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Network+ N10-009 > Section 2: Network Fundamentals > Flashcards

Section 2: Network Fundamentals Flashcards

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1
Q

What is a Computer Network according to your notes?

A

A system of interconnected devices that can exchange data. Networks facilitate the seamless flow of data and encompass various connection types, including wireless (Wi-Fi, cellular) and wired (Ethernet, fiber optic). The fundamental purpose is to enable a smooth and continuous flow of data between interconnected devices.

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2
Q

What is a Personal Area Network (PAN)?

A

A network used for communication among devices close to one person, typically within a range of a few meters.

A common example is Bluetooth connections between a smartwatch and a smartphone.

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3
Q

What is a Local Area Network (LAN)?

A

A network that connects devices within a limited geographical area, such as a home, office building, or school.

Wi-Fi networks connecting tablets or computers to the internet via an access point are typical LANs.

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4
Q

Give an example of a PAN mentioned in your notes.

A

A smartwatch connecting to a smartphone via Bluetooth.

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5
Q

Give an example of a LAN mentioned in your notes.

A

A home Wi-Fi network connecting a tablet to the internet via a wireless access point.

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6
Q

Fill-in-the-Blank from notes: “A smartwatch communicating with a smartphone using Bluetooth is an example of a ______ Area Network.”

A

Personal

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7
Q

What is a Converged Network?

A

A network that transports multiple types of traffic (e.g., voice, video, and data) over a single, unified infrastructure, as opposed to using separate networks for each type of traffic.

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8
Q

Provide an example of a device that demonstrates network convergence, according to your notes.

A

Smartphones exemplify convergence, handling voice calls, text messages, internet browsing, and video streaming over a single digital connection.

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9
Q

Fill-in-the-Blank from notes: “In a converged network, voice, video, and data are all treated as ______ traveling over a single connection.”

A

packets or digital data

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10
Q

What is High Availability in networking?

A

A characteristic of a system, including a network, that aims to ensure an agreed level of operational performance, usually uptime, for a higher than normal period. It involves designing systems to minimize downtime and ensure continuous operation.

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11
Q

What is Uptime?

A

The amount or percentage of time a network or system is operational and available for use.

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12
Q

What does “Five-Nines of Availability” (99.999%) mean?

A

A common service level agreement (SLA) goal for network uptime, translating to approximately 5.26 minutes of downtime per year.

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13
Q

What is a Service Level Agreement (SLA)?

A

A commitment between a service provider and a client. Particular aspects of the service – quality, availability, responsibilities – are agreed between the service provider and the service user.

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14
Q

Fill-in-the-Blank from notes: “A common service level agreement goal for network uptime is ______, also known as 99.999% availability.”

A

five-nines

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15
Q

Which three main N10-009 exam objectives are highlighted as the focus for the Network Fundamentals section in your notes?

A

Objective 1.2: Compare and contrast networking appliances, applications, and functions.
Objective 1.6: Compare and contrast network topologies architectures and types.
Objective 2.3: Given a scenario, you must be able to select and configure wireless devices and technologies.

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16
Q

Fill-in-the-Blank from notes: “Network geography topics to be covered include Personal Area Networks, Local Area Networks, ______ Area Networks, Metropolitan Area Networks, and Wide Area Networks.”

A

Campus

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17
Q

What is the role of Clients in a network as per your notes? Provide examples.

A

Clients are endpoint devices that users employ to access network resources.

Examples include workstations, laptops, tablets, smartphones, smart TVs, and Wi-Fi enabled thermostats.

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18
Q

What is the role of Servers in a network as per your notes? Provide examples.

A

Servers are responsible for providing resources, services, or data to other devices (clients) on a network.

Common examples include email servers, file servers, and web servers.

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19
Q

Fill-in-the-Blank from notes: “Devices like laptops and smartphones that users access the network with are known as ______.”

A

clients

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20
Q

What are Hubs and why are they not commonly used in modern networks?

