Internetwork Device Facts Flashcards
Router
A router is a device that connects two or more network segments or subnets.
Each subnet has a unique logical network address.
Routers can be used to connect subnets within a single LAN, or they can be used as gateways to connect multiple LANs together.
Routers can be used to connect networks with different architectures (for example, connecting an Ethernet network to a token ring network).
Routers maintain information about other networks in a database called a routing table . The routing table typically contains the address of all known networks and the next router in the path used to reach the destination network. The routing table is used in the process of forwarding packets.
Firewall
firewall is a router with additional security features. Firewalls can be programmed with security rules to restrict the flow of traffic between networks.
Firewall rules control the type of traffic allowed into a network and the type of traffic allowed out of a network.
A firewall can be either hardware devices or software installed onto operating systems.
Layer 3 switch
A Layer 3 switch is capable of reading Layer 3 (network) addresses and routing packets between subnets. A Layer 3 switch often provides better performance than a router, but it does not support as many features as a router.
Racks
A rack can house multiple network devices in a vertical stack. Racks also make it much easier to organize network cabling. In addition, the rack allows the following devices to share physical resources such as:
Cooling fans
Power supplies
Peripherals using a keyboard, video, and mouse (KVM) device
Blade devices
Blade devices are very thin. They are designed to provide high device density and the most efficient use of available rack space.
Floor plan
A floor plan diagram shows the physical location of each piece of network equipment within the company’s premises. Making a network floor plan is often done using software that creates floor plan diagrams.
The software creates a visual representation of physical components along with a clearly defined set of principles and procedures.
Rack diagram
A rack diagram, or rack elevation, is a map of the layout of IT equipment within a server rack. It’s used to manage and track data center assets. Just as with the floor plan diagram, there are software options available to help you create a rack diagram more easily.
Main distribution frame (MDF)/intermediate distribution frame (IDF) documentation
The MDF is a cable rack that manages and connects the cables entering a building.
The IDF is a cable rack that manages and connects wiring for communication between the MDF and workstation devices. The cables run through the MDF, are distributed to each IDF, and finally go to specific workstations.
Documentation relating to IDF and MDF includes the following:
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) - This document is a set of step-by-step instructions to help IT maintenance workers with complex routine operations. The instructions are very detailed to minimize the chance for errors.
Policies can be created as a guide and documentation for IDF and MDF. Policies are usually placed in the organization’s quality manual. Policies give a course of action to guide and influence decisions.
Logical network diagram
A logical network diagram shows how traffic flows across the network. It includes information such as IP addresses, admin domains, how domains are routed, control points, and so on.
If you’re using the OSI model, logical diagrams are referred to there as L2.
Wiring diagram
A wiring diagram is a map of the physical connections and physical layout of the electrical system/circuit in a building. It shows how the electrical wires are connected. It can also display where fixtures and components can connect to the system.
