Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is VLAN tagging used for?
What is VLAN tagging used for?
What does VLAN tagging help to do?
What does VLAN tagging help to do?
What is the main purpose of VLAN tagging protocols?
What is the main purpose of VLAN tagging protocols?
What does VLAN tagging enable?
What does VLAN tagging enable?
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What is the benefit of VLAN tagging?
What is the benefit of VLAN tagging?
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What type of VLAN uses a protocol to define filtering criteria for tags?
What type of VLAN uses a protocol to define filtering criteria for tags?
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What is used to define filtering criteria for tags in Protocol-based VLAN?
What is used to define filtering criteria for tags in Protocol-based VLAN?
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What type of packets are processed in Protocol-based VLAN?
What type of packets are processed in Protocol-based VLAN?
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What is the purpose of a protocol in Protocol-based VLAN?
What is the purpose of a protocol in Protocol-based VLAN?
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What is a characteristic of Protocol-based VLAN?
What is a characteristic of Protocol-based VLAN?
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What protocol is typically used for VLAN management?
What protocol is typically used for VLAN management?
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What is VLAN management primarily concerned with?
What is VLAN management primarily concerned with?
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What is VLAN trunking?
What is VLAN trunking?
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What is involved in VLAN management?
What is involved in VLAN management?
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What is the primary purpose of VLAN tags?
What is the primary purpose of VLAN tags?
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What does network topology refer to?
What does network topology refer to?
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What is required to avoid signal reflection in a bus topology?
What is required to avoid signal reflection in a bus topology?
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How do computers communicate in a ring topology?
How do computers communicate in a ring topology?
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What happens if a single computer fails in a true ring topology?
What happens if a single computer fails in a true ring topology?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a bus topology?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a bus topology?
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What shape do computers form in a ring topology?
What shape do computers form in a ring topology?
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Which of the following statements about bus topology is TRUE?
Which of the following statements about bus topology is TRUE?
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What type of network topology permits packet listening by all nodes on a single cable?
What type of network topology permits packet listening by all nodes on a single cable?
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What is a key characteristic of star topology?
What is a key characteristic of star topology?
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What is a disadvantage of mesh topology?
What is a disadvantage of mesh topology?
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In which situation is mesh topology most commonly used?
In which situation is mesh topology most commonly used?
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What happens if a cable fails in a star topology?
What happens if a cable fails in a star topology?
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Which network topology is described as having connections between all devices?
Which network topology is described as having connections between all devices?
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What could be a disadvantage of having frequent changes in the network?
What could be a disadvantage of having frequent changes in the network?
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How does a cable failure affect data transmission in mesh topology?
How does a cable failure affect data transmission in mesh topology?
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What is a potential issue with network expansion in a star topology?
What is a potential issue with network expansion in a star topology?
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Which type of network is restricted to a single geographic location?
Which type of network is restricted to a single geographic location?
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What does a Metropolitan-Area Network (MAN) primarily connect?
What does a Metropolitan-Area Network (MAN) primarily connect?
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Which type of network uses wireless communication instead of wired connections?
Which type of network uses wireless communication instead of wired connections?
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What is a primary characteristic of a Wide-Area Network (WAN)?
What is a primary characteristic of a Wide-Area Network (WAN)?
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Which network type typically encompasses an entire college campus?
Which network type typically encompasses an entire college campus?
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What type of network is designed for shared storage devices?
What type of network is designed for shared storage devices?
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Which statement accurately differentiates a MAN from a WAN?
Which statement accurately differentiates a MAN from a WAN?
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Which type of network is commonly utilized by companies with multiple buildings on one site?
Which type of network is commonly utilized by companies with multiple buildings on one site?
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What is a key characteristic of virtual circuits in networking?
What is a key characteristic of virtual circuits in networking?
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In the context of communication methods, what is the primary difference between virtual circuit switching and packet switching?
In the context of communication methods, what is the primary difference between virtual circuit switching and packet switching?
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What influences the choice between virtual circuits and other networking models?
What influences the choice between virtual circuits and other networking models?
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What is a disadvantage of using virtual circuits?
What is a disadvantage of using virtual circuits?
