Systems Administration I: Network Switches

Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of a router?

To connect devices within a single LAN

To detect devices faster than switches

To manage traffic between networks by forwarding data packets (correct)

To save bandwidth within a local network

What layer of the OSI model does a switch operate on?

Data Link Layer (correct)

Transport Layer

Application Layer

Network Layer

Which of the following best describes a MAC address?

A 16-digit binary number used in data transmission

A type of device used for internet connection

A unique identifier for devices connected to a network (correct)

An address used to route packets between networks

What is one of the advantages of using a switch over a hub?

Switches can operate in full duplex mode Signup and view all the answers

Which type of router connects an internal network to the internet?

Edge router Signup and view all the answers

What is a function of a bridge in networking?

To combine multiple LANs into a single network Signup and view all the answers

What type of address does a router primarily use to manage data packets?

IP address Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about switches is true?

Switches can intelligently forward based on MAC addresses Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of an internal modem?

To transmit data over telephone or cable lines Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are the most commonly used cables for guided signal transmission?

Coaxial cable, Twisted pair cable, Fiber-optic cable Signup and view all the answers

What role does a server play in a network?

It provides resources, data, services, or programs to clients. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Network Operating System (NOS)?

Facilitating the network connection of independent computers Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the functions of the Network Operating System?

Providing internet connectivity Signup and view all the answers

What best defines a network protocol?

A rule or guideline followed by computers for data communication Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a network software component?

Network Operating System (NOS) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cable is primarily used for high-speed data transmission over long distances?

Fiber-optic cable Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of client-server networks regarding cost?

They are more costly compared to peer-to-peer networks. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the robustness of client-server networks?

Failure of a main server can disrupt the entire network. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic differentiates a LAN from a WAN?

LANs operate over a limited geographical area. Signup and view all the answers

What does a WAN connect?

Multiple LANs across a wide area. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of network administration, which statement is true?

LANs are usually controlled by a single organization. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary feature of small home networks?

They allow connection to the internet and each other. Signup and view all the answers

What type of network connects hundreds of millions of computers worldwide?

World Wide Networks Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a maintenance challenge for client-server networks?

Servers need continuous proper attention. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)?

To connect different LANs within a city. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding enterprise LANs compared to SOHO LANs?

Enterprise LANs may connect hundreds or thousands of devices. Signup and view all the answers

What does effective network troubleshooting NOT contribute to?

Prolonging device lifespan. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a connectivity problem in network troubleshooting?

Error messages indicating 'device not found'. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of effective troubleshooting in a network?

Reduces the time and resources needed to resolve issues. Signup and view all the answers

Performance problems in a network usually refer to which of the following issues?

Slow performance experienced by users. Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT a component that effective network troubleshooting monitors?

User account preferences. Signup and view all the answers

What geographic coverage does a MAN typically provide?

Several kilometers within a city. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for the creation of the OSI model?

To standardize networking across different vendors Signup and view all the answers

How many layers does the OSI model consist of?

7 layers Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct sequence of addressing layers used in OSI model during client-server communication?

Data Link, Network, Transport Signup and view all the answers

In the encapsulation process, what term is used for the data at the transport layer?

Segment Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the OSI model specifies the devices on the local LAN that should handle data frames?

Data Link layer Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key differences between the OSI model and the TCP/IP model?

TCP/IP has a smaller number of layers Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the information added at each layer during the encapsulation process?

Header Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of port numbers at the transport layer?

To establish communication channels for applications Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Switches

More intelligent than hubs, operating on Layer 2.
Utilize MAC addresses to make forwarding decisions in frames.
MAC address is a unique 12-digit hexadecimal number for each network device.
Example MAC address representation: 2C:54:91:88:C9:E3.
Advantages include fast device detection, full duplex operation, bandwidth savings, and increased security.

Routers

Connect multiple devices and networks, enabling data transfer between local networks and the internet.
Operate at the Network Layer, using IP addresses to forward data packets.
Responsible for determining the best routing path using a routing table.
Types include:
- Edge Routers: Connect internal networks to the internet.
- Core Routers: Operate within the internet backbone for transmitting data packets.

Bridges

Link different LANs to form larger network aggregations, making them appear as a single network.

Modems

Short for modulator/demodulator, facilitating internet connection over telephone lines.
Types:
- External Modem: Self-contained, outside the computer.
- Internal Modem: Installed inside the computer.
- Wireless Modem: Sends and receives signals via radio waves.

Network Cables

Serve as physical communication routes for data transmission between computers and network components.
Common types include:
- Coaxial Cable
- Twisted Pair Cable
- Fiber-Optic Cable

Network Servers

Provide resources, data, and services to clients over a network.
Manage network resources and serve client requests.
Examples include web servers, mail servers, database servers, and print servers.

Network Software Components

Consist of network protocols and Network Operating System (NOS).
NOS connects and communicates between independent computers.
Functions of NOS include controlling resource access, account management, and network monitoring.
Examples of NOS: UNIX/Linux, MacOS, Windows Servers.

Network Protocols

Rules for data communication among computers.
Two popular models:
- OSI Model: Seven layers (Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation, Application) providing a standard for network interoperability.
- TCP/IP Model: Four layers (Physical, Network, Transport, Application), summarizing OSI features and managing files easily.

Data Encapsulation

Process where various protocol information is added at each layer.
Results in different Protocol Data Units (PDUs) as data moves down the protocol stack.
Three types of addresses utilized for communication:
- Transport layer: Protocol addresses (port numbers).
- Network layer: Network addresses.
- Data link layer: MAC addresses for local device identification.

Network Topologies

Differentiation based on size, user connections, services, and management areas.
- LAN (Local Area Network): Limited geographical area, high-speed bandwidth.
- WAN (Wide Area Network): Spans large geographic areas, connecting multiple LANs.

Enterprise LANs and MANs

Enterprise LANs: Use SOHO technologies on a larger scale with numerous devices.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): Connects different LANs within a city, larger than LAN but smaller than WAN, covering several kilometers.

Troubleshooting Network Issues

Involves identifying, diagnosing, and resolving network problems.
Common issues include connectivity problems, performance lag, and security threats.
Effective troubleshooting minimizes downtime, reduces costs, optimizes performance, and enhances security.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamentals of network switches, focusing on their intelligence compared to hubs and their operation at layer 2 of the OSI model. It also delves into the importance of MAC addresses in frame forwarding decisions and their representation. Test your knowledge on key concepts of network administration!