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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of a router in a network?
What is the primary function of a router in a network?
A switch operates at layer 2 of the OSI model.
A switch operates at layer 2 of the OSI model.
True
What is a layer 3 switch?
What is a layer 3 switch?
A switch that has routing functionality to forward traffic between different IP subnets.
A device that combines switching and routing functions is often referred to as a __________.
A device that combines switching and routing functions is often referred to as a __________.
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Which of the following best describes the function of a switch?
Which of the following best describes the function of a switch?
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Routers are primarily used to connect devices within the same Local Area Network (LAN).
Routers are primarily used to connect devices within the same Local Area Network (LAN).
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Match the following devices with their descriptions:
Match the following devices with their descriptions:
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What does POE stand for in networking?
What does POE stand for in networking?
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What does DOCSIS stand for?
What does DOCSIS stand for?
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DSL provides faster upload speeds than download speeds.
DSL provides faster upload speeds than download speeds.
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What device is used to connect to a fiber network?
What device is used to connect to a fiber network?
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The standard speed for typical DSL connections usually ranges around _____ megabits down and _____ megabits up.
The standard speed for typical DSL connections usually ranges around _____ megabits down and _____ megabits up.
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Match each connection type with its corresponding characteristic:
Match each connection type with its corresponding characteristic:
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What is typically the responsibility of the user with regard to the demarcation point?
What is typically the responsibility of the user with regard to the demarcation point?
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A Network Interface Card (NIC) is only used for wireless connections.
A Network Interface Card (NIC) is only used for wireless connections.
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What limitation is often associated with DSL connections?
What limitation is often associated with DSL connections?
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The distinction between the ISP's network and the user's internal network is known as the _____ point.
The distinction between the ISP's network and the user's internal network is known as the _____ point.
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Which of the following best describes a cable modem?
Which of the following best describes a cable modem?
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What is the primary characteristic of an unmanaged switch?
What is the primary characteristic of an unmanaged switch?
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Managed switches allow for configuring different interfaces to be on completely different IP subnets.
Managed switches allow for configuring different interfaces to be on completely different IP subnets.
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What protocol is commonly used by network administrators to query devices for performance information?
What protocol is commonly used by network administrators to query devices for performance information?
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An access point provides wireless connectivity for the local ______.
An access point provides wireless connectivity for the local ______.
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Which component allows flexibility in connecting different cables to a switch without altering the wiring?
Which component allows flexibility in connecting different cables to a switch without altering the wiring?
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An unmanaged switch supports SNMP capabilities for performance monitoring.
An unmanaged switch supports SNMP capabilities for performance monitoring.
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Match the type of switch with its characteristic:
Match the type of switch with its characteristic:
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What type of cable is used with a patch panel that employs RJ45 connectors?
What type of cable is used with a patch panel that employs RJ45 connectors?
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What is the purpose of Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)?
What is the purpose of Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)?
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Firewalls can only allow traffic based on IP addresses.
Firewalls can only allow traffic based on IP addresses.
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When moving a connection from one switch to another, it is easier to use a ______ panel.
When moving a connection from one switch to another, it is easier to use a ______ panel.
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What does Power Over Ethernet (POE) allow?
What does Power Over Ethernet (POE) allow?
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What action can a managed switch perform that an unmanaged switch cannot?
What action can a managed switch perform that an unmanaged switch cannot?
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An access point performs network address translation (NAT) between wireless and wired networks.
An access point performs network address translation (NAT) between wireless and wired networks.
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The original POE specification is called IEEE ______.
The original POE specification is called IEEE ______.
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Match the following POE standards with their power output:
Match the following POE standards with their power output:
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What is the function of an access point in a network?
What is the function of an access point in a network?
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Match the components with their connections:
Match the components with their connections:
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What is the maximum current provided by the original POE standard, IEEE 802.3af?
What is the maximum current provided by the original POE standard, IEEE 802.3af?
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Hubs are considered intelligent devices.
Hubs are considered intelligent devices.
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A _______ switch typically lacks the capability to perform port mirroring.
A _______ switch typically lacks the capability to perform port mirroring.
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What is the main advantage of using a switch over a hub in a network?
What is the main advantage of using a switch over a hub in a network?
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What does VLAN stand for?
What does VLAN stand for?
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Devices connected to an unmanaged switch can be placed on different VLANs.
Devices connected to an unmanaged switch can be placed on different VLANs.
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If a switch does not support POE, a __________ can be used to inject power into the Ethernet cable.