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Why might an application prefer packet switching over virtual circuits?
Why might an application prefer packet switching over virtual circuits?
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What type of network is specifically designed for personal use and connects devices in close proximity?
What type of network is specifically designed for personal use and connects devices in close proximity?
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Which device is responsible for directing data packets between different networks?
Which device is responsible for directing data packets between different networks?
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What is a feature of a switch in a network?
What is a feature of a switch in a network?
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Which of the following accurately describes a Storage Area Network (SAN)?
Which of the following accurately describes a Storage Area Network (SAN)?
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What technology is commonly used in Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPAN)?
What technology is commonly used in Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPAN)?
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What is the primary function of a router in a network?
What is the primary function of a router in a network?
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What type of data transfer is typically supported by a Personal Area Network (PAN)?
What type of data transfer is typically supported by a Personal Area Network (PAN)?
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What does a switch use to determine how to forward data packets?
What does a switch use to determine how to forward data packets?
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What does network topology refer to?
What does network topology refer to?
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Which of the following best describes a bus topology?
Which of the following best describes a bus topology?
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What is a disadvantage of a true ring topology?
What is a disadvantage of a true ring topology?
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What is required in a bus topology to prevent signal reflection?
What is required in a bus topology to prevent signal reflection?
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Which topology does NOT require a hub or switch for its configuration?
Which topology does NOT require a hub or switch for its configuration?
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How do packets traverse through a ring topology?
How do packets traverse through a ring topology?
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Which topology is considered very old and rarely used today?
Which topology is considered very old and rarely used today?
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What characterizes the logical topology of a network?
What characterizes the logical topology of a network?
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What is a primary feature of virtual circuits in networking?
What is a primary feature of virtual circuits in networking?
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What is a key drawback of virtual circuit switching?
What is a key drawback of virtual circuit switching?
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How does packet switching differ from virtual circuits?
How does packet switching differ from virtual circuits?
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What likely influences the decision to use virtual circuits over packet switching?
What likely influences the decision to use virtual circuits over packet switching?
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What is a characteristic of packet switching?
What is a characteristic of packet switching?
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What is the main advantage of using a star topology in a network?
What is the main advantage of using a star topology in a network?
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Which type of network topology connects every computer to every other computer directly?
Which type of network topology connects every computer to every other computer directly?
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What is a disadvantage of mesh topology?
What is a disadvantage of mesh topology?
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In which scenario is star topology particularly beneficial?
In which scenario is star topology particularly beneficial?
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Why is mesh topology not often chosen for local area networks (LANs)?
Why is mesh topology not often chosen for local area networks (LANs)?
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What happens in star topology when a single cable fails?
What happens in star topology when a single cable fails?
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What is a key characteristic of mesh topology?
What is a key characteristic of mesh topology?
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Which of the following is a drawback of star topology compared to mesh topology?
Which of the following is a drawback of star topology compared to mesh topology?
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What is the main function of a Storage Area Network (SAN)?
What is the main function of a Storage Area Network (SAN)?
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What is a primary feature of a mesh topology?
What is a primary feature of a mesh topology?
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Which device is responsible for joining two network segments?
Which device is responsible for joining two network segments?
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How does a switch direct packets within a network?
How does a switch direct packets within a network?
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What characterizes an ad-hoc wireless topology?
What characterizes an ad-hoc wireless topology?
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What technology does a Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) primarily utilize?
What technology does a Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) primarily utilize?
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Which topology combines two or more different types of wireless arrangements?
Which topology combines two or more different types of wireless arrangements?
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In which type of network can small devices such as smartphones and tablets interconnect?
In which type of network can small devices such as smartphones and tablets interconnect?
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What is a common feature of infrastructure wireless topology?
What is a common feature of infrastructure wireless topology?
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Why are mesh topologies considered highly reliable?
Why are mesh topologies considered highly reliable?
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What is the primary role of routing in networking?
What is the primary role of routing in networking?
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Which wireless topology is typically used for temporary networks?
Which wireless topology is typically used for temporary networks?
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What type of data access does a SAN provide?
What type of data access does a SAN provide?
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What is a disadvantage of wireless mesh topology compared to other topologies?
