1101 2.2 Networking Hardware

Question 1

What layer of the OSI model do routers operate at?

Answer 1

Layer 3

Question 2

What is the primary function of a router?

Answer 2

To forward traffic between different IP subnets.

Question 3

What distinguishes a managed switch from an unmanaged switch?

Answer 3

A managed switch offers configuration options like VLANs and SNMP, whereas an unmanaged switch does not.

Question 4

What is the primary function of a switch?

Answer 4

To forward traffic based on the destination MAC address.

Question 5

How do switches typically forward traffic?

Answer 5

Based on the destination MAC address using an ASIC for high-speed throughput.

Question 6

What is Power Over Ethernet (PoE)?

Answer 6

A technology that allows network cables to carry electrical power along with data to network devices.

Question 7

What is the role of a PoE injector?

Answer 7

To add power to an Ethernet cable to supply PoE to devices when the switch does not support PoE.

Question 8

What are the key functions of an access point?

Answer 8

To bridge wireless network users to a wired network.

Question 9

What is a patch panel used for in network infrastructure?

Answer 9

To manage cable connections between desks and network equipment, allowing for flexible changes.

Question 10

What OSI layer does a traditional firewall operate at?

Answer 10

Layer 4

Question 11

What additional functionality can modern firewalls provide?

Answer 11

Application-layer filtering (Layer 7), encrypted tunnel endpoints, and proxy services.

Question 12

What is a hub, and why is it less efficient than a switch?

Answer 12

A hub is a multi-port repeater that sends incoming data packets to all other ports, leading to collisions and inefficiency.

Question 13

What is a cable modem used for?

Answer 13

To provide broadband internet access via the same cable used for cable television.

Question 14

What is DOCSIS?

Answer 14

Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification, a standard for transmitting high-bandwidth data over cable systems.

Question 15

What is a DSL modem and how does it work?

Answer 15

A device that provides internet access over telephone lines using Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line technology.

Question 16

What does ONT stand for, and what is its function?

Answer 16

Optical Network Terminal; it converts incoming fiber optic signals to Ethernet or other forms suitable for home or business use.

Question 17

What is the function of a Network Interface Card (NIC)?

Answer 17

To provide the physical interface between the computer and the network, handling data transmission and reception.

Question 18

What is Software-Defined Networking (SDN)?

Answer 18

A networking approach that uses software to make networks more flexible and easier to manage by separating the control plane from the data plane.

Question 19

How does SDN differ from traditional networking?

Answer 19

SDN separates the network’s control logic from the underlying routers and switches, enabling programmable network management.

Question 20

What are PoE standards and name two examples?

Answer 20

PoE standards define the electrical power that can be passed over network cables; examples include IEEE 802.3af and IEEE 802.3at.

Question 21

What is the primary advantage of using managed switches in a network?

Answer 21

They provide greater control over the network, including traffic prioritization and network security enhancements.

Question 22

What is a Layer 3 switch capable of that a standard switch is not?

Answer 22

Routing traffic between different IP subnets, combining functionalities of both routers and switches.

Question 23

Why might a business choose to use a PoE switch?

Answer 23

To eliminate the need for separate power supplies for devices like cameras and access points, simplifying installation and reducing costs.

Question 24

How does an unmanaged switch differ in functionality from a managed switch regarding VLANs?

Answer 24

An unmanaged switch cannot configure VLANs, meaning all devices connected to it are on the same VLAN.

Question 25

What is the purpose of a firewall acting as a proxy?

Answer 25

To intercept and inspect incoming traffic before forwarding it to the internal network, enhancing security.

Question 26

Why are patch panels considered essential in enterprise networking?

Answer 26

They simplify the management of cable layouts and make it easier to reconfigure network connections without extensive rewiring.

Question 27

What role does an access point play in wireless networking?

Answer 27

It extends a wired network by providing a wireless connectivity bridge.

Question 28

Explain the concept of duplex communication and why it is limited in hubs.

Answer 28

Duplex communication allows data to flow in both directions; hubs only support half-duplex, causing data collisions.

Question 29

What technological improvement does a DSL modem provide over traditional dial-up modems?

Answer 29

DSL uses higher frequencies for data transmission over telephone lines, allowing simultaneous voice and data transmission and faster speeds.

Question 30

How does the introduction of IEEE 802.3bt improve upon previous PoE standards?

Answer 30

It increases the amount of power delivered over Ethernet cables, supporting up to 71.3 watts, suitable for more power-intensive devices.