A

Hubs are older networking devices that connect multiple Ethernet devices, acting as a single network segment. They are not commonly used due to limitations like increased network errors from broadcasting all received data to all connected ports.

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21
Q

What are Switches and how do they improve upon hubs?

A

Switches are networking devices that connect devices using packet switching to forward data to the destination device. Unlike hubs, switches learn MAC addresses and forward traffic only to the specific port connected to the destination, improving efficiency and security.

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22
Q

What are Wireless Access Points (WAPs/APs)?

A

Networking hardware devices that allow Wi-Fi compliant devices to connect to a wired network using radio waves.

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23
Q

What are Routers and their main function?

A

Routers are networking devices that forward data packets between computer networks. They perform traffic directing functions and connect different IP-based networks.

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24
Q

Fill-in-the-Blank from notes: “A ______ is used to connect different networks together, making forwarding decisions based on IP addresses.”

A

router

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25
What is the primary role of a Firewall?
A network security device that monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic and decides whether to allow or block specific traffic based on a defined set of security rules.
26
What is the primary role of a Load Balancer?
Devices or software that distribute network or application traffic across a number of servers to improve concurrent user capacity and reliability of applications.
27
What is a Proxy Server and what are its functions?
A server that acts as an intermediary for requests from clients seeking resources from other servers. It can provide caching, filtering, and anonymity.
28
What is an Intrusion Detection System (IDS)?
A device or software application that monitors a network or systems for malicious activity or policy violations and reports it.
29
What is an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) and how does it differ from an IDS?
An IPS is a network security technology that examines network traffic flows to detect and prevent vulnerability exploits. Unlike an IDS which is passive, an IPS is active and can automatically take action to block or prevent the threat.
30
Fill-in-the-Blank from notes: "A ______ server acts as an intermediary between a user's device and the internet, and can be used for web filtering or caching."
proxy
31
What is the role of a Controller in an SDN environment?
Centralized units in Software-Defined Networking that manage and dictate the behavior of network devices like switches and routers through software.
32
What is Network-Attached Storage (NAS)?
A dedicated file storage device connected to a network, providing centralized data access and retrieval for authorized network users and clients.
33
What is a Storage Area Network (SAN)?
A high-speed network that provides access to consolidated, block-level data storage, typically used to make storage devices accessible to servers.
34
What does Media refer to in networking? List examples.
The physical materials or pathways used to transmit data signals in a network. ## Footnote Examples include copper cables (e.g., Ethernet), fiber optic cables, or wireless signals.
35
What are WAN Links?
Communication links that connect networks over large geographical areas, enabling data exchange over long distances.
36
Differentiate between NAS and SAN in terms of storage access level.
NAS provides file-level access. SAN provides block-level access.
37
Fill-in-the-Blank from notes: "Connections used to link networks across cities or countries are known as ______ links."
WAN
38
What is the Client-Server Model?
A network architecture in which client computers request and receive services or resources from centralized server computers.
39
What are three main benefits of the client-server model according to your notes?
1. Centralized Administration. 2. Easier Management. 3. Better Scalability.
40
What are the primary drawbacks of the client-server model as listed in your notes?
1. Higher Cost (requires dedicated server hardware/software). 2. Specialized Skillset Required for management. 3. Dedicated Resources Needed.
41
Fill-in-the-Blank from notes: "In the client-server model, administration and backup are simplified because resources are ______ on a server."
centralized or located
42
What is the Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Model?