What is a disadvantage of wireless mesh topology compared to other topologies?
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Which statement about switches is accurate?
Which statement about switches is accurate?
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Which of the following describes the primary interaction in a wireless mesh topology?
Which of the following describes the primary interaction in a wireless mesh topology?
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What is one of the primary purposes of WANs?
What is one of the primary purposes of WANs?
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Which topology allows any site to communicate directly with any other site?
Which topology allows any site to communicate directly with any other site?
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Which of the following statements about hub-and-spoke topology is true?
Which of the following statements about hub-and-spoke topology is true?
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What is a disadvantage of a full mesh topology?
What is a disadvantage of a full mesh topology?
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How do organizations typically access WAN services?
How do organizations typically access WAN services?
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Which of the following best describes a dual-homed topology?
Which of the following best describes a dual-homed topology?
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Which factor is a primary reason WANs are necessary for businesses?
Which factor is a primary reason WANs are necessary for businesses?
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What is a common feature of point-to-point topology?
What is a common feature of point-to-point topology?
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What is the main role of a CSU in digital-leased lines?
What is the main role of a CSU in digital-leased lines?
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Which characteristic distinguishes circuit switching from packet switching?
Which characteristic distinguishes circuit switching from packet switching?
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Which of the following options is a key feature of packet-switching networks?
Which of the following options is a key feature of packet-switching networks?
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What does the DSU primarily do in a digital-leased line setup?
What does the DSU primarily do in a digital-leased line setup?
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Which example illustrates the principle of circuit switching?
Which example illustrates the principle of circuit switching?
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What is a defining feature of connection-oriented systems in packet switching?
What is a defining feature of connection-oriented systems in packet switching?
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Which statement about latency and cost in comparison between circuit switching and packet switching is correct?
Which statement about latency and cost in comparison between circuit switching and packet switching is correct?
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What is the significance of Digital Leased Lines requiring both CSU and DSU?
What is the significance of Digital Leased Lines requiring both CSU and DSU?
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What is a primary requirement when implementing a WAN for a business like SPAN Engineering?
What is a primary requirement when implementing a WAN for a business like SPAN Engineering?
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Which of the following best describes the evolution of SPAN Engineering's network as it grew?
Which of the following best describes the evolution of SPAN Engineering's network as it grew?
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In the context of WAN operations, which OSI model layers are primarily involved?
In the context of WAN operations, which OSI model layers are primarily involved?
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What is the role of Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) in WAN connections?
What is the role of Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) in WAN connections?
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What type of network configuration did SPAN Engineering initially use as a small office?
What type of network configuration did SPAN Engineering initially use as a small office?
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Which of the following is a primary function of the Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) in a WAN setup?
Which of the following is a primary function of the Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) in a WAN setup?
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What does the term 'Demarcation Point' refer to in WAN terminology?
What does the term 'Demarcation Point' refer to in WAN terminology?
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Which WAN connection feature is mainly focused on flow control and encapsulation?
Which WAN connection feature is mainly focused on flow control and encapsulation?
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What was a significant change in SPAN Engineering's IT structure as the company grew?
What was a significant change in SPAN Engineering's IT structure as the company grew?
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What type of WAN connection do branch offices of SPAN Engineering use that are located in nearby cities?
What type of WAN connection do branch offices of SPAN Engineering use that are located in nearby cities?
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What is one way SPAN seeks to improve its profitability regarding network management?
What is one way SPAN seeks to improve its profitability regarding network management?
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How did SPAN Engineering handle its IT needs at the start of its operations?
How did SPAN Engineering handle its IT needs at the start of its operations?
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What is the primary advantage of using a WAN for a company like SPAN Engineering?
What is the primary advantage of using a WAN for a company like SPAN Engineering?
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What is typically required for Layer 1 protocols in WAN operations?
What is typically required for Layer 1 protocols in WAN operations?
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Study Notes
Network Topologies
- Network topology refers to the arrangement and connection layout of computers and network components, encompassing both physical and logical layouts.
- Physical topology deals with the actual setup of cables and devices, while logical topology describes how the network appears to its users.
Types of Wired Topologies
-
Bus Topology
- Utilizes a central backbone cable; all nodes connect to this single cable.
