CSF Year 1 Semester 1: Networking Basics and Security

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Questions and Answers

What is a network?

A type of internet connection

A type of cybersecurity threat

A type of computer

A set of technologies used to connect computers together (correct)

What is a LAN?

A type of WAN

A network that spans a small geographic area (correct)

A type of internet connection

A type of wireless network

What is the role of a switch in a LAN?

To provide connection points for computers and devices (correct)

To provide power to devices

To connect devices wirelessly

To connect devices to the internet

What is a WLAN?

A wireless network that allows devices to connect together Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a Wireless Access Point?

To connect devices wirelessly Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a LAN?

It spans a small geographic area Signup and view all the answers

What is used to connect devices to a LAN?

Cables Signup and view all the answers

What can a WLAN be attached to?

A LAN Signup and view all the answers

What device is required for a LAN to communicate with another LAN or the Internet?

Router Signup and view all the answers

What type of network is formed when interconnected networks span across wide geographical locations?

Wide Area Network (WAN) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a switch in a LAN?

To interconnect devices in a LAN Signup and view all the answers

What component is required for each computer/device in a LAN?

Network Adapter or NIC Signup and view all the answers

What type of device is a Wireless AP?

Wireless networking device Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a File Server in a LAN?

To store and manage files Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a LAN and a WAN?

LAN is local, WAN is wide-area Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a Router in a network?

To connect a LAN to a WAN or the Internet Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a network cable in a LAN?

To connect devices to a switch Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a MAC address in a LAN?

To allow devices to communicate with each other Signup and view all the answers

Where is a MAC address typically located?

On the device's NIC Signup and view all the answers

How can you find your device's MAC address?

By typing 'ipconfig /all' at the command prompt Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of an IP address?

To identify devices connected to the internet Signup and view all the answers

What is the default port number for the HTTP protocol?

80 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a network firewall?

To prevent unauthorized access to the private network Signup and view all the answers

What type of firewall uses a set of individual instructions to control actions?

Packet filtering firewall Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a rule is matched in a packet filtering firewall?

No further rules will be evaluated Signup and view all the answers

What is the default port number for the FTP protocol?

21 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a packet filtering firewall?

To control incoming and outgoing network traffic Signup and view all the answers

What is the default port number for the DNS protocol?

53 Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the 'Prompt' action is taken in a packet filtering firewall?

The user is asked what action to take Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of an Intrusion Detection System (IDS)?

To monitor the network for possible security threats Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between an IDS and an IPS?

IDS detects intrusions, while IPS prevents intrusions Signup and view all the answers

What happens when an IPS detects an attack?

It gives commands to a firewall to block the attacker's IP address Signup and view all the answers

How does an IDS typically receive network traffic?

Through a network tap or mirrored port Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical placement of an IPS in a network?

Between the firewall and the rest of the network Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of an IPS?

To block malicious traffic from entering the network Signup and view all the answers

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 /all at 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.

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Description

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.