Chapter 7

Question 1

What is a local area network (LAN)?

Answer 1

A group of computers in a small area connected by cable, often part of a larger network.

Question 2

Name three types of LAN servers

Answer 2

File servers, database servers, and print servers

Question 3

What does a file server do?

Answer 3

Allows multiple users to share files on a shared drive.

Question 4

What does a database server do?

Answer 4

Handles data storage and processing to reduce data transfer and increase reliability.

Question 5

What does a print server do?

Answer 5

Manages LAN print jobs, reducing the load on main servers.

Question 6

What is a communications server?

Answer 6

A server for handling fax, modem, or remote access connections.

Question 7

What are the basic components of a wired LAN?

Answer 7

NICs, circuits (cables), access points (hubs/switches), and a network operating system (NOS).

Question 8

What is the role of the NIC in a LAN?

Answer 8

Physically connects a computer to the network cable.

Question 9

What are circuits in a LAN?

Answer 9

Cables that connect devices; usually twisted pair inside, fiber outside.

Question 10

What do hubs and switches do in a LAN?

Answer 10

Connect network cables and act as signal repeaters or amplifiers.

Question 11

What are the basic components of a wireless LAN?

Answer 11

NICs, wireless circuits (air), access points, and NOS.

Question 12

What are the common cables used in LANs?

Answer 12

Twisted pair cables like Cat 5 and Cat 5e.

Question 13

Compare Cat 5 and Cat 5e UTP.

Answer 13

Both support 100 Mbps; Cat 5e supports up to 1000 Mbps and is slightly more expensive.

Question 14

What is a cable plan and why is it important?

Answer 14

A layout plan for cables, hubs, and ports—important for cost, scalability, and compliance.

Question 15

What does the NOS do?

Answer 15

Runs network functions at multiple layers and integrates with the OS on both server and client sides.

Question 16

How does wired Ethernet work?

Answer 16

Uses bus topology and CSMA/CD for media access.

Question 17

What is the difference between logical and physical topology?

Answer 17

Logical shows how data flows; physical shows how devices are physically connected.

Question 18

What is CSMA/CD?

Answer 18

A media access method where devices listen before transmitting and detect collisions.

Question 19

What happens during a collision in Ethernet?

Answer 19

Both devices stop transmitting, send a jamming signal, and retry after a random wait time.

Question 20

Explain 100Base-T.

Answer 20

Ethernet standard for 100 Mbps over twisted pair cable.

Question 21

What is 1000Base-T?

Answer 21

Ethernet standard for 1 Gbps over twisted pair.

Question 22

What is 10/100/1000 Ethernet?

Answer 22

Auto-sensing Ethernet that adjusts to 10, 100, or 1000 Mbps depending on hardware.

Question 23

How do Ethernet switches know where to send frames?

Answer 23

They use a MAC address forwarding table built by learning device locations.

Question 24

Compare cut-through, store-and-forward, and fragment-free switching.

Answer 24

Cut-through sends data immediately; store-and-forward waits for the whole frame; fragment-free checks the first 64 bytes before sending.

Question 25

Compare directional and omnidirectional antennas.

Answer 25

Directional sends signal in one direction; omnidirectional sends in all directions.

Question 26

How does Wi-Fi manage media access?

Answer 26

Uses CSMA/CA with Distributed and Point Coordination Functions to avoid collisions.

Question 27

How does Wi-Fi differ from Ethernet?

Answer 27

Wi-Fi uses a logical bus and physical star; uses CSMA/CA instead of CSMA/CD; handles hidden node issues.

Question 28

How does CSMA/CA DCF work?

Answer 28

Uses stop-and-wait ARQ and listens before sending to avoid collisions.

Question 29

How does CSMA/CA PCF work?

Answer 29

Uses a virtual carrier sense; helps avoid hidden node problems.

Question 30

What is scanning in WLAN association?

Answer 30

The NIC searches for APs via active (probe) or passive (beacon) scanning.

Question 31

How does association work in WLAN?

Answer 31

NIC connects to an AP based on signal strength or speed, then exchanges data.

Question 32

What is the best practice for WLAN design?

Answer 32

Balance cost, performance, and coverage; evaluate LAN vs. WLAN as needed.

Question 33

What is a site survey?

Answer 33

A test of coverage area, interference, wiring, and AP placement before WLAN deployment.

Question 34

How do you determine AP placement and number?

Answer 34

Based on data rates, error rates, protocol efficiency, and MAC performance.

Question 35

How does data center design differ from user LANs?

Answer 35

Data centers need more space, capacity, and devices like load balancers and virtual servers.

Question 36

What are three special-purpose data center devices?

Answer 36

Load balancer (routes traffic), virtual servers (multiple logical servers), storage area networks (for data storage).

Question 37

What is a network bottleneck?

Answer 37

A point where data flow is restricted, often in the server or the network circuit.

Question 38

How can you improve server performance?

Answer 38

Upgrade NOS, add hardware, or install additional servers.

Question 39

How can you improve circuit performance?

Answer 39

Use faster tech, add circuits, or segment the LAN.

Question 40

Why do wired and wireless LANs share components?

Answer 40

Both use Ethernet protocols, so their core functions are similar.

Question 41

Will wired LANs be replaced by wireless?

Answer 41

Wireless will grow, but wired LANs will remain due to better reliability and security.