- Each device taps into the cable to receive data packets.
- Requires terminators at both ends to prevent signal reflection.
- An older technology, rarely used in modern networks.
-
Ring Topology
- Each computer connects in a circular formation, passing packets sequentially.
- A single failure (computer or cable) disrupts the entire network.
- No hub or switch is needed; impractical in frequently changing environments.
-
Star Topology
- All devices connect to a central hub or switch, facilitating easy management and expansion.
- Each device uses a separate cable to connect, minimizing the impact of individual cable failures.
-
Mesh Topology
- Every device connects directly to every other device, enhancing redundancy.
- Complicated wiring and high cabling costs limit practical use in small networks; more common in metropolitan or wide area networks.
Types of Wireless Topologies
- Wireless topologies mirror wired topologies but utilize wireless communication technologies, often integrating components like routers and access points.
Types of Networks Based on Geographic Area
-
LAN (Local Area Network)
- Restricted to a small geographical area (e.g., single building or campus).
-
WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)
- A LAN that employs wireless communication instead of physical cables.
-
WAN (Wide Area Network)
- Covers multiple locations, connecting several LANs; generally slower and more complex than LANs due to required hardware.
-
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
- Smaller than WANs, covering areas like cities or towns; often provided by ISPs.
-
CAN (Campus Area Network)
- Links multiple LANs across a defined geographical area, such as a college campus or business campus.
-
SAN (Storage Area Network)
- A specialized network for connecting shared storage devices, offering block-level data storage.
-
PAN (Personal Area Network)
- Personal networks for close-range device communication (e.g., smartphones and laptops), often utilizing Bluetooth or NFC technologies.
Network Devices
-
Router
- Connects different networks, routing data between them (e.g., home office routers connecting to the Internet).
-
Switch
- Interconnects multiple devices within a network, sending data only to the correct destination device based on MAC addresses.
Routing and Switching Methods
-
Routing
- The process of directing data packets across networks; performed by routers to ensure packets reach their correct destinations.
-
Virtual Circuits
- A connection-oriented service providing a dedicated communication path, adding complexity compared to connectionless packet switching, which is more adaptable and scalable.
Network Topologies Overview
- Network topology defines the arrangement of devices in a network, comprising both physical and logical layouts.
- Physical topology refers to the real-world layout of cables and devices, while logical topology illustrates how the network appears to users.
Wired Network Topologies
Bus Topology
- Connects all computers in a linear fashion via a single backbone cable.
- Each node taps into the cable to access data packets.
- Requires terminators at both ends of the cable to prevent signal reflection.
- Considered outdated and not widely used today.
Ring Topology
- Each computer is connected in a closed loop, with data packets traveling in one direction.
- Each node examines packets to determine if they are intended for it.
- A failure in any node or connection disrupts the entire network.
- Rarely used due to issues with network changes and reliability.
Star Topology
- All devices connect to a central hub or switch, forming a star shape.
- Each device has a dedicated cable to the hub, allowing for easy network expansion.
- If one cable fails, it does not affect the rest of the network.
- One of the most popular topologies for both home and office networks.
Mesh Topology
- Devices connect to every other device, offering multiple pathways for data.
- Provides high redundancy; single cable failures can still allow communication through alternate paths.
- Complicated wiring and high costs make it less common in LAN settings but useful in metropolitan or wide area networks.
Wireless Network Topologies
Infrastructure Wireless Topology
- Devices communicate through a central access point such as a wireless router.
- Common in home and office networks for internet connectivity.
Ad Hoc Wireless Topology
- Allows devices to connect directly with one another without a central access point.
- Often used in temporary or mobile settings, like peer-to-peer connections.
Wireless Mesh Topology
- Every device connects to all others, ensuring reliability through rerouting of data if one node fails.
- Ideal for highly available networks but more complex than traditional setups.
Hybrid Topology
- Combines multiple types of wireless topologies to create a flexible and adaptable network.
Geographic-Based Networks
Personal Area Network (PAN)
- A small network focused on personal devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets).
- Incorporates wireless technologies, forming Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPAN).
- Commonly uses Bluetooth or NFC for data exchange.
