2.2 (Switches - Managed/Unmanaged, Routers, Access points/WAP, Firewalls, Patch panel, PoE, Hub, Cable modems) Flashcards
What is a switch?
A network switch is an appliance that links different devices that are part of the same computer network.
The switch learns the MAC addresses of each computer connected to each of its ports. So, when a switch receives a packet, it only forwards the packet out the port that is connected to the destination MAC address.
A network switch connects users, applications, and equipment across a network so that they can communicate with one another and share resources.
What is an unmanaged switch?
Unmanaged switches simply allow Ethernet devices to communicate with one another by providing a connection to the network. Unmanaged switches are truly plug and play devices, meaning you simply have to plug them in for them to work. This simplicity does come at a cost of higher functionality.
Cheap.
Gives you very few config options.
Is basically plug and play.
No VLANS and has fixed config.
Little integration with other devices.
What is a managed switch?
Managed switches let users adjust each port on the switch to any setting, enabling them to manage, configure and monitor the network in many ways. They also provide greater control over how data travels over the network and who can access that data.
More options.
Has VLAN support.
Can prioritise traffic like voice traffic.
Has redundancy support.
Port mirroring.
What is so great and beneficial about switches?
Switches keep traffic between two devices from getting in the way of your other devices on the same network. Switches allow you to control who has access to various parts of the network. Switches allow you to monitor usage. Switches allow communication (within your network) that’s even faster than the Internet.
What are WAP’s?
A wireless access point (WAP) is a networking device that allows wireless-capable devices to connect to a wired network.
It is simpler and easier to install WAPs to connect all the computers or devices in your network than to use wires and cables.
In computer networking, a wireless access point, or more generally just access point, is a networking hardware device that allows other Wi-Fi devices to connect to a wired network.
AKA a bridge.
NOT a wireless router.
What are routers?
A router is a device that connects two or more packet-switched networks or sub-networks. It serves two primary functions: managing traffic between these networks by forwarding data packets to their intended IP addresses, and allowing multiple devices to use the same Internet connection.
A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks.
It uses the IP address to decide where to forward data.
Layer 3 devices.
Often connects diverse networks: LAN, WAN, copper etc.
Difference between Switch and a Router?
Router operations revolve around IP Addresses. Switches work with MAC addresses as it operates within the confines of a single network.
The main objective of router is to connect various networks simultaneously and it works in the network layer, whereas the main objective of switch is to connect various devices simultaneously and it works in the data link layer.
What is a patch panel?
Lots of RJ45’s into one hub. A patch panel in a local area network (LAN) is a mounted hardware assembly that contains ports that are used to connect and manage incoming and outgoing LAN cables.
A patch panel is an effective and flexible networking device to keep your data center or server room organized.
A device or unit featuring a number of jacks, usually of the same or similar type, for the use of connecting and routing circuits for monitoring, interconnecting, and testing circuits in a convenient, flexible manner. Patch panels are commonly used in computer networking, recording studios, and radio and television.
What is a firewall?
A firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
A firewall typically establishes a barrier between a trusted network and an untrusted network, such as the Internet.
OSI layer 4.
Can also be a firewall.
Can proxy traffic, being an intermediary before showing or sharing data that may be harmful.
Can also be a router.
What is the difference between a firewall and a router?
Unlike routers and switches, firewalls are network security appliances. While routers (without firewall capabilities) blindly pass traffic between two separate networks, firewalls monitor the traffic and helps block unauthorized traffic coming from the outside trying to get into your network.
What is PoE?
Power over Ethernet.
It provides power over an Ethernet cable.
Power over Ethernet, or PoE, describes any of several standards or ad hoc systems that pass electric power along with data on twisted-pair Ethernet cabling.
Used where power might be difficult to power the device. Like WAP’s and cameras.
What is a PoE injector?
PoE injectors are designed to add power to your CAT5e/CAT6 cabling thereby enabling you to power devices connected to your local network.
PoE injectors can mainly be divided into 12V, 24V, and 48V according to the output power voltage they can provide.
A PoE injector can be used to connect a wireless access point, IP phone, network camera or any IEEE 802.3af/at-powered device (PD) to a network switch.
What is a PoE switch?
A switch but for PoE.
If it has a blue area port then it supports for PoE.
What are the PoE standards?
- PoE: 15.4 watts DC power, 802.3 standard
- PoE+: improved and has 25.5 watts DC power, 802.3 standard
- PoE++: the best with 71 watts
What is a hub?
A hub transmits data from one device to another in form of binary bits.
Hub operates on the physical layer of OSI model.
A hub is a physical layer networking device which is used to connect multiple devices in a network.
This is a very simple device that connects together multiple local area network (LAN) devices. The only function of the hub is repeating the electrical signals received on one port, relaying those signals to all other connected ports. It does nothing else.
