4. Build a Home Network Flashcards
What are the topics for this Module?
- Home Network Basics
- Network Technologies in the Home
- Wireless Standards
- Set Up a Home Router
- Most Home networks consists of two separate networks, what are those?
- Public network
- Private network
This is the network thats coming in from service provider.
Public network
What is the purpose of a modem?
Converts the signal from the provider. It has an input port from the provider and an output port to the home network
Why routers are called routers?
Because the ports are separated into two separate networks. First is the local network. That local can be wired (using Ethernet). Then for wireless, its wifi. On most cases, the IP address of Wired and Wireless on the router is just the same.
Meaning of WLAN?
Wireless Local Area Network
Bonus question:
Whats the difference between router and a modem?
In our converge, the larger device with antennas (labeled with “Converge”) is the router, while the smaller box (also labeled “Converge”) is the modem or optical network terminal (ONT).
How they function:
Modem/ONT (smaller box): Converts the fiber-optic internet signal from your ISP into a usable internet connection.
Router (larger device with antennas): Distributes the internet connection to multiple devices via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
The fiber cable from your ISP connects to the modem, and then an Ethernet cable runs from the modem to the router, which provides Wi-Fi and wired connections for your devices.
Bonus question:
How’s the IP distribution on modem and router?
The router can handle IP addresses, but it does not replace the modem’s function of converting signals from the ISP. Here’s how it works:
- Modem (or ONT for fiber connections)
Converts the ISP’s signal (DSL, cable, or fiber) into an internet connection.
Gets a public IP address from the ISP.
- Router
Receives the internet connection from the modem.
Assigns private IP addresses to devices in your home network (via DHCP).
Uses Network Address Translation (NAT) to allow multiple devices to share the single public IP from the modem.
So, while a router manages and distributes IPs within your local network, it still relies on the modem to communicate with the ISP and get the internet connection.
Bonus question:
Between router and modem, where is the built in firewall?
The built-in firewall is typically inside the router, not the modem.
Where is it located?
The router has a built-in firewall that filters traffic between your local network and the internet.
It uses Network Address Translation (NAT) and Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) to block unauthorized access from the internet.
Does the modem have a firewall?
A basic modem (ONT) usually does not have a firewall because its job is just to convert signals.
However, if it’s a modem-router combo, it may have firewall features.
In the image you shared, the larger device (router) has the firewall, protecting your home network.
Small business and home routers typically have two primary types of ports which are?
Ethernet ports and Internet ports
These ports connect to the internal switch portion of the router. These ports are usually labeled “Ethernet” or “LAN”, as shown in the figure. All devices connected to the switch ports are on the same local network.
Ethernet ports
This port is used to connect the device to another network. The internet port connects the router to a different network than the Ethernet ports. This port is often used to connect to the cable or DSL modem in order to access the internet.
Internet ports
In addition to the wired ports, many home routers include a _________ and a built-in wireless _________
radio antennna, access point
Bonus question:
Differentiate the LAN + Wifi vs Wan port on the Router
The WAN (Wide Area Network) is external and typically has a public IP address assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Key Points About WAN:
WAN is external: It connects your home network to the internet.
Public IP: Your router’s WAN port gets a public IP address from the ISP.
Separation from LAN: The router isolates WAN from your LAN (Wi-Fi & wired devices) using Network Address Translation (NAT) and a firewall.
So, WAN = External (Internet-facing), while LAN = Internal (Home/Private network).
What is the frequency ranges usually used by wireless technologies?
The wireless technologies most frequently used in home networks are in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency ranges.
What frequency does Bluetooth use?
2.4 GHz band
Why Bluetooth is the best choice for connecting computer peripherals?
Because Bluetooth is capable of one to many connections.
What is the most commonly implemented wired protocol?
The most commonly implemented wired protocol is the Ethernet protocol.
How Ehternet alloe network devices to communicate?
Ethernet uses a suite of protocols that allow network devices to communicate over a wired LAN connection.
Directly connected devices use an Ethernet patch cable, usually what?
Unshielded twisted pair.
Bonus question:
How would you describe RJ45?
RJ45 is a type of electrical connector commonly used in networking for Ethernet cables. It features an 8-pin configuration and is typically used to connect computers, routers, switches, and other network devices. The RJ45 connector is often found at the ends of cables, such as Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cables, and it fits into corresponding RJ45 ports on network devices. The connector is rectangular with a clip that locks it in place when plugged into a port.
It is the most common wiring used in a LAN. The cable is made up of 4 pairs of wires that are twisted to reduce electrical interference.
Category 5e
Bonus Question:
What is Category 5e?
Category 5e (Cat 5e) is a type of Ethernet cable that is used for networking and data transmission. The “e” stands for “enhanced,” meaning it has improvements over the original Category 5 (Cat 5) in terms of performance, particularly in reducing crosstalk (interference between the wires inside the cable).
Here’s how you might describe Cat 5e:
Purpose: Cat 5e is primarily used for local area networks (LANs) to connect devices like computers, routers, switches, and modems.
Performance: It supports data speeds up to 1 Gbps (Gigabit Ethernet) and can handle frequencies up to 100 MHz.
Structure: The cable consists of four twisted pairs of copper wires, designed to reduce electrical interference and ensure a stable connection.
Distance: It’s capable of transmitting data over distances of up to 100 meters (about 328 feet) at optimal speeds.
Common Usage: It’s widely used in home and office networks, offering a reliable connection for most standard networking needs.
Cat 5e is often seen as a cost-effective option for networking, though newer cables like Cat 6 and Cat 6a offer better performance for higher speeds and longer distances.
This has an inner wire surrounded by a tubular insulating layer, that is then surrounded by a tubular conducting shield. Most coax cables also have an external insulating sheath or jacket.
Coaxial Cable
This can be either glass or plastic with a diameter about the same as a human hair and it can carry digital information at very high speeds over long distances. This type of cable have a very high bandwidth, which enables them to carry very large amounts of data.
Fiber Optic cables
A number of standards have been developed to ensure what?
To ensure that wireless devices can communicate.
Since wireless standards are needed, what do they specify on that?
They specify the RF spectrum used, data rates, how the information is transmitted, and more.
What is the meaning of IEEE?
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
What is the responsibility of the organization IEEE?
Responsible for the creation of wireless technical standards
The IEEE 802.11 standard governs what?
The WLAN environment
There are amendments to the IEEE 802.11 standard which that what?
that describe characteristics for different standards of wireless communications.
What is the Wireless Standards for LAN?
Use the 2.4GHz and 5Ghz frequency
What organization is responsible for testing wireless LAN devices from manufacturers?
Wi-Fi Alliance
This logo on a device means that this equipment meets standards and should operate with other devices that use the same standard.
The Wi-Fi Logo
Wireless routers using the 802.11 standards have multiple what?
Wireless routers using the 802.11 standards have multiple settings that have to be configured.
What are the Wi-Fi settings standard for 802.11?
- Network mode
- Network name (SSID)
- Standard Channel
- SSID Broadcast
This determines the type of technology that must be supported. For example,802.11b,802.11g,802.11n or Mixed Mode.
Network mode
Used to identify the WLAN. All devices that wish to participate in the WLAN must have the same _________ .
Network name (SSID)
This specifies the channel over which communication will occur. By default, this is set to Auto to allow the access point (AP) to determine the optimum channel to use.
Standard channel
It determines if the SSID will be broadcast to all devices within range. By default, set to ________.
SSID Broadcast, Enabled
How can 802.11 protocol can provide increased throughput?
The 802.11 protocol can provide increased throughput based on the wireless network environment.
How can the maximum speeds be obtained on wireless connection?
If all wireless devices connect with the same 802.11 standard, maximum speeds can be obtained for that standard.
What will happen if the access point is configured to accept only one 802.11 standard?
If the access point is configured to accept only one 802.11 standard, devices that do not use that standard cannot connect to the access point.
This wireless network environment can include devices that use any of the existing Wi-Fi standards. This environment provides easy access for older devices that need a wireless connection but do not support the latest standards.
Mixed mode
The SSID is a __________, alphanumeric string that contains up to _________ characters.
case-sensitive, 32
Wireless devices, known as __________ (such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets), use the SSID to determine which network they should connect to. When a device joins a WLAN with a specific SSID, it can communicate with other devices on the same network, such as printers, servers, or other computers.
stations (STA’s)
_________ SSID broadcasting can make it more difficult for legitimate clients to find the wireless network.
Disabling
Many wireless routers designed for home use have what that can be used to configure the basic settings on the router?
an automatic setup utility