A decentralized network architecture where participants (peers) make resources directly available to other network participants without central servers.
43
What are two benefits of the peer-to-peer model mentioned in your notes?
1. Low Cost (no need for dedicated server hardware/OS). 2. Easy Setup for small-scale sharing.
44
What are two disadvantages of the peer-to-peer model noted?
1. Difficult Administration and Backup (decentralized resources). 2. Poor Scalability.
45
Fill-in-the-Blank from notes: "A significant drawback of the peer-to-peer model for businesses is its ______ management and poor ______."
decentralized, scalability
46
Compare Client-Server and P2P models regarding Administration.
Client-Server: Centralized, easier. Peer-to-Peer: Decentralized, difficult.
47
Compare Client-Server and P2P models regarding Scalability.
Client-Server: Better. Peer-to-Peer: Poor.
48
Compare Client-Server and P2P models regarding Cost.
Client-Server: Higher (dedicated hardware/software). Peer-to-Peer: Lower (no dedicated server).
49
Fill-in-the-Blank from notes: "For business networks, the ______ model is generally preferred over the ______ model due to its centralized administration and better scalability."
client-server, peer-to-peer
50
What is a Personal Area Network (PAN), its typical range, and common technologies?
The smallest type of wired or wireless network, typically covering a distance of 10 feet (3 meters) or less. Common technologies include Bluetooth and USB.
51
Fill-in-the-Blank from notes: "Connecting your wireless headphones to your smartphone via Bluetooth creates a ______."
Personal Area Network or PAN
52
What is a Local Area Network (LAN), its typical range (copper), and common technologies?
A network that connects computers and other devices in a relatively small area, typically a single building or group of buildings, covering distances generally up to 100 meters for copper-based segments. Common technologies are Ethernet (wired) and Wi-Fi (wireless).
53
What is the IEEE 802.3 standard?
The IEEE standard for Ethernet, defining the physical layer and data link layer's MAC control sublayer for wired local area networks.
54
What is the IEEE 802.11 standard?
The IEEE standard for Wireless LANs (Wi-Fi), specifying the over-the-air interface between a wireless client and a base station or between two wireless clients.
55
Fill-in-the-Blank from notes: "A network confined to a single office building, connecting computers and printers, is an example of a ______."
Local Area Network or LAN
56
What is a Campus Area Network (CAN) and provide examples?
A computer network that interconnects local area networks (LANs) within a limited geographical area, such as a university campus, corporate park, or military base. It can cover several miles.
57
Fill-in-the-Blank from notes: "A network that links the LANs of several buildings within a university is known as a ______."
Campus Area Network or CAN
58
What is a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) and its typical coverage?
A computer network that interconnects users with computer resources in a geographic region the size of a metropolitan area or city. It can span up to about 25 miles or more.
59
Fill-in-the-Blank from notes: "A network connecting all the fire stations within a large city would be classified as a ______."
Metropolitan Area Network or MAN
60
What is a Wide Area Network (WAN) and what technologies can establish it?
A telecommunications network that extends over a large geographic area (states, country, globe). Often established with leased telecommunication circuits or VPNs over the internet. The Internet is the largest example.
61
Fill-in-the-Blank from notes: "The ______ is the largest example of a Wide Area Network."
Internet
62
List the five main types of networks based on geographical scope, from smallest to largest.
1. Personal Area Network (PAN). 2. Local Area Network (LAN). 3. Campus Area Network (CAN). 4. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN). 5. Wide Area Network (WAN).
63
What is the mnemonic aid from your notes for the hierarchy of network sizes?
"People Love Campuses More Widely" (PAN, LAN, CAN, MAN, WAN).
64
Fill-in-the-Blank from notes: "The network type that is larger than a LAN but smaller than a MAN is a ______."
Campus Area Network or CAN
65
In the vehicle example, what forms the PAN?
The Bluetooth connection between the driver's cell phone and the car stereo.
66
In the vehicle example, what forms the LAN connection?
The car connecting via Wi-Fi to the owner's home network, for instance, for software updates.
67
In the vehicle example, what forms the WAN connection?
The car's built-in cellular modem connecting to the internet for services like traffic updates and streaming media.