If a switch does not support POE, a __________ can be used to inject power into the Ethernet cable.
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Which OSI Layer is traditionally associated with firewalls that filter traffic based on IP addresses and port numbers?
Which OSI Layer is traditionally associated with firewalls that filter traffic based on IP addresses and port numbers?
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All devices connected to a hub can communicate in full duplex mode.
All devices connected to a hub can communicate in full duplex mode.
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What is a common application of Power Over Ethernet?
What is a common application of Power Over Ethernet?
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The _______ provides an efficient way to forward data by directing it specifically to designated VLANs.
The _______ provides an efficient way to forward data by directing it specifically to designated VLANs.
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Which of the following is a characteristic of a hub?
Which of the following is a characteristic of a hub?
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Study Notes
Network Communication Devices
- Many types of systems for network communication exist in data centers
- Single-use devices (e.g., switches) or devices combining functionalities (e.g., SOHO routers) are common
- SOHO routers combine switches, routers, and wireless access points in one device
Routers
- Forwards traffic between different IP subnets
- Uses IP addresses within packets to determine the next hop
- Considered layer 3 devices due to layer 3 OSI model routing
- Can connect different network types (LAN, WAN, copper, fiber)
- Layer 3 switches are routers configured within switches
Switches
- Used for copper cable connections (e.g., laptops, desktops)
- Forwards traffic based on the destination MAC address within packets
- High-speed forwarding due to hardware-based decisions
- Often include Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) for faster throughput
- Core switches may have tens or hundreds of interfaces
- Power over Ethernet (POE) can be added for switch connection power
- Layer 3 switches or multilayer switches can include routing functionality
Managed vs. Unmanaged Switches
-
Unmanaged switches provide basic connectivity without configuration options
- All devices are on the same VLAN by default
- Minimal integration with other protocols/devices
- Typically lack SNMP capabilities
-
Managed switches are for offices/larger organizations and give additional capabilities:
- Configure different interfaces on different VLANs
- Prioritize traffic (e.g., VoIP over file transfer)
- Enable Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) to prevent loops between switches
- Provide port mirroring for troubleshooting
- Often have SNMP capabilities for monitoring
Access Points
- Provide wireless connectivity to the local network
- Act as a bridge between wired and wireless networks
- Forwarding decisions based on destination MAC addresses
- Do not perform routing or NAT (Network Address Translation)
Patch Panels
- Used for connecting devices to a central wiring closet
- Permanent connections to desks
- Allow for easy changes to connections (unplug, reposition, replug)
- Reduce cable management issues during moves
Firewalls
- Allow or disallow traffic based on IP addresses and port numbers
- Can be layer 4 (based on TCP/UDP ports) or layer 7 (understanding application layer traffic)
- Act as endpoints for encrypted tunnels, proxies for internet browsing, and routers in some cases depending on the device's features and requirements
Power Over Ethernet (POE)
- Allows power transmission over Ethernet cables
- Commonly used with access points, cameras, devices without direct power sources:
- Endspan: POE directly from a switch
- Midspan: POE injectors add power to the cable
- Different POE standards (IEEE 802.3af, 802.3at, 802.3bt) with varying voltage/current ratings provide varying power amounts. Different POE standards for varied requirements based on power needs for various devices.
Hubs
- Now outdated, multi-port repeaters
- Copy data from one interface to all other interfaces
- Half-duplex communication
- Performance declines with more devices due to retransmission limitations
- Primarily found in older networks or in secondary/used markets
Cable Modems
- For broadband internet via cable television lines
- Multiple frequencies for multiple services (video, phone, internet)
- Use DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) protocol
DSL Modems
- Use existing telephone lines for internet
- Asymmetric speeds (download faster than upload)
- Distance limitations from the Central Office (CO)
- Typically include speeds in the 52 Mbps down and 16 Mbps up range (though specifics depend on user location and ISP offering).
Optical Network Terminals (ONTs)
- Connect to fiber optic networks
- Convert fiber signals to copper ethernet signals for home use
- Located outside the premises (often demarcated) distinguishing service provider responsibility from your internal network
Network Interface Cards (NICs)
- Provide wired/wireless connection for various network topologies
- Crucial part for any device connected to a network
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Description
Test your knowledge on various network communication devices such as routers and switches. This quiz covers their functionalities, roles in network architecture, and how they interact within data centers. Learn about single-use devices and multifunctional SOHO routers.