Switching in Computer Networks

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of switching in a network?

To forward data packets between devices on a network (correct)

To determine the best path for forwarding data packets

To divide a larger network into smaller sub-networks

To provide network security against malware

What type of switching stores the entire packet before forwarding it?

Cut-Through Switching

Dynamic Switching

Static Switching

Store-and-Forward Switching (correct)

What is the primary function of routing in a network?

To provide network security against unauthorized access

To divide a larger network into smaller sub-networks

To forward data packets between devices on a network

To determine the best path for forwarding data packets between networks (correct)

What is the purpose of a subnet mask?

To determine the scope of a subnet Signup and view all the answers

What type of subnetting uses variable-length subnet masks (VLSM)?

Classless Subnetting Signup and view all the answers

What type of network threat involves overwhelming a network with traffic to make it unavailable?

Denial of Service (DoS) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of subnetting?

Improved Network Organization Signup and view all the answers

What type of routing protocol uses cost as a metric?

OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of full-duplex switching mode?

Simultaneous sending and receiving of data Signup and view all the answers

Which routing protocol uses hop count to determine the best route?

RIP Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of using Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR)?

Simplified network addressing Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a firewall in network security?

To block unauthorized access to the network Signup and view all the answers

What type of switching checks packets for errors before forwarding?

Fragment-free switching Signup and view all the answers

Which routing protocol is used for routing between autonomous systems?

BGP Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of using access control lists (ACLs) in network security?

To restrict access to network resources Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)?

To prevent network loops Signup and view all the answers

What type of network threat involves unauthorized access to network resources?

Unauthorized access Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS)?

To detect and respond to security threats Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Switching

Definition: Switching is the process of forwarding data packets between devices on a network.
Types of Switching:
- Store-and-Forward Switching: The switch stores the entire packet before forwarding it.
- Cut-Through Switching: The switch forwards the packet as soon as the destination address is read.
Switching Modes:
- Half-Duplex: Data can be sent in both directions, but not at the same time.
- Full-Duplex: Data can be sent in both directions simultaneously.

Routing

Definition: Routing is the process of determining the best path for forwarding data packets between networks.
Types of Routing:
- Static Routing: Routes are manually configured by the network administrator.
- Dynamic Routing: Routes are learned automatically through routing protocols.
Routing Protocols:
- RIP (Routing Information Protocol): Distance-vector protocol that uses hop count as a metric.
- OSPF (Open Shortest Path First): Link-state protocol that uses cost as a metric.
- EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol): Hybrid protocol that uses both distance-vector and link-state methods.

Subnetting

Definition: Subnetting is the process of dividing a larger network into smaller sub-networks.
Subnet Mask: A 32-bit mask that determines the scope of a subnet.
Subnetting Benefits:
- Improved Network Organization
- Increased Security
- Better Network Performance
Subnetting Calculation:
- Classful Subnetting: Uses default subnet masks.
- Classless Subnetting: Uses variable-length subnet masks (VLSM).

Network Security

Types of Network Threats:
- Malware: Viruses, worms, Trojans, and spyware.
- Un authorized Access: Hacking, unauthorized login, and access control breaches.
- Denial of Service (DoS): Overwhelming a network with traffic to make it unavailable.
Network Security Measures:
- Firewalls: Hardware or software that filters incoming and outgoing traffic.
- Encryption: Encrypting data to prevent unauthorized access.
- Access Control: Restricting access to network resources through authentication and authorization.

WAN and LAN

WAN (Wide Area Network):
- Definition: A network that connects devices over a large geographical area.
- Examples: Internet, VPN, and MPLS networks.
LAN (Local Area Network):
- Definition: A network that connects devices in a limited geographical area.
- Examples: Home networks, office networks, and campus networks.
Key differences:
- Geographical scope
- Ownership and management
- **Network size and complexity

Switching

Switching is the process of forwarding data packets between devices on a network.
There are two types of switching: Store-and-Forward and Cut-Through.
Store-and-Forward Switching stores the entire packet before forwarding it.
Cut-Through Switching forwards the packet as soon as the destination address is read.
Switching operates in two modes: Half-Duplex and Full-Duplex.
In Half-Duplex mode, data can be sent in both directions, but not at the same time.
In Full-Duplex mode, data can be sent in both directions simultaneously.