68
Fill-in-the-Blank from notes: "A car's built-in cellular modem providing internet access for traffic updates is an example of a ______ connection."
WAN
69
What is Network Topology?
The arrangement of different elements (links, nodes, etc.) in a computer network.
70
(Fill-in-the-Blank from notes) "A car's built-in cellular modem providing internet access for traffic updates is an example of a ______ connection."
WAN
71
What is Network Topology?
The arrangement of the elements (links, nodes, etc.) of a communication network.
72
What does Physical Topology describe?
The actual physical layout of network devices, cables, and connections; how devices are physically interconnected.
73
What does Logical Topology describe?
How data signals act on the network media, or the way data passes through the network from one device to the next, irrespective of its physical interconnection.
74
(Fill-in-the-Blank from notes) "A ______ topology focuses on how data flows through a network, regardless of the actual placement of devices."
logical
75
What is a Point-to-Point Topology?
A network topology in which two nodes or devices are directly connected to each other. Commonly used for WAN links or connecting a computer directly to a peripheral.
76
(Fill-in-the-Blank from notes) "A dedicated fiber optic connection between two buildings forming a direct link is an example of a ______ topology."
point-to-point
77
What is Ring Topology and its main drawback?
A network topology in which each node connects to exactly two other nodes, forming a single continuous pathway for signals. Data typically travels unidirectionally. A significant drawback is that a single node or cable failure can disrupt the entire network unless redundancy is in place.
78
What is FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface) and how does it provide redundancy?
A set of standards for data transmission on fiber optic lines in a LAN, extending up to 200 km. FDDI networks often use a dual-ring structure (primary and secondary ring) for redundancy; if the primary fails, the secondary can maintain operations.
79
(Fill-in-the-Blank from notes) "A ______ topology connects devices in a circle, with data typically flowing in one direction."
ring
80
What is Bus Topology and its key limitations?
A network topology in which all nodes are connected to a single, central cable (the bus or backbone). Limitations include: the entire network can fail if the main backbone cable fails, and performance tends to decrease as more devices are added due to increased collisions.
81
(Fill-in-the-Blank from notes) "In a bus topology, if the main ______ fails, the entire network can become inoperable."
backbone cable or bus
82
What is Star Topology and what is its central component?
A network topology where each individual piece of a network is attached to a central node, typically a network switch (or historically, a hub).
83
What is a major advantage and disadvantage of Star Topology?
Advantage: If one link or cable to a node fails, it generally doesn't affect the rest of the network. Disadvantage: If the central switch or hub fails, the entire network segment connected to it becomes inoperable.
84
(Fill-in-the-Blank from notes) "The most common network topology in use today, where nodes connect to a central switch, is the ______ topology."
star
85
What is Hub-and-Spoke Topology?
A network topology, often used in WANs, where a central device (the hub) connects to multiple remote devices (spokes). Spokes communicate with each other by sending traffic through the hub(s).
86
(Fill-in-the-Blank from notes) "In a hub-and-spoke topology, remote sites called ______ connect to a central location called the ______."
spokes, hub
87
What is Mesh Topology?
A network topology in which devices are connected with many redundant interconnections between network nodes.
88
What is a Full-Mesh Topology? Its primary advantage and disadvantage?
A network topology where every node has a direct point-to-point connection to every other node. Advantage: Very high redundancy. Disadvantage: Extremely expensive and complex to implement, especially with many nodes.
89
What is the formula for the number of connections in a full-mesh topology with 'n' nodes?
n(n−1)/2.
90
What is a Partial-Mesh Topology?
A network topology where some nodes are organized in a full-mesh scheme, but others are only connected to one or two other nodes in the network.
91
(Fill-in-the-Blank from notes) "In a ______-mesh topology, every node is connected to every other node, while in a ______-mesh topology, only some nodes are fully interconnected."
full, partial
92
What is Infrastructure Mode in wireless networking?
