Network Equipment Classification Quiz

Network Hardware Overview

• Network hardware encompasses various devices like switches, hubs, network adapters, access points, twisted pair, optical fiber, splitters, patch cords, modems, routers, repeaters, firewalls, IDS/IPS, and patch panels.

Network Equipment Classification

• By power consumption: Active (devices requiring power to operate) and Passive (devices not requiring power, like patch cords).
• By control capability: Controlled (programmable, requiring configuration) and Unmanageable (pre-configured, no user control).
• By OSI model layers: Categorized by the layer of the OSI model where the equipment operates (Application, Presentation, Session, Transport, Network, Data Link, Physical).

Communication Modes

• Duplex: Two-way communication simultaneously (e.g., modems, network cards).
• Half-duplex: Two-way communication, but one direction at a time (e.g., hubs, repeaters).
• Simplex: One-way communication in one direction only (e.g., some communication protocols).

Collision Domain

• A portion of the network where nodes contend for a shared transmission medium. Nodes within a collision domain can collide with each other, and collisions increase as more nodes are added.
• Devices at OSI layer 1 (like hubs, repeaters) enlarge collision domains.
• Devices on OSI layer 2 (like bridges, switches) can help segregate collision domains.

Related Terminologies

• Propagation Delay: The time taken for transmission of a segment.
• Belated Collision: Collision occurring after the propagation delay.
• Collision Domain Diameter: Maximum signal propagation delay between any two stations.

Splitter

• An ADSL filter that separates voice and data frequencies on the same telephone line.

Repeater

• Extends network reach by retransmitting electrical signals, acting as a physical layer extender.
• Single-port and multi-port repeaters are two types.

Hub

• Functions as a repeater in a network, rebroadcasting signals to all active ports except the one from which the signal originated.
• Hubs have a significantly reduced lifespan compared to the other networking components.
• Hubs significantly increase network load as more computers are connected.

Bridge

• Operates at the Data Link layer (layer 2) of the OSI model to unify network segments into a single network entity.
• Examines MAC addresses to forward frames.
• Frames intended for a different subnet are not broadcasted.

Types of Bridges

• Transparent Bridges: Amalgamate networks with shared protocols at the channel and physical layers.
• Translating Bridges: Interconnect networks employing different protocols.
• Encapsulating Bridges: Connect networks using identical channel and physical layer protocols but operate with different protocols in the network.

Bridge Functions

• Limits collision domains.
• Delays frames addressed to a node in the sender's segment.
• Restricts the propagation of erroneous frames.
• Handles frames with errors or unexpected sizes to mitigate propagation of faulty data within the network.

Switch

• Operates at the data link layer in the OSI model.
• Interconnects multiple nodes/across segments
• Manages traffic to designated recipients and not broadcast frames unnecessarily to avoid bottlenecks.
• Switches are categorized as managed or unmanaged.
• Advanced switches manage network layer (Layer 3) functions.

Switch Functions

• Buffering: Enables temporary frame storage for subsequent transmission.

• Congestion Handling: Uses buffering to manage congestion on destination ports.

• Memory Buffer Methods:

• Port Buffering, storing frames in queues tied to ports.

• Shared Memory Buffering, storing frames in a shared memory across ports.

• Port Mapping: Assigns destinations based on the host interface for targeted frame transmission.

Router

• A specialized computer that forwards packets between diverse network segments based on rules.
• Functions at the network layer (OSI layer 3).
• Integrates heterogeneous networks, links them together.
• Manages traffic by segregating into collision domains, reducing traffic bottlenecks.
• Routing Table Compilation Methods
• Static Routing: Manual (administrator intervention required), stable, but requiring hardware resource maintenance per segment change
• Dynamic Routing: Automatic updates based on protocols, allows efficient optimization based on node/channel/delay criteria

Repeater, Switch, and Router Comparison

• Repater, switch, and router function at different layers of the OSI model.
• A repeater works at the physical layer, amplifying and regenerating signals.
• A switch works at the data link layer, forwarding data frames based on MAC addresses.
• A router works at the network layer, forwarding data packets based on IP addresses and routing protocols.

Switching

• Functions to connect network subscribers and involves multiple methods to manage traffic that may result in factors influencing latency and transmission reliability.
• Three categories of switching mechanisms:
• Store and Forward: Reads entire frame, checks for errors, then forwards the frame using the selected port.
• Cut Through: Reads the destination MAC address, then forwards the frame if the destination is known before switching, but lacks error detection ability, thereby reducing latency.
• Fragment Free/Hybrid: A modified cut-through method addressing the failings of cut through when dealing with collision fragments, finding a balance between reducing latency and providing error-checking.

Symmetry and Asymmetry in Switching

• Symmetric Switch: Connections between ports have identical bandwidth capacities.
• Asymmetric Switch: Connections between ports have varying bandwidth capacities.
• Asymmetrical Switching: Applied when there is heavy client server interaction (e.g. high volume of client data requests).

Network Adapter

• Additional devices allowing for computer interaction with other network devices.
• Typically in Internal (Domestic), External, or Integrated versions.

Access Point (WAP)

• Wireless base station facilitating access, establishing a new wireless network, or acting as a base for user access to a wired network.
• Primarily used to grant access to mobile devices to a fixed network.
• Examples: Wi-Fi repeaters.
• Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11) and Bluetooth utilize a WAP.

Gateway

• A hardware and software system that provides cryptographic protection for traffic across a network, safeguarding information security, and ensuring confidentiality (e.g., during VPN connection establishment).

IDS/IPS

• Intrusion Detection System (IDS): Software or hardware tools that identify unauthorized access to or control of computer systems.
• Intrusion Prevention System (IPS): Software or hardware tools that automatically defend against intrusions. IPS extends the capabilities of IDS, actively preventing intrusions rather than just detecting them.

Twisted Pair Cable

• A communication cable comprised of twisted pairs of insulated conductors.
• Often employed in wired local area networks (LANs).
• Various types exist with slightly varying transmission standards.

Fiber Optic Communication

• Utilizes electromagnetic radiation across an optical cable for data transmission.
• Offers high throughput.
• Resistant to electromagnetic interference.
• Suitable for long-distance transmission.
• Utilizes fiber optic cables.

Coaxial Cable

• A communication cable with a central conductor surrounded by a larger outer or shielding conductor, separated by an insulating material.
• Frequently employed in early data transmission technologies.
• Suitable for radio frequency electrical signals.

Firewall

• A component of a computer network (software or hardware) that controls and filters network traffic based on predetermined rules.
• Manages incoming and outgoing data while restricting unauthorized access.

Test your knowledge on the classification of network equipment and communication modes. This quiz covers essential concepts such as OSI model layers, certified devices, and various types of data transmission. Challenge yourself with questions designed to enhance your understanding of network fundamentals.