Networking Devices: Routers and Switches

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of routers in a network?

To generate IP addresses for devices

To connect devices on a local area network

To direct packets of data to their destination (correct)

To increase network traffic

Which device uses MAC addresses to send specific data packets to workstations?

Router

Switch (correct)

Modem

Hub

What is a distinguishing feature of hubs compared to switches?

Hubs have unique MAC addresses for each port

Hubs are more secure than switches

Hubs generate a switch table

Hubs send data packets to all devices on the network (correct)

What does each workstation on a network use to connect to a switch?

MAC Address Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario is a switch most likely to be used?

Managing data traffic in a large office Signup and view all the answers

What is typically the initial state of a switch's table?

Empty Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic makes switches more expensive compared to hubs?

They provide better security by controlling data flow Signup and view all the answers

Why might a hub be deemed unsuitable for larger networks?

They do not allow for individual data packet addressing Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a switch does not know the MAC address of a workstation?

It will send data packets to all computers on the network. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a Network Interface Card (NIC)?

To allow a device to connect to a network. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about WiFi technology is NOT accurate?

WiFi is always more secure than wired networks. Signup and view all the answers

How does a bridge function in a Local Area Network (LAN)?

It connects two parts of a LAN to operate as a single network. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major drawback of using WiFi for networking?

It has a weaker signal strength compared to wired connections. Signup and view all the answers

What role does a router play in a network compared to a switch?

A router routes data between different networks. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of a server in a network?

To provide services to client computers. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the function of switches in a network?

Switches transmit data to specific devices using MAC addresses. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a service typically provided by servers?

Conducting web browsing for users Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about Bluetooth is accurate?

Bluetooth is a wireless technology for short-range communication. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic that differentiates servers from regular computers?

Servers provide 'services' to client computers. Signup and view all the answers

What does a router primarily do in a network?

Connects devices and networks together. Signup and view all the answers

Which information is NOT contained in data packets?

Username of the sender Signup and view all the answers

When a user logs into a client, which of the following is typically NOT provided to them?

Server management tools Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the functions of a web server?

To store web pages and their associated IP addresses. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about servers is true?

Servers are generally more expensive due to their reliability requirements. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of a network?

To allow devices to share files and resources Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a disadvantage of using a network?

Ability to store data centrally Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes client computers from server computers in a network?

Clients are normal user computers, while servers manage resources Signup and view all the answers

Which type of connection can a network use aside from cables?

Radio signals (wireless/Wi-Fi) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a potential risk when using a computer connected to the Internet?

Easier attacks by viruses and malware Signup and view all the answers

What is a common resource that can be shared over a network?

Network printers Signup and view all the answers

Why might individuals choose not to use a network?

Networks can lead to financial cost Signup and view all the answers

When considering cloud computing, which statement is inaccurate?

Data stored in the cloud is always safe from breaches Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main advantages of using Bluetooth for connecting devices?

Is more energy efficient than WiFi Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes a disadvantage of Bluetooth?

Has limited data transfer speed Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of WiFi makes it preferable for connecting multiple devices?

Higher data transfer speeds Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between Bluetooth and WiFi?

WiFi supports more devices simultaneously than Bluetooth. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of WiFi?

It allows for internet access throughout a residence without cables. Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario would WiFi be a more suitable option than Bluetooth?

Connecting several smart home devices simultaneously. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the limitations of using Bluetooth technology?

Limited signal strength and short coverage distance Signup and view all the answers

Which wireless technology mentioned provides internet access on the move?

3G/4G Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Routers

Routers direct data packets across the internet to their destination.
Each device connected to the internet has a unique IP address.

Hubs and Switches

Hubs and switches connect multiple computers to form a Local Area Network (LAN).
Hubs are dumb devices that send data packets to all workstations on the network, causing network traffic.
Switches are smart devices that send specific data packets to specific computers using their unique MAC addresses. This makes switches more secure but also more expensive.
Hubs are suitable for small home networks.
Switches are used in larger networks such as schools or offices.
Each network card has a unique MAC address which switches use to identify workstations.
Switch tables store MAC addresses to efficiently direct data packets.