Network Devices
Router
- Interconnects networks, routing data between them.
- An example includes a small office/home office router connecting to the Internet.
Switch
- Connects multiple computers in a network using cable connections.
- Efficiently forwards data only to the port connected to the destination device, based on MAC addresses.
Routing and Switching
Routing
- The process of directing data packets across networks to ensure they reach their destinations.
- Utilizes routers to make routing decisions.
Virtual Circuits
- A communication method in packet-switched networks providing a connection-oriented service.
- Offers a predictable path for data, but adds complexity and overhead compared to connectionless methods.
- Choice of method depends on application requirements and network characteristics.
Purpose of WANs
- WANs connect LANs over larger geographic distances, interlinking enterprises with remote locations and branch offices.
- Service providers own WANs, unlike LANs, which are typically organization-owned. Fees are incurred for WAN services.
- WANs facilitate communication for remote sites, enabling data, voice, and video transport.
Necessity of WANs
- Without WANs, LANs remain isolated, hindering communication between distant sites.
- Businesses require inter-office communication for sharing data, especially for regional and branch offices.
- Increased connectivity needs arise from mobile employees and consumer interactions with online services.
WAN Topologies
- Various topologies are utilized to interconnect sites via WANs. Key examples include:
- Point-to-Point: Direct, dedicated connections like T1/E1 lines between two endpoints.
- Hub-and-Spoke: Central hub connects multiple spoke sites, facilitating shared access.
- Full Mesh: Allows direct communication between all sites but requires more virtual circuits.
- Dual-homed: Offers redundancy and load balancing, though more expensive and complex to set up.
Evolving Networks
- Companies focus on optimizing network efficiency to boost profitability during economic downturns.
- Networks must adapt as companies expand, illustrated by SPAN Engineering’s growth from local to global scale.
Small Office Setup
- SPAN Engineering has 15 employees, utilizing a single LAN for VoIP, peripheral sharing, and internet access via DSL.
Campus Network Expansion
- After five years, SPAN expands infrastructure, transitioning to several subnetworks within a multi-floor office building.
Branch Networking
- As SPAN opens branch offices, a WAN is implemented to enable remote access to the central data center.
- Local branches use dedicated lines, while international branches rely on the Internet for connectivity.
Distributed Network Maturity
- SPAN Engineering reaches a global presence with thousands of employees, requiring sophisticated network services for efficiency and cost reduction.
WAN Operations and OSI Model
- WANs operate mainly at the OSI Model's Physical and Data Link layers, focusing on physical addressing and flow control.
- Various authorities set standards for WAN access including TIA/EIA, ISO, and IEEE.
Common WAN Terminology
- Customer Premises Equipment (CPE): Devices at the enterprise edge that connect to a carrier.
- Data Communications Equipment (DCE): Interfaces connecting customers to the WAN.
- Data Terminal Equipment (DTE): Devices sending data for WAN transmission.
- Demarcation Point: Divides customer and service provider equipment.
- Local Loop: Connects CPE to Central Office (CO).
- Central Office (CO): Service provider facility connecting to the network.
WAN Devices
- Dialup modem: Converts digital signals for public telephone networks.
- Access server: Manages dial-up communications.
- Broadband modem: Used with high-speed Internet connections, operating at higher frequencies.
- CSU/DSU: Ensures digital signal integrity and compatibility with LAN frames.
- Router: Connects networks and allows WAN access.
- Core router/Multilayer switch: Operates within the WAN backbone.
Circuit Switching
- Establishes dedicated channels between nodes before communication begins.
- Examples include PSTN and ISDN, with communication requiring completed connections prior to data exchange.
Packet Switching
- Splits data into packets routed over shared networks without pre-established circuits.
- Connectionless systems (e.g., Internet) carry full addressing in each packet, while connection-oriented systems (e.g., Frame Relay) utilize route identifiers.
- Packet switching tends to be cheaper than circuit switching but faces higher latency and jitter.
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Test your knowledge of VLAN management, including configuring and managing VLANs, assigning devices to VLANs, and configuring VLAN trunking. Learn about VLAN tags and more. Take this quiz to assess your understanding of VLAN management protocols like IEEE 802.1Q.