Networking Quiz: Bridges and Their Disadvantages

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Questions and Answers

Explain the fundamental difference between a local bridge and a remote bridge in terms of their network connectivity.

A local bridge connects devices within the same physical location or LAN segment, while a remote bridge connects devices across geographically separated LAN segments, often using long-distance communication links.

Describe a scenario where a wireless bridge would be a preferred choice for network connectivity, highlighting the advantage it provides over a traditional wired connection.

A wireless bridge would be advantageous in situations where physical cabling is impractical or impossible, such as connecting buildings on a campus or linking devices in a remote area. Wireless bridges provide flexibility and reduce installation costs compared to wired connections.

Compare and contrast the limitations of a repeater and a bridge in terms of network traffic management.

A repeater simply amplifies and forwards signals without any intelligence, potentially leading to increased collisions and network congestion. A bridge, however, examines the MAC addresses of incoming frames and only forwards them to the appropriate segment, preventing broadcast storms and improving network efficiency.

Based on the provided information, identify two key disadvantages of the tree topology in a network environment, and explain how these disadvantages can affect network performance.

The tree topology is susceptible to single point failure, where a malfunctioning device can disrupt the entire network. Additionally, the hierarchical structure can limit scalability and make it difficult to manage large networks, leading to performance bottlenecks. Signup and view all the answers

Why would a network administrator choose a bridge over a simple repeater for connecting multiple LAN segments? Provide at least two reasons.

A bridge offers superior network traffic management compared to a repeater, reducing collisions and improving network efficiency. Additionally, bridges can segment networks, enhancing security by restricting traffic flow between specific segments, something a repeater cannot do. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the fundamental difference in how a hub and a switch transmit data packets within a network. How does this difference impact network efficiency?

A hub broadcasts data packets to all connected devices, while a switch sends packets only to the intended recipient's port. This targeted transmission by a switch reduces network traffic and delays, resulting in more efficient data transfer. Signup and view all the answers

A network administrator is tasked with setting up a small office network with limited budget and minimal data traffic. Would a hub or a switch be a more suitable choice for this scenario? Justify your answer.

In a small office with low data traffic and budget constraints, a hub might be a suitable choice due to its affordability and ability to connect various devices. However, a switch offers better performance and scalability, making it a better option for growth in the future. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how a concentrator functions within a network, and give an example of a device that commonly acts as a concentrator.

A concentrator consolidates connections from multiple devices in a network. A hub serves as a concentrator in a star topology, aggregating traffic from various computers and peripherals. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the reasons why switches have largely replaced hubs in modern network deployments.

Switches offer significant advantages over hubs, including reduced network traffic due to targeted data transmission, enhanced security through MAC address-based filtering, and better performance due to the ability to handle higher volumes of data. Signup and view all the answers

Compare and contrast the capabilities of switches and hubs in terms of data filtering and broadcast control. Explain why these differences are important for network performance and security.

Hubs lack data filtering capabilities, broadcasting all data packets to every connected device, while switches can control data flow by targeting specific ports. The ability to filter data and control broadcasts on a switch enhances network security and reduces unnecessary traffic. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the MAC address of a NIC card functions within a network, highlighting its significance in data transmission.

The MAC address of a NIC card serves as a unique identifier for a device on a network. It enables the network to distinguish between different devices and directs data packets to the correct destination. When a data packet is sent from one device to another, the source device includes the MAC address of the destination device in the packet header. This allows the network to route the packet to the correct receiving device. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the fundamental difference in function between an internal modem and an external modem.

An internal modem is directly integrated into the computer's motherboard, becoming a permanent component while an external modem is a separate device that connects to the computer through a cable. Internal modems are often more space-efficient, but external modems provide greater flexibility in terms of upgrades and portability. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the modulation and demodulation processes performed by a modem enable communication between computers over physical mediums.

A modem's primary function is to modulate and demodulate signals. Modulation involves converting digital signals (represented as 1s and 0s) from a computer into analog signals (continuous wave patterns) that can be transmitted over physical mediums like telephone lines, coaxial cables, or fiber optic cables. At the receiving end, the modem demodulates the analog signal back into its original digital form, allowing the recipient's computer to understand the data. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the primary difference between a hub and a switch in terms of data transmission, and provide an example scenario illustrating this difference.

A hub broadcasts data to all connected devices, while a switch directs data only to the intended recipient. For instance, if computer A sends data to computer B on a hub, all connected devices receive it. On a switch, only computer B receives the data. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the advancements in modem technology from dial-up connections to high-speed connections like DSL and Wi-Fi, highlighting the impact on data transfer speed and efficiency.

The introduction of high-speed connections like DSL and Wi-Fi has revolutionized data transfer speeds and efficiency compared to the older dial-up modems. Dial-up connections were limited by the narrow bandwidth of telephone lines, resulting in slow data transfer rates. Modern high-speed modems utilize broadband technologies that offer significantly faster and more reliable data transfer rates, enabling efficient communication and media streaming. Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario would a repeater be a crucial component in a network?

A repeater is essential when the distance between computers in a network is too great for the signal to travel reliably. It amplifies the signal, extending the network's reach. Signup and view all the answers

Identify two advantages of using a router in a network, and elaborate on how these advantages affect the overall network performance.

A router can filter data and connect different network types. Data filtering enhances network security by preventing unauthorized access. Connecting diverse network types allows for seamless communication between different network environments. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the role of a Network Interface Card (NIC) in facilitating data transfer between devices on a network, highlighting its connection to the modem.

The NIC acts as the gateway for data transfer between a computer and the network. It enables the computer to send and receive data packets over the network, acting like a translator. While a modem converts digital signals to analog signals for transmission over physical mediums, the NIC bridges the gap between the network and the computer, enabling the data exchange between devices. Signup and view all the answers

Highlight the main difference between a router and a gateway, emphasizing their functionalities and the type of networks they typically connect.

A router connects different network segments within the same network protocol, while a gateway connects networks with different protocols. Routers work within LANs, while gateways bridge LANs and WANs. Signup and view all the answers

Describe a situation where using a gateway would be more beneficial than a router, explaining the specific advantages of a gateway in this context.

A gateway is ideal when connecting two networks with incompatible protocols, such as a LAN with Ethernet and a WAN with dial-up modems. The gateway translates data between the protocols, enabling communication. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of 'data filtering' within a router, and how it contributes to improving network security.

A router can filter data based on rules, such as blocking specific IP addresses or ports. This prevents unauthorized access and malicious traffic from entering the network, enhancing security. Signup and view all the answers

Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of using a hub versus a switch in a network, considering factors such as cost, speed, and data transfer efficiency.

Hubs are less expensive and have fewer ports but are slow and inefficient. Switches are faster and more secure due to directed data transmission but are more costly. The choice depends on the network's size, budget, and performance requirements. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the use of a repeater can improve network performance, even though it doesn't actually increase data transfer speeds.

Repeaters enhance network performance by extending the distance over which data signals can travel reliably. This allows for larger networks without compromising signal quality. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Hub

A device that connects multiple network devices and broadcasts data to all ports.

Star topology

A network layout where devices are connected to a central hub.