Routing

Routing is the process of determining the best path for forwarding data packets between networks.
There are two types of routing: Static Routing and Dynamic Routing.
Static Routing involves manually configuring routes by the network administrator.
Dynamic Routing involves learning routes automatically through routing protocols.
There are three types of routing protocols: RIP, OSPF, and EIGRP.
RIP is a distance-vector protocol that uses hop count as a metric.
OSPF is a link-state protocol that uses cost as a metric.
EIGRP is a hybrid protocol that uses both distance-vector and link-state methods.

Subnetting

Subnetting is the process of dividing a larger network into smaller sub-networks.
A subnet mask is a 32-bit mask that determines the scope of a subnet.
Subnetting has three benefits: Improved Network Organization, Increased Security, and Better Network Performance.
There are two methods of subnetting: Classful Subnetting and Classless Subnetting.
Classful Subnetting uses default subnet masks.
Classless Subnetting uses variable-length subnet masks (VLSM).

Network Security

There are three types of network threats: Malware, Unauthorized Access, and Denial of Service (DoS).
Malware includes viruses, worms, Trojans, and spyware.
Unauthorized Access includes hacking, unauthorized login, and access control breaches.
Denial of Service (DoS) involves overwhelming a network with traffic to make it unavailable.
There are three network security measures: Firewalls, Encryption, and Access Control.
Firewalls are hardware or software that filters incoming and outgoing traffic.
Encryption involves encrypting data to prevent unauthorized access.
Access Control restricts access to network resources through authentication and authorization.

WAN and LAN

A WAN (Wide Area Network) is a network that connects devices over a large geographical area.
Examples of WANs include the Internet, VPN, and MPLS networks.
A LAN (Local Area Network) is a network that connects devices in a limited geographical area.
Examples of LANs include home networks, office networks, and campus networks.
The key differences between WANs and LANs are geographical scope, ownership and management, and network size and complexity.

Switching

Switching: process of forwarding data packets between devices on a network
Store-and-forward switching: receives entire packet before forwarding, ensuring error-free transmission
Cut-through switching: forwards packet as soon as destination address is read, reducing latency
Fragment-free switching: checks packet for errors before forwarding, preventing corrupt data transmission
Half-duplex switching mode: allows sending and receiving data, but not simultaneously
Full-duplex switching mode: enables simultaneous sending and receiving of data
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP): prevents network loops by creating a tree-like structure
Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP): combines multiple links for increased bandwidth and redundancy

Routing

Routing: process of forwarding data packets between networks
Static routing: manually configured routes, often used for small networks
Dynamic routing: automatically learns and updates routes, suitable for large networks
Distance-Vector Routing Protocol (RIP): uses hop count to determine best route, with a maximum hop count of 15
Link-State Routing Protocol (OSPF): uses topology information to determine best route, with faster convergence
Border Gateway Protocol (BGP): used for routing between autonomous systems, enabling inter-network communication
Routing tables: store information about networks, including destination addresses, next hops, and metrics

Subnetting

Subnetting: dividing a larger network into smaller, more manageable sub-networks
Subnet mask: determines which part of an IP address represents the network and which part represents the host
Subnetting benefits: improved network organization, reduced network traffic, and increased security
Variable Length Subnet Masks (VLSM): allows for different subnet masks in different subnets, enabling more efficient use of IP addresses
Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR): uses a single IP address and subnet mask to represent multiple networks, reducing routing table entries

Network Security

Network security threats: unauthorized access, malware and viruses, DoS and DDoS attacks, data theft, and interception
Firewalls: block unauthorized access to the network, controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic
Access Control Lists (ACLs): restrict access to network resources, based on user identity, IP address, or other criteria
Encryption: protects data in transit, using protocols like SSL/TLS, IPsec, and Kerberos
Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS): detect and respond to security threats, reducing network vulnerability