2. Network Flashcards
What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?
IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses (e.g., 192.168.1.1), while IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334).
What is the function of a DHCP server?
Automatically assigns IP addresses and other network configuration details to devices on a network.
What is a MAC address?
A unique physical address assigned to a network interface card (NIC), used for communication within a local network.
What is the default port for HTTPS?
Port 443.
What is the purpose of a switch in networking?
Connects devices within a network and uses MAC addresses to forward data to the correct device.
What is the OSI model, and what are its seven layers?
A conceptual framework for understanding network communication; the layers are Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation, and Application.
What is the difference between TCP and UDP?
TCP is connection-oriented and ensures reliable data delivery, while UDP is connectionless and faster but does not guarantee delivery.
What is the purpose of a subnet mask?
Divides an IP address into network and host portions, determining the range of IP addresses within a network.
What is the default IP range for private Class C networks?
192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255.
What is the maximum speed of Cat6 Ethernet cables?
Up to 10 Gbps for distances up to 55 meters.
What is the purpose of a VPN?
Creates a secure, encrypted connection between a device and a private network over the internet.
What is the difference between a router and a switch?
A router connects different networks and routes traffic, while a switch connects devices within the same network and forwards data using MAC addresses.
What are the common wireless network standards, and their maximum speeds?
802.11n: 600 Mbps; 802.11ac: 1.3 Gbps; 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6): 9.6 Gbps.
What is the role of a DNS server?
Translates domain names (e.g., www.example.com) into IP addresses (e.g., 192.168.1.1).
What are the key differences between IPv6 and IPv4?
IPv6 has 128-bit addresses, supports auto-configuration, and eliminates the need for NAT, while IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses.
What is the purpose of a DMZ in networking?
A Demilitarized Zone isolates public-facing services (e.g., web servers) from the internal network for added security.
What is the function of a packet sniffer?
Captures and analyzes network traffic for troubleshooting and monitoring purposes.
What is a default gateway?
The device (usually a router) that connects a local network to other networks, including the internet.
What is port forwarding?
Directs incoming traffic on a specific port to a specific device or service within a private network.
What is the purpose of QoS (Quality of Service)?
Prioritizes certain types of network traffic (e.g., VoIP or streaming) to ensure consistent performance.
What is a VLAN, and why is it used?
A Virtual LAN segments a physical network into smaller, logical networks to improve security and manageability.
What is the difference between a static IP and a dynamic IP?
A static IP is manually assigned and remains constant, while a dynamic IP is automatically assigned by a DHCP server and can change.
What is a traceroute command used for?
Traces the path packets take to a destination, identifying delays or failures in the route.
What is the default port number for FTP?
Port 21.
What is PoE (Power over Ethernet)?
A technology that delivers power and data over Ethernet cables, commonly used for devices like IP cameras and wireless access points.
What is the purpose of an IP address?
Identifies a device on a network and allows it to communicate with other devices.
What is the difference between a public and a private IP address?
A public IP address is assigned by an ISP and can be accessed over the internet, while a private IP address is used within a local network and cannot be directly accessed from outside.
What is a subnet?
A subnet is a division of an IP network into smaller, manageable sections to improve performance and security.
What is a NAT (Network Address Translation)?
A process that modifies IP address information in packet headers to allow multiple devices on a local network to share a single public IP address.
What is the purpose of a router in a network?
A router forwards data packets between different networks, determining the best path for data to travel.
What is the maximum transmission unit (MTU)?
The largest size of a data packet that can be transmitted over a network, typically 1500 bytes for Ethernet.
What is the difference between a Layer 3 switch and a router?
A Layer 3 switch can perform routing functions, while a router is specifically designed to route packets between networks.
What is the purpose of DNS caching?
DNS caching stores previously resolved domain name to IP address mappings to reduce lookup times and improve browsing speed.
What is a DHCP lease?
The amount of time an IP address is assigned to a device by a DHCP server before it must be renewed or released.
What is the function of ARP (Address Resolution Protocol)?
Resolves IP addresses to MAC addresses, allowing devices within a local network to communicate.
What is the difference between a full-duplex and half-duplex network?
Full-duplex allows data to be sent and received simultaneously, while half-duplex only allows data to flow in one direction at a time.
What is an SSID?
A Service Set Identifier is the name of a wireless network that allows devices to identify and connect to it.
What is the difference between 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g?
802.11a operates at 5 GHz with up to 54 Mbps, 802.11b operates at 2.4 GHz with up to 11 Mbps, and 802.11g operates at 2.4 GHz with up to 54 Mbps.
What is an IP address class?
A categorization of IP address ranges (Class A, B, C) that determine the size of the network and the number of available host addresses.
What is the function of a proxy server?
Acts as an intermediary between a client and a server, providing security, caching, and content filtering.