2.5 Network devices

Question 1

What is the primary function of a router?

Answer 1

To forward traffic between networks based on IP addresses.

Routers connect different networks and manage traffic between them.

Question 2

What types of networks can a router connect?

Answer 2

• Different IP subnets
• Network topologies (such as Ethernet to wireless)

Routers facilitate communication between diverse network types.

Question 3

What is the primary function of a switch?

Answer 3

To connect end devices and forward traffic based on MAC addresses.

Switches operate at the data link layer to manage local traffic.

Question 4

Why are switches faster than hubs?

Answer 4

They use hardware-based switching (ASICs).

This allows switches to process data more efficiently than hubs.

Question 5

What additional feature do some switches support for powering devices?

Answer 5

Power over Ethernet (PoE).

PoE enables devices to receive power and data through the same cable.

Question 6

What is an unmanaged switch?

Answer 6

A plug-and-play switch with no configuration options.

Unmanaged switches are simple and easy to use.

Question 7

Do unmanaged switches support VLANs?

Answer 7

No.

VLAN support is a feature of managed switches.

Question 8

Are unmanaged switches remotely managed?

Answer 8

No.

They lack management capabilities.

Question 9

What is a managed switch?

Answer 9

A switch that supports advanced configuration and management features.

Managed switches allow for greater control over network traffic.

Question 10

What features do managed switches support?

Answer 10

• VLANs
• Traffic prioritization
• Redundancy
• Port mirroring

These features enhance network performance and reliability.

Question 11

How are managed switches remotely managed?

Answer 11

Using SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol).

SNMP allows for monitoring and management of network devices.

Question 12

What is the function of an access point?

Answer 12

To bridge wired and wireless networks.

Access points extend the wireless network coverage.

Question 13

How do access points forward traffic?

Answer 13

Based on MAC addresses.

This allows access points to direct data to the correct devices.

Question 14

Do access points perform routing?

Answer 14

No.

Access points connect devices but do not route traffic between networks.

Question 15

What is the purpose of a patch panel?

Answer 15

Cable management in network closets and data centers.

Patch panels organize and simplify network cabling.

Question 16

Why are patch panels considered static devices?

Answer 16

They provide fixed termination points for network cables.

This makes them essential for structured cabling systems.

Question 17

How do patch panels increase network flexibility?

Answer 17

By allowing cables to be patched into different switches or VLANs.

This adaptability is crucial for network management.

Question 18

What is the main purpose of a firewall?

Answer 18

To filter network traffic for security.

Firewalls protect networks from unauthorized access.

Question 19

How do traditional firewalls filter traffic?

Answer 19

By port numbers.

This method controls access based on specific communication ports.

Question 20

How do next-generation firewalls filter traffic?

Answer 20

By application awareness.

This allows for more granular control over network traffic.

Question 21

What additional roles can firewalls perform?

Answer 21

• VPN concentrator
• Proxy server
• Router

Firewalls can serve multiple functions in network security.

Question 22

What is Power over Ethernet (PoE)?

Answer 22

A technology that delivers data and electrical power over a single Ethernet cable.

PoE simplifies the installation of network devices.

Question 23

Why is PoE useful?

Answer 23

It simplifies installation of devices without separate power cables.

This reduces clutter and installation complexity.

Question 24

What devices commonly use PoE?

Answer 24

• VoIP phones
• Wireless access points
• Security cameras

These devices benefit from the convenience of PoE.

Question 25

What does a **cable modem** do?

Answer 25

Provides internet access over cable television infrastructure. ## Footnote Cable modems connect homes to broadband internet.

Question 26

What type of cabling do **cable modems** use?

Answer 26

Coaxial cable. ## Footnote This type of cable is standard for cable television.

Question 27

What standard is commonly used by **cable modems**?

Answer 27

DOCSIS. ## Footnote DOCSIS stands for Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification.

Question 28

What does **DSL** stand for?

Answer 28

Digital Subscriber Line. ## Footnote DSL technology provides internet access over telephone lines.

Question 29

What type of lines does **DSL** use?

Answer 29

Traditional telephone lines. ## Footnote This allows DSL to utilize existing infrastructure.

Question 30

What factor affects **DSL speed** the most?

Answer 30

Distance from the central office. ## Footnote The further the distance, the slower the connection.

Question 31

What is the purpose of an **ONT**?

Answer 31

To convert fiber optic signals into copper connections. ## Footnote ONTs are crucial for fiber optic internet services.

Question 32

What services can an **ONT** provide?

Answer 32

* Ethernet * Voice * Video ## Footnote ONTs facilitate multiple types of communication.

Question 33

Where is the **ONT** located?

Answer 33

At the demarcation point between the service provider and the customer. ## Footnote This is where the service provider's network connects to the customer's network.

Question 34

What is a **NIC**?

Answer 34

Hardware that connects a device to a network. ## Footnote NICs are essential for network communication.

Question 35

Where can **NICs** be installed?

Answer 35

* Integrated into a motherboard * Added as an expansion card ## Footnote This flexibility allows for various configurations.

Question 36

What unique identifier does each **NIC** have?

Answer 36

A MAC address. ## Footnote MAC addresses are used to identify devices on a network.