Network Basics Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of a file server in a network?

To maintain the print queue for all users

To contain documents used by other computers (correct)

To provide instant messaging services

To connect peripheral devices directly to users

Which of the following best describes a Local Area Network (LAN)?

A network that spans multiple cities and connects various organizations

A network containing computers that are widely distributed geographically

A decentralized network shared among public resources

A network typically confined to a single office or building (correct)

What is a primary advantage of shared peripheral devices in a network?

They reduce the overall cost per user (correct)

They increase the complexity of network management

They improve the speed of data transfer between computers

They enhance the individual user’s data storage

Which hybrid network type is characterized by its large geographic coverage but limited to resources shared within an organization?

Campus Area Network (CAN) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes Voice over IP (VoIP)?

A technology that enables phone communication over network infrastructure Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of a Wide Area Network (WAN)?

It typically relies on leased lines or phone lines over vast distances Signup and view all the answers

What does a print server do in a network setting?

It manages the print queue for networked printers Signup and view all the answers

Which network type is primarily designed for connecting personal devices over short distances?

Personal Area Network (PAN) Signup and view all the answers

What advantage does networked software sharing provide organizations?

Reduced overall software licensing costs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods is NOT commonly used for backing up data on a network?

Direct hard drive duplication Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a server in a server-based network?

To control what nodes can access Signup and view all the answers

In a client/server network, what roles do the nodes typically assume?

Nodes operate solely as clients Signup and view all the answers

Which topology is characterized by a central connection point that can become a single point of failure?

Star topology Signup and view all the answers

What is a major disadvantage of a bus topology?

Slow performance and easy to crash Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a mesh topology from other topologies?

All computers are interconnected directly Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cabling technology is primarily utilized for local area networks (LANs)?

Twisted-pair cabling Signup and view all the answers

What protocol simplifies the dynamic assignment of IP addresses in a network?

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of a ring topology?

Nodes transmit data using a token Signup and view all the answers

How does a switch function compared to a hub in a network?

Switches direct data only to the intended node, hubs transmit widely Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of using fiber-optic cabling?

Is hard to work with during installation Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the role of a router in a network?

Connects two or more local area networks together Signup and view all the answers

Which medium is known for being nearly obsolete due to its lower speeds?

Coaxial cable Signup and view all the answers

In which type of network does each node control its own resources?

Peer to peer network Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum bandwidth of Fast Ethernet technology?

100 Mbps Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Network Basics

A network consists of technologies that link computers, enabling communication and collaboration.
Data can be accessed simultaneously by multiple users with shared files stored on servers.

Uses of a Network

Files and software can be shared, with access levels set as needed.
Networked peripheral devices, like printers or faxes, reduce costs and are managed through print servers.
Personal communication tools include email, teleconferencing, videoconferencing, and VoIP (Voice over IP).

Data Management

File servers hold documents shared across various computers.
Networks facilitate simpler data backup through consolidated server backups.

Common Network Types

Local Area Network (LAN): Typically confined to an office, connecting computers, printers, and servers.
Wide Area Network (WAN): A larger network connecting multiple LANs, often using public or leased lines; the Internet is the largest WAN.
Campus Area Network (CAN): A LAN that spans a large geographic area, shared by various departments within an organization.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): Connects multiple organizations within a region, sharing resources.
Home Area Network (HAN): Connects devices in a home environment, like computers and entertainment systems.
Personal Area Network (PAN): A very small network, usually under 2 meters, including personal devices like smartphones and MP3 players.

Network Structures

Server-based Network: Centralized control by servers determining node access.
Client/Server Network: Nodes act as clients, sharing data while the server regulates access.
Peer-to-Peer Networks (P2PN): Equal nodes that control their resources and share directly with one another, ignoring server oversight.

Network Topologies

Topology defines the layout of the network which affects performance and size.
Packets are data pieces transmitted across the network, containing headers (addresses) and payload (data).
Bus Topology: All nodes connect to a single wire; easy to set up but slow and prone to crashes.
Star Topology: Nodes connect to a central hub; most common but vulnerable if the hub fails.
Ring Topology: Nodes form a circle; token-based data transmission prevents collisions but is slower.
Mesh Topology: All nodes interconnect; highly reliable but complex to set up.

Network Media

Links between nodes can vary in terms of speed, security, and size.
Wired Media:
- Twisted-Pair Cabling: Common in LANs; speeds from 1 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps.
- Coaxial Cable: Used for earlier networks; speeds up to 10 Mbps, largely obsolete.
- Fiber-Optic Cable: High-speed data through light; secure and immune to interference, reaching speeds up to 100 Gbps.
Wireless Media: Data transmitted via radio or microwave signals; easy to set up but harder to secure.

Network Hardware

Network Interface Cards (NIC): Enable node connectivity via a unique MAC address.
Hubs: Centralizing nodes in star topology; less efficient and secure.
Switches: Superior to hubs; single transmissions, enhancing speed and security.
Bridges: Connect multiple LANs and segment traffic based on MAC addresses.
Routers: Connect LANs and segment networks based on IP addresses; essential for Internet connectivity.
Gateways: Interface between different network types, converting signals as needed.

Network Cabling

Bandwidth and cable length directly affect network performance.
Ethernet: Popular technology, max bandwidth of 10 Mbps over distances of 100-500 meters.
Fast Ethernet: Up to 100 Mbps; requires Cat5 or better cabling.
Gigabit Ethernet: Achieves 1 to 10 Gbps for high-throughput applications.
Token Ring: Uses twisted-pair cabling with speeds of 10-25 Mbps, common in certain industries.

Network Protocols

Protocols are communication rules that determine how data is handled on networks.
TCP/IP: The most widely-used protocol; comprises Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol for identifying machines via IP addresses.
IPX/SPX: An older protocol tied to Novell Netware, largely replaced by TCP/IP.
NetBEUI: Used in Windows networks for name recognition; works alongside TCP/IP.
Token Ring Protocol: Nodes pass a token to communicate, ensuring orderly data transmission.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the fundamentals of network technologies and their uses. This quiz covers types of networks, data management practices, and personal communication tools facilitated by networks. Challenge yourself to understand the core concepts in networking!