go one step further and act to stop ongoing and future attacks.
- Can reject data packets or give commands to a firewall for action when an attack is detected.
Test your understanding of networking basics, network security tools, and network domain attacks. Covers topics such as MAC addressing, IP addressing, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems.
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