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Questions and Answers
What type of device is used to interconnect two or more networks at the physical layer?
What type of device is used to interconnect two or more networks at the physical layer?
Which device is responsible for interconnecting devices at the data link layer?
Which device is responsible for interconnecting devices at the data link layer?
What does a repeater do when it receives a weak or corrupted signal?
What does a repeater do when it receives a weak or corrupted signal?
Which device is generally known for performing protocol conversion?
Which device is generally known for performing protocol conversion?
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In a network with a star topology, what is a repeater typically referred to as?
In a network with a star topology, what is a repeater typically referred to as?
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Which of the following statements about a repeater is correct?
Which of the following statements about a repeater is correct?
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What is the main purpose of using a bridge in a network?
What is the main purpose of using a bridge in a network?
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Which layer does a router operate on to interconnect networks?
Which layer does a router operate on to interconnect networks?
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What is a primary function of transparent bridges in a network?
What is a primary function of transparent bridges in a network?
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Which type of bridge is commonly used in Token Ring LANs?
Which type of bridge is commonly used in Token Ring LANs?
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How does a bridge decide to forward a frame?
How does a bridge decide to forward a frame?
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What mechanism helps prevent loops in a network using bridges?
What mechanism helps prevent loops in a network using bridges?
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Which process allows bridges to adapt to changes in the network?
Which process allows bridges to adapt to changes in the network?
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What is the main difference between a bridge and a router?
What is the main difference between a bridge and a router?
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What information do input ports of a router primarily process?
What information do input ports of a router primarily process?
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How does a transparent bridge inform itself about network stations?
How does a transparent bridge inform itself about network stations?
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Study Notes
Interconnecting Networks
- Interconnecting networks can occur at different layers, each defined by a specific device type:
- Physical layer: Repeater
- Data link layer: Bridge
- Network layer: Router
- Higher level functions: Gateway
Repeaters
- Repeaters operate at the physical layer and are used to extend signal range.
- They regenerate and retransmit signals before data integrity is lost.
- Common in Ethernet LANs with bus topology to connect segments and overcome coaxial cable length restrictions.
- In star topology, a repeater can function as a hub, serving multiple connections.
- Repeaters lack filtering capabilities and do not check data-link addresses.
Bridges
- Bridges connect multiple LANs, facilitating resource sharing within organizations.
- Operate at both physical and data link layers:
- Physically regenerate signals.
- Check MAC addresses in data frames.
Types of Bridges
- Transparent Bridges:
- Defined by the IEEE 802.1d committee.
- Stations are unaware of transparent bridges, requiring no configuration.
- Functions include forwarding frames, learning station locations, and avoiding topology loops.
- Source Routing Bridges:
- Primarily used in Token Ring and FDDI networks.
Bridge Learning
- Bridges maintain a forwarding table to decide frame forwarding:
- Discard frame if source and destination are in the same LAN.
- Forward frame if they are in different LANs.
- Use flooding if the destination is unknown.
- Implements backward learning to update the table with source addresses and handle topology changes.
Adaptive Learning
- To accommodate dynamic networks, bridges:
- Introduce timers to age forwarding table entries for periodic relearning.
- Update entries when the arriving frame ports differ from those in the table.
Two-Layer Switch
- A two-layer switch functions at the physical and data link layers, providing enhanced forwarding speed.
- Redundant bridges improve reliability but can create loops; spanning tree algorithm resolves this issue.
Routers
- Routers are versatile three-layer devices operating at the physical, data link, and network layers.
- They regenerate signals at the physical layer and check physical addresses at the data link layer.
- At the network layer, routers manage IP addresses and connect different networks (LANs/WANs).
- Major components include input ports, output ports, the routing processor, and the switching fabric.
- Input ports handle physical and data link layer functions by converting received signals into bits.
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Description
This quiz covers the various methods of interconnecting networks, including the roles of repeaters, bridges, routers, and gateways. Understand the functionalities of each device based on the layers of the OSI model involved in network connectivity. Test your knowledge of how these devices interact within a network.