A wireless network configuration where client devices communicate with a central access point (AP), which is typically connected to a wired network infrastructure. The WAP manages the SSID and security credentials.
93
What is an SSID (Service Set Identifier)?
The name of a wireless local area network (WLAN). All wireless devices on a WLAN must employ the same SSID to communicate.
94
(Fill-in-the-Blank from notes) "The common name you see for a Wi-Fi network, like 'MyHomeWiFi,' is called the ______."
SSID or Service Set Identifier
95
What is Ad Hoc Mode in wireless networking?
A decentralized type of wireless network where devices communicate directly with each other (peer-to-peer) without the need for a central access point. Also known as Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS).
96
(Fill-in-the-Blank from notes) "In ______ wireless mode, devices connect directly to each other without a central access point, similar to a peer-to-peer network."
ad hoc
97
What is a key characteristic of a Wireless Mesh Topology regarding the technologies it can use?
It allows for the integration of different radio frequencies and technologies—such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, microwave, cellular, and satellite—into a single, unified wireless network.
98
Describe a scenario where a wireless mesh network would be particularly beneficial, as mentioned in your notes.
In disaster relief or humanitarian assistance missions, where traditional infrastructure might be damaged, teams can deploy mesh networks combining available technologies for robust connectivity.
99
(Fill-in-the-Blank from notes) "A ______ ______ network can combine Wi-Fi, cellular, and satellite technologies to provide resilient connectivity in disaster recovery scenarios."
wireless mesh
100
What is a Datacenter?
A facility composed of networked computers and storage that businesses and other organizations use to organize, process, store, and disseminate large amounts of data.
101
(Fill-in-the-Blank from notes) "A facility used by businesses to organize, process, store, and disseminate large amounts of data using networked computers and storage is called a ______."
datacenter
102
What are the three layers of the Three-Tiered Hierarchical Model in a datacenter, from top to bottom?
Core Layer, Distribution/Aggregation Layer, and Access/Edge Layer.
103
What is the primary function of the Core Layer in the three-tiered model?
It's the backbone of the network, comprising the biggest, fastest routers, merging geographically separated networks, and requiring critical redundancy.
104
What is the primary function of the Distribution/Aggregation Layer?
Provides boundary definition (access lists, filters), defines policies, and uses Layer 3 switches to route between subnets/VLANs.
105
What is the primary function of the Access/Edge Layer?
Connects endpoint devices (computers, servers, printers, WAPs) to the network, typically using regular switches.
106
(Fill-in-the-Blank from notes) "In the three-tiered hierarchical model, endpoint devices like computers and printers connect to the ______ layer."
Access or Edge
107
What is a Collapsed Core Architecture?
A network design where the core and distribution layers of the traditional three-tiered model are combined into a single layer, resulting in a two-tiered architecture.
108
When might a collapsed core architecture be preferred?
Often implemented in smaller or medium-sized datacenters where the full scalability and complexity of a three-tiered model are not necessary; it can reduce costs and simplify management.
109
(Fill-in-the-Blank from notes) "A ______ ______ architecture simplifies network design by merging the core and distribution layers into one."
collapsed core
110
What are the two main layers in a Spine and Leaf Architecture?
The spine layer and the leaf layer.
111
How do leaf switches connect to spine switches in this model?
Each leaf switch connects to every switch in the spine layer. The spine switches interconnect all leaf switches in a full-mesh topology.
112
What is Top-of-Rack (ToR) Switching?
A datacenter network design where switches (typically leaf switches) are placed in each server rack, and servers in that rack connect directly to these switches.
113
(Fill-in-the-Blank from notes) "In a spine and leaf architecture, every ______ switch connects to every ______ switch, creating a full-mesh core."
leaf, spine
114
What is North-South traffic in a datacenter?
Network traffic that flows into (southbound) or out of (northbound) a datacenter. This typically represents client-to-server traffic or datacenter-to-internet traffic.
115
What is East-West traffic in a datacenter?
Network traffic that flows laterally between servers or applications within the same