Hardware Devices in Computer Networking

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary advantage of using a bridge in a network?

It creates multiple broadcast domains.

It operates exclusively at the network layer.

It connects different network topologies. (correct)

It increases collision domains.

Which statement best describes the role of a gateway in networking?

It connects two different network configurations. (correct)

It amplifies signals across long distances.

It filters traffic within a single broadcast domain.

It operates at the physical layer of the OSI model.

Which disadvantage is associated with using a bridge?

Inability to create different networks.

Slow processing speed due to MAC address analysis. (correct)

High security features.

Increased operational simplicity.

How do bridges impact bandwidth in a network?

They reduce collision domains. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common limitation of using bridges in a network?

They can lead to broadcast storms. Signup and view all the answers

When comparing hubs and bridges, which statement is true?

Bridges offer significant speed improvements over hubs. Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario is a gateway necessary?

Transmitting data between two different network protocols. Signup and view all the answers

Which feature of a bridge can help manage data packets more efficiently?

Buffering data for different MAC protocols. Signup and view all the answers

What mode of operation does a hub use for data transmission?

Half-Duplex Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the OSI model does a hub operate at?

Layer 1 Signup and view all the answers

What is a major advantage of using a switch instead of a hub?

Full-duplex communication Signup and view all the answers

How does a switch determine the port to forward a data packet?

By the MAC address Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation often associated with switches?

Single point of failure in centralized setups Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding traffic management in hubs versus switches?

Hubs have no data filtering Signup and view all the answers

What makes switches more efficient than hubs in network traffic management?

They learn the network configuration and send data only where needed Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario would a hub be most preferable over a switch?

In a cost-sensitive, low-traffic environment Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a hub in a network?

To connect multiple devices and broadcast data to all ports Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements correctly differentiates a router from a hub?

A router determines the best path for data, while a hub simply broadcasts data to all ports. Signup and view all the answers

What topology is commonly associated with the use of hubs?

Star topology Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of a switch compared to a hub?

A switch forwards data only to the intended recipient, unlike a hub. Signup and view all the answers

In a scenario where an HR employee sends a file to the IT department, what role does the router play?

It checks its routing table and forwards the file to the IT computer. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential drawback of using a hub in a networking environment?

It can lead to network congestion due to broadcasting data to all ports. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of LANs, what is the primary advantage of using a router over a hub?

Routers can create separate networks and manage data flow between them. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hardware Devices in Computer Networking

Routers: Connect multiple networks, directing data packets to their destinations. They act like traffic directors, ensuring efficient data transmission (e.g., emails, web pages).
- Routers operate at the Network Layer of the OSI model.
- A router checks its routing table to determine the best path for data.
- Routers connect to several host systems through interfaces.
How Routers Work (Example):
- Employee in HR sending a file to IT: The HR computer sends the file to the router. The router checks its routing table and sends the file to the IT computer.
- Employee in IT accessing cloud software: The IT computer requests the cloud service from the router. The router sends this request to the ISP, which delivers it to the cloud. The cloud sends a response back through the router to the IT computer.
Hubs: Connect multiple devices on a local area network (LAN).
- Data is broadcast to all ports (all connected devices).
- Operate in half-duplex mode (only one direction of data flow at a time).
- Used in star topology where devices connect to a central hub.
Switches: Connect multiple devices on a local area network (LAN).
- Operate at the Data Link Layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model.
- Learn MAC addresses of connected devices and forward data only to the intended recipient.
- Operate in full-duplex mode (data can flow in both directions simultaneously).
- More efficient and less prone to collisions compared to hubs.
Bridges: Connect multiple LANs to a larger network.
- Improve bandwidth and create separate collision domains.
- Act as a layer of two switches to connect multiple LAN segments.
Gateways: Connect two different network configurations (e.g., two different protocols).
- Act as protocol converters, ensuring smooth communication between networks.
- Manage data entering and exiting the network.
- Used to analyze data packets and determine appropriate routing paths.
Amplifiers: Increase signal strength to extend the range of data transmission.
Repeaters: Regenerate signals for longer distances, without modifying it.
- Suitable for both digital and analogue signals.
- Essentially act as signal boosters.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamental hardware devices used in computer networking, with a focus on routers and hubs. Learn how these devices function and their roles in connecting multiple networks and devices. Test your knowledge on how data is transmitted and managed through these critical components.