1.1 Network Components

Question 1

What is the primary function of a router in a network?

Answer 1

To route traffic between different networks.

A router forwards data packets between networks, making decisions based on IP addresses and routing tables to determine the optimal path for the data.

Question 2

Why is the role of routers crucial in large-scale networks?

Answer 2

It connects multiple networks.

Routers manage traffic between different networks, including local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs), ensuring the correct routing of data based on IP addresses.

Question 3

List the key functions of a router.

Answer 3

• Route traffic
• Assign IP addresses
• Manages network traffic

Routers connect multiple networks and efficiently manage traffic, ensuring data reaches its destination using the correct IP path.

Question 4

True or False:

Routers only operate within a single network.

Answer 4

False

Routers connect multiple networks, such as LANs and WANs, and route traffic between them based on IP addressing.

Question 5

Fill in the blank:

Routers make forwarding decisions based on ________ ________.

Answer 5

IP addresses

Routers use IP addresses and routing tables to determine the best path for data packets.

Question 6

List the types of routing methods used by routers.

Answer 6

• Static routing
• Dynamic routing
• Default routing

Static routing: Routes are manually configured by the network administrator.

Dynamic routing: Routes are automatically learned and updated using routing protocols like RIP, OSPF, or BGP.

Default routing: Sends packets to a specified default route when no specific route is found.

Question 7

What is a Layer 2 switch?

Answer 7

A switch that forwards frames based on MAC addresses.

Layer 2 switches operate within the data link layer, forwarding Ethernet frames to their destination using MAC addresses, which helps with local network communication.

Question 8

List the primary functions of a Layer 2 switch.

Answer 8

• Forward frames based on MAC addresses
• Create MAC address tables
• Reduce network traffic with VLANs

Layer 2 switches focus on frame forwarding within the same local network, providing basic network segmentation and traffic management.

Question 9

What is a Layer 3 switch?

Answer 9

A switch that routes traffic using IP addresses.

Layer 3 switches perform routing functions in addition to switching, enabling them to route traffic between different VLANs or subnets.

Question 10

List the primary functions of a Layer 3 switch.

Answer 10

• Route packets based on IP addresses.
• Support inter-VLAN routing.
• Maintain routing tables and support routing protocols.

Layer 3 switches combine the functionalities of switches and routers, enabling efficient routing between different network segments or VLANs.

Question 11

How do Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches differ?

Answer 11

Layer 2 uses MAC addresses; Layer 3 uses IP addresses.

Layer 2 switches forward data based on MAC addresses within a local network, while Layer 3 switches route traffic between different networks or VLANs using IP addresses.

Question 12

True or False:

Layer 2 switches can route traffic between different subnets.

Answer 12

False

Layer 2 switches operate within the same subnet and forward traffic based on MAC addresses. Layer 3 switches are needed for inter-VLAN routing.

Question 13

Fill in the blank:

A Layer 3 switch can route traffic between different ________.

Answer 13

VLANs

Layer 3 switches combine switching and routing functions, allowing them to route traffic between different VLANs within the same network.

Question 14

What is the purpose of a next-generation firewall (NGFW)?

Answer 14

To inspect traffic and provide advanced security.

NGFWs offer deeper inspection of traffic, including application control, intrusion prevention, and real-time threat intelligence, which provide better protection than traditional firewalls.

Question 15

How do NGFWs enhance security compared to traditional firewalls?

Answer 15

By offering deep packet inspection and advanced filtering.

NGFWs provide more detailed traffic analysis and control over applications and users, improving security by detecting and preventing modern cyber threats.

Question 16

True or False:

NGFWs provide basic filtering based only on IP addresses.

Answer 16

False

Next-generation firewalls provide advanced filtering based on deeper packet inspection, user identity, application data, and threat intelligence.

Question 17

Fill in the blank:

NGFWs use _____ _____ ____ to inspect and filter network traffic more thoroughly.

Answer 17

deep packet inspection

(DPI)

NGFWs analyze the entire packet, including its payload, to detect and prevent complex threats like malware and intrusions.

Question 18

List three advanced features of Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW).

Answer 18

1. Application control
2. Intrusion prevention system (IPS)
3. Threat intelligence integration

Application control: Blocks harmful apps.

Intrusion prevention system (IPS): Stops threats in network traffic.

Threat intelligence integration: Uses real-time data to spot new threats.

Question 19

What is an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)?

Answer 19

A system that blocks malicious network traffic.

IPS monitors and analyzes network traffic to detect and prevent possible attacks by blocking harmful packets before they enter the network.

Question 20

What is the role of an access point (AP) in a wireless network?

Answer 20

To connect devices to the network wirelessly.

Access points extend the network’s coverage by providing wireless connectivity for devices such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets, linking them to the wired network.

Question 21

How does an access point function in a wireless LAN?

Answer 21

It connects wireless clients to the network and transmits data.

