Networking Hardware Flashcards
(15 cards)
What is a Network Interface Card (NIC)?
A hardware component that enables a device to connect to a network
Can be wired or wireless
What is a hub?
A basic networking device that broadcasts data to all connected ports
Operates at Layer 1 (Physical)
No intelligence or filtering
What is a switch?
A device that sends data only to the intended destination port
Operates at Layer 2 (Data Link)
Can be managed or unmanaged
What is a managed switch?
Offers features like VLANs, QoS, and remote configuration
What is an unmanaged switch?
Plug-and-play with no configuration options
What is PoE and what does it do?
Technology that delivers power and data over Ethernet cables
Used for IP cameras, access points, VoIP phones
What is a PoE injector?
Adds power to the Ethernet line for non-PoE switches
What are the PoE standards and their wattages?
PoE (802.3af): 15.4W
PoE+ (802.3at): 30W
PoE++ (802.3bt Type 3): 60W
PoE++ (802.3bt Type 4): 100W
What is a wireless access point (AP)?
Extends a wired network wirelessly
Converts wired signals into Wi-Fi
What is a router?
Connects multiple networks and routes traffic between them
Operates at Layer 3 (Network)
What is a firewall?
Controls incoming and outgoing traffic based on security rules
Can be hardware or software-based
What is a modem?
Converts digital signals to analog (and vice versa) for transmission
Types: Dial-up, DSL, Cable
What is a patch panel?
A centralized point for cable management and organization
Used in network closets and server rooms
What is an Optical Network Terminal (ONT)?
Used in fiber-optic internet connections (e.g., Fios)
Converts optical signal to electrical signal
What is Software-Defined Networking (SDN)?
Allows programmatic control of the network
Separates control plane from data plane for easier management
