Network Infrastructure Definitions Flashcards

Question

What networking component does this describe? A device that connects multiple devices within a network and directs traffic only to the intended recipients, unlike a hub which broadcasts to all devices.

Answer 1

A

A device that connects a network to an internet service provider by CONVERTING analog signals to digital.

Data moves across the internet as ANALOG signals which is similar to radio waves, but devices operate in DIGITAL which is 0’s and 1’s. The modem is the converter.

Answer 2

A

A type of Gateway.

A device that MANAGES NETWORK TRAFFIC by reading packet headers and directing data to the most efficient path.

Creates a Local Area Network (LAN) and assigns each device a local IP address.

Answer 3

A

A device that connects multiple devices within a network and directs traffic only to the intended recipients through device MAC addresses.

Works on the Data Link Layer (layer 2).

Switches expand the router’s number of available device ports but also make data delivery MORE EFFICIENCT but only sending data to the appropriate device (MAC address) which means that each device has dedicated bandwidth.

A Switch is NOT just a Hub/splitter, it is actively facilitating network efficiency.

Answer 4

A

A device that acts as an intermediary between different networks, translating protocols to enable communication.

Types of Gateways:
- Router Gateway: Connects networks and routes IP traffic (often acts as the gateway to the internet).
- Application-Level Gateway: Translates and filters traffic at the application layer (e.g., email, web).
- Circuit-Level Gateway: Monitors and verifies session connections without inspecting data content.
- Proxy Gateway: Acts as an intermediary using the same protocol, often for caching or security.
- VoIP Gateway: Converts voice signals between traditional telephony and IP networks.
- Cloud Gateway: Connects on-premises networks to cloud services, managing protocol translation and security.
- IoT Gateway: Connects Internet of Things devices to networks, handling protocol translation and data processing.

Answer 5

A

A wireless connection point that allows devices to connect to a wired network wirelessly.

Creates WiFi coverage from a wired network connection. Essentially extending WiFi coverage but DOES NOT assign IP addresses - this is still the job of the Router.

Answer 6

A

Older version of a Switch.

A device that connects separate networks using the same protocol, operating at the data link layer.

Bridges are less common as standalone devices today because switches have largely taken over their role, but conceptually, a switch is like a multi-port bridge.

Answer 7

A

A gateway that mediates requests on behalf of users without translating protocols.

Answer 8

A

A physical or virtual machine that provides services like web hosting, file storage, or databases.

Answer 9

A

A hardware or software device that filters and monitors network traffic to block unauthorized access.

Operates on a set of security rules. Inspects incoming network packets for anything that violates a known security rule and prevents it from entering.

Hardware Firewalls are devices between Modem and Router - prevents suspicious activity from entry to the network. Most routers have hardware firewalls built in.

Software Firewalls are computer programs once suspicious activity is inside the network.

Answer 10

A

A device such as an amplifier or repeater that boosts or regenerates network signals.

Answer 11

A

A device that brings computing and storage closer to data sources for faster network response.

Examples:
- A smart security camera processes video locally instead of sending everything to a distant server. It detects motion or recognizes faces on the device itself and only sends important alerts or clips to your phone or cloud. This reduces data traffic, speeds up response, and improves efficiency by handling tasks close to the source.

A smart security camera processes video locally to detect motion or faces and only sends important alerts to your phone or cloud. This reduces data traffic and speeds up response by handling tasks near the source.