Media Access Control Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does Media Access Control (MAC) sublayer regulate?

The placement of data frames onto the media.

What does the MAC method depend on?

Topology

Media sharing

Both A and B (correct)

None of the above

What does physical topology display?

Physical connections and how end devices and infrastructure devices are interconnected.

What does logical topology display?

The way a network transfers frames from one node to the next. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are WAN topologies?

Point-to-point Signup and view all the answers

What is a virtual circuit?

A logical connection within a network between two devices. Signup and view all the answers

In half duplex communication, devices can transmit and receive simultaneously.

False Signup and view all the answers

In full duplex communication, devices can transmit and receive at the same time.

True Signup and view all the answers

What are the types of LAN topologies?

Ring Signup and view all the answers

Early star topologies interconnected end devices using ____.

hubs Signup and view all the answers

In a bus topology, end systems are chained to each other and terminated in some form on each ____.

end Signup and view all the answers

In a ring topology, end systems are connected to their respective neighbor forming a ____.

ring Signup and view all the answers

What are the two kinds of media access control methods for shared media?

Both A and B Signup and view all the answers

What is Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA)?

A contention based process that detects if the media is carrying a signal before transmitting. Signup and view all the answers

What happens during Collision Detection (CSMA/CD)?

The end device monitors the media for data signal presence and retransmits if a collision occurs. Signup and view all the answers

What is Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA)?

An end device examines the media for a signal and sends a notification before transmitting. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of cyclic redundancy check (CRC)?

To provide a logical summary for error detection. Signup and view all the answers

What does Frame Check Sequence (FCS) help determine?

If errors occurred in the transmission and reception of the frame. Signup and view all the answers

What is Ethernet?

The dominant LAN technology that provides unacknowledged connectionless service over shared media. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP)?

To deliver frames between two nodes. Signup and view all the answers

What is 802.11 wireless known for?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Media Access Control (MAC)

Regulates data frame placement onto the communication medium.

Factors Influencing MAC Methods

Depends on network topology.
Media sharing characteristics such as point-to-point (WAN) and shared (LAN) networks.

Physical Topology

Displays physical connections between end devices and infrastructure like routers and switches.

Logical Topology

Shows network frame transfer from one node to another.
Represents how the data link layer manages data access.

WAN Topologies

Point-to-point: direct link between two endpoints.
Hub-and-spoke: central site interlinks with branch sites using point-to-point connections.
Full mesh: every endpoint is directly interconnected with each other.

Virtual Circuit

Represents a logical connection within the network between two devices.
Media access methods depend on logical, not physical, topologies.

Communication Types

Half duplex: devices can send and receive, but not at the same time.
Full duplex: devices can send and receive simultaneously.

LAN Topologies

Star: end devices connect to a central device (switch).
Extended star (hybrid): central device connects to various topologies.
Bus: end systems chain together, terminated at both ends.
Ring: end systems connected to neighbors forming a closed loop.

Media Access Control for Shared Media

Two main access types: contention-based and control-based.

Contention-Based Access

Nodes compete for media access, using collision handling strategies like listening before transmitting.

Control-Based Access

Each node is assigned a time slot for media access, often using a token.

Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA)

Monitors the medium for signals before transmitting data.

Collision Detection (CSMA/CD)

Devices check for data signals before transmission and back off if a collision is detected.

Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA)

Devices broadcast intent to use the medium before sending data, reducing the chance of collision.

Logical Multi-Access Topology

Allows multiple nodes to communicate over shared media, ensuring only one node transmits at a time.
All nodes receive all frames, but only the addressed node processes them.

Controlled Access Method

Devices take turns accessing medium sequentially, with the opportunity passing if a device does not transmit.

Deterministic Access

Utilizes a token to manage structured access to the medium.

Logical Ring Topology

Each node processes incoming frames, passing unrouted frames to the next node.

Error Detection Mechanisms

Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC): summarizes frame contents for error detection.
Frame Check Sequence (FCS): identifies errors in the transmission of frames.

Ethernet

Dominant LAN technology utilizing CSMA/CD for unacknowledged connectionless service over shared media.
Operates across two layers: IEEE 802.2 (LLC) and IEEE 802.3 (MAC).

Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP)

Delivers frames between two nodes, developed as a WAN protocol for serial WANs.
Establishes logical connections termed 'sessions' between nodes.

802.11 Wireless

Utilizes electromagnetic signals in radio or microwave frequencies for data communication.
Employs a contention-based system (CSMA/CA) with data link acknowledgments to confirm frame reception.

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Description

Test your understanding of Media Access Control with these flashcards. Each card provides key terms and definitions related to the regulation of data frames on networks. Perfect for students looking to grasp essential networking concepts.