Access points manage wireless communication by receiving and transmitting data to and from wireless devices, ensuring they can interact with the network infrastructure.

Question 22

True or False:

An access point is used to extend the range of a wireless network.

Answer 22

True

Access points are placed in locations where they extend the coverage of an existing wireless network, allowing devices to connect over a larger area.

Question 23

Fill in the blank:

An access point connects to a wired network via an ________ cable.

Answer 23

ethernet

Access points typically use an Ethernet cable to connect to the network, allowing them to provide wireless access to devices.

Question 24

What is the function of a controller in a wireless network?

Answer 24

To manage multiple access points.

Controllers like Cisco DNA Center centralize the configuration, management, and monitoring of wireless access points, ensuring consistent security policies and performance across the network.

Question 25

What is Cisco DNA Center **used** for in a network?

Answer 25

To **manage** and **automate** network functions. ## Footnote *Cisco DNA Center* provides **centralized** management for network infrastructure, offering automation, analytics, and a simplified way to monitor and optimize network operations.

Question 26

List the **benefits** of using Cisco DNA Center.

Answer 26

* Centralized network management * Automation and analytics * Enhanced network visibility ## Footnote **Centralized network management**: Manages the entire network from one place. **Automation and analytics**: Automates tasks and provides insights. **Enhanced network visibility**: Improves understanding of network performance.

Question 27

What is the **role** of a Wireless LAN Controller (WLC)?

Answer 27

To **manage** wireless access points. ## Footnote A **WLC** *centralizes the management of access points*, ensuring that configurations, security policies, and optimizations are applied across the entire wireless network.

Question 28

# True or False: Wireless LAN Controllers allow **centralized management** of access points.

Answer 28

True ## Footnote **WLCs** enable centralized control and configuration of access points, simplifying network management and ensuring consistent policies and security settings across the wireless network.

Question 29

What is an **endpoint** in a network?

Answer 29

It is **any device** that communicates over the network. ## Footnote Endpoints serve as the origin or destination of data transmitted over a network. They can be physical devices or virtual entities.

Question 30

What are **examples** of endpoints in a network?

Answer 30

* Computers * Printers * Smartphones * IoT devices ## Footnote **Endpoints** are devices or systems that *send or receive data on a network.* They serve as the points where data is generated or consumed.

Question 31

Why are endpoints **critical** to network functionality?

Answer 31

They serve as the **source** and **destination** for network traffic. ## Footnote **Endpoints** are responsible for *generating, receiving, and processing data* in the network, making them integral to the flow of information in any network infrastructure.

Question 32

# True or False: Endpoints are responsible for **routing data** within a network.

Answer 32

False ## Footnote **Endpoints** *generate and consume network traffic* but do not route data. Routers and switches handle the routing of data across networks.

Question 33

What is the **role** of a server in a network?

Answer 33

It **provides resources** to clients on the network. ## Footnote **Servers** *host applications, store data, and manage network services* such as email, file sharing, and web hosting, providing necessary resources to other devices (clients) on the network.

Question 34

How do servers **interact** with other network components?

Answer 34

They provide **services** and **resources** to endpoints. ## Footnote **Servers** often interact with routers, switches, and other network devices to deliver resources and manage data flow, ensuring smooth communication across the network.

Question 35

# True or False: Servers **always require** a dedicated network cable for connection.

Answer 35

False ## Footnote While servers often use dedicated connections for high performance, they can also *connect to a network via shared Ethernet cables*, depending on the network infrastructure.

Question 36

# Fill in the blank: Servers **typically host** \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ and provide \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ to client devices.

Answer 36

applications ; resources ## Footnote **Servers** host applications, files, and services that clients request over the network, such as web hosting, email, and file sharing.

Question 37

List **common types of servers** in a network.

Answer 37

* File server * Web server * Database server * Mail server ## Footnote * **File server**: Stores and manages files for network users. * **Web server**: Hosts websites and serves web pages. * **Database server**: Manages and stores databases for access. * **Mail server**: Handles the sending, receiving, and storage of emails.

Question 38

What does **Power over Ethernet (PoE)** do in a network?

Answer 38

It delivers **power and data** over a single Ethernet cable. ## Footnote PoE *simplifies the installation of devices* like IP cameras, wireless access points, and VoIP phones by eliminating the need for separate power cables.

Question 39

What **types of devices** benefit from Power over Ethernet (PoE)?

Answer 39

* IP cameras * Wireless access points * VoIP phones ## Footnote **PoE** enables network devices to *receive both power and data over a single Ethernet cable*, reducing installation complexity and providing centralized power management.

Question 40

# True or False: PoE **eliminates the need** for separate power cables for network devices.

Answer 40

True ## Footnote **PoE** allows *both data and electrical power* to be transmitted over a single Ethernet cable, simplifying installations for devices like IP cameras and VoIP phones.