Network Devices

Question 1

Router

Answer 1

A device that routes data packets between different networks, using IP addresses to determine the best path.

OSI Layer: Layer 3 (Network).

Question 2

Switch

Answer 2

A device that connects devices within a network and forwards data frames based on MAC addresses.

OSI Layer: Layer 2 (Data Link).
Some advanced switches also operate at Layer 3 (Network).

Question 3

Hub

Answer 3

A basic device that connects devices in a network and broadcasts data to all ports.

OSI Layer: Layer 1 (Physical).

Question 4

Bridge

Answer 4

A device that connects two network segments and filters traffic based on MAC addresses.

OSI Layer: Layer 2 (Data Link).

Question 5

Gateway

Answer 5

A device that connects and translates between different network types or protocols.

OSI Layer: Operates across multiple layers, often starting at Layer 3 (Network).

Question 6

Access Point

Answer 6

A device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network.
OSI Layer: Layer 2 (Data Link).

Question 7

Firewall

Answer 7

A device or software that filters traffic based on security rules to protect networks.

OSI Layer: Primarily Layer 3 (Network) and Layer 4 (Transport); advanced firewalls may also operate at Layer 7 (Application).

Question 8

Modem

Answer 8

A device that converts digital signals to analog for transmission over phone lines and vice versa.

OSI Layer: Layer 1 (Physical) for signal conversion; Layer 2 (Data Link) for data encapsulation.

Question 9

NIC (Network Interface Card)

Answer 9

A hardware component that enables a device to connect to a network.

OSI Layer: Layer 1 (Physical) for signaling; Layer 2 (Data Link) for MAC addressing.

Question 10

Repeater

Answer 10

A device that regenerates and amplifies signals to extend their range.

OSI Layer: Layer 1 (Physical).

Question 11

Proxy Server

Answer 11

A server that acts as an intermediary for requests between clients and other servers, often for caching or filtering.

OSI Layer: Layer 7 (Application).

Question 12

Load Balancer

Answer 12

A device or software that distributes network traffic across multiple servers to ensure reliability and performance.

OSI Layer: Typically operates at Layer 4 (Transport) and Layer 7 (Application).

Question 13

IDS/IDP (Intrusion Detection/ Intrusion Protection System)

Answer 13

Systems that monitor (IDS) or actively block (IPS) malicious network traffic.

OSI Layer: Layer 3 (Network) and Layer 4 (Transport); some operate at Layer 7 (Application).

Question 14

Media Converter

Answer 14

A device that converts network media types, such as fiber to copper or vice versa.

OSI Layer: Layer 1 (Physical).