Understanding Switch Tables

When a workstation sends data packets, the switch learns its MAC address and adds it to its switch table.
If the switch doesn’t know the destination MAC address, it sends the packet to all computers on the network.
Once the switch learns the destination MAC address, it can directly send data packets to the correct workstation.

Network Devices

Modems convert digital data to analog signals for transmission over telephone lines and vice versa.
Network Interface Cards (NICs) allow devices to connect to a network. Each NIC has a unique MAC address.
Bridges connect two parts of a LAN network together to function as a single LAN, often connecting two switches.

WiFi

WiFi is a wireless networking technology that allows devices to connect to a network or a single computer.
Advantages:
- Reduced cost of cabling.
- Safer, as there are no wires to trip over.
- Easier to connect devices to the network.
- Makes computers portable as long as they are within range of the wireless access point.
Disadvantages:
- Very slow data transfer speeds.
- Short distance of coverage.
- Greater risk of interception of data.
- Supports a limited number of devices in a network.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a wireless technology designed for very short-range connections between devices.
It allows for:
- Connecting devices like a mouse, phone, or headset to a computer.
- Transferring files between devices.
- Printing wirelessly from tablets or mobile phones.
Advantages:
- Reduced cost of cabling.
- Safer, as there are no wires to trip over.
- More energy efficient than WiFi.
Disadvantages:
- Slow data transfer speeds.
- Short distance of coverage.
- Greater risk of interception of data.
Bluetooth is more useful for transferring data between two close devices, while WiFi is more suited for full-scale networks.

Comparing Bluetooth and WiFi

Bluetooth typically transfers less data than WiFi.
Bluetooth has a lower bandwidth, leading to slower data transfer speeds compared to WiFi.
WiFi has better security than Bluetooth, but Bluetooth is cheaper.
Both use wireless technology, reducing costs and cable hazards.

Network Connections

WiFi: Allows internet access from any room in a house without cables and supports multiple devices.
Satellite: Provides internet access almost anywhere in the world with better coverage than other methods.
3G/4G: Allows internet access on smartphones, even in areas without WiFi coverage.
- It is a form of satellite communication, unaffected by weather.

Client-Server Networks

Clients are the normal computers that people use to get work done.
Servers are powerful computers that provide services to clients on the network.
- File storage.
- Hardware sharing.
- Internet access.
- User authentication.
Servers provide services to clients, such as file storage, internet access, hardware sharing, and user authentication.
Clients provide workstations for users, typically with access to private files, shared storage, the internet, and the organization's intranet.
Servers are more expensive than client computers because they are designed for reliability.

Data Packets

Data packets contain information such as:
- Sender and Receiver's IP addresses.
- Header to identify the data packet.
- Number of data packets making up the entire message.

Networks

A network is two or more computers or electronic devices connected to exchange data.
Networks allow computers to share files, users to message each other, and multiple computers to share a single printer.
Network connections can be made using cables, radio signals (wireless/WiFi), telephone lines (and modems), or satellite links.
Benefits of using networks:
- Easily share files and data.
- Share resources like printers and internet connections.
- Communicate with other network users.
- Store data centrally for easy access and back-up.
- Keep settings centrally for use on any workstation.
- Access online shopping, banking, entertainment, and online communities.
Risks of using networks:
- Vulnerability to hackers.
- Network failure can make many tasks difficult.
- Computer can be more easily attacked by a virus.
- Costly to maintain.
- Need to be careful about revealing personal information online.
- Need to avoid suspect websites that may contain malware.
- Information on the internet may not always be accurate or reliable.

Web Servers

Webpages are stored on web servers.
Webpages have unique IP addresses and domain names for communication.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamental networking devices like routers, hubs, and switches. You will explore how these devices operate, their differences, and their roles in local area networks. Test your understanding of network topologies and packet directing.