NET: Intro to Networks

Question 1

define LAN

Answer 1

LOCAL AREA NETWORK - a small geographical area in which multiple computers and other devices are connected

can be set up in homes/small businesses and can be managed individually or centrally

Question 2

define WAN

Answer 2

WIDE AREA NETWORK - spread across an unlimited geographical area and connects numerous LANs

usually managed by several service providers

Question 3

define MAN

Answer 3

METROPOLITAN AREA NETWORK - larger than a LAN, but smaller than a WAN; most often managed by a city municipality and enables connection to broader networks

Question 4

define SAN

Answer 4

STORAGE AREA NETWORK - dedicated network that supports file servers and provides efficient transfer of unusually large data sizes at extremely efficient rates

SAN networks are typically found in large companies or data centers

Question 5

when was the first computer network formed, and what was it called?

Answer 5

1960s, ARPANET

Question 6

what are endpoint devices?

Answer 6

the source or destination devices in a networked system

Question 7

to be able to send and retrieve information, endpoint devices must have the ability to…

Answer 7

connect to a network via a NIC (Network Interface Controller)

Question 8

what are other names for an NIC?

Answer 8

network adapter
LAN adapter
physical network interface

Question 9

what is a switch and why is it needed?

Answer 9

a network device with physical ports that endpoint devices can connect to via Ethernet cables to create a network - this will allow multiple endpoint devices to communicate with each other

Question 10

what type of addresses do switches use?

Answer 10

MAC addresses

Question 11

what are the 3 switch types?

Answer 11

Hub, layer 2 switch, layer 3 switch

Question 12

what is a NIC for?

Answer 12

it allows endpoint devices to interact with each other over a network

Question 13

what is the difference between a hub and a switch?

Answer 13

a hub broadcasts data to all connected devices

a switch sends information to dedicated destinations

Question 14

what is a Layer 2 switch?

Answer 14

the most common and basic switch in use - uses MAC addresses to forward information to specific destinations within the network

Question 15

what is a Layer 3 switch?

Answer 15

the same as a Layer 2, but can also function as a router if it is configured to do so

Question 16

define collision domain

Answer 16

a group of nodes that can ‘hear’ each other

Question 17

what layer of the OSI model does a switch operate in?

Answer 17

2

Question 18

what is a duplex?

Answer 18

a form of point-to-point communication between two or more parties, allowing both ends to communicate in both directions

Question 19

what are the types of duplex modes?

Answer 19

HDX (half duplex) and FDX (full duplex)

Question 20

what is a half duplex (HDX)?

Answer 20

allowance for unidirectional traffic flow for peer-to-peer communicating parties; only one party can send/receive data at any moment (i.e. walkie-talkie)

Question 21

what is a full duplex (FDX)?

Answer 21

allowance of bidirectional traffic flow for peer-to-peer communicating parties; both parties can send/receive data at the same time (i.e. phone call)

Question 22

what is the difference between a switch and a router?

Answer 22

switches allow devices in the same network to interact with each other

routers allow them to communicate with different networks

Question 23

what is an access point (AP)?

Answer 23

an entry point that allows endpoint devices to wirelessly connect to a network to manage information transmission

a wireless device user can access a wired network via a properly configured access point

Question 24

define WLC

Answer 24

a Wireless LAN Controller allows the configuration of multiple APs to be managed from a central device

Question 25

define home router

Answer 25

acts as an AP, a switch, a router, and a firewall with the most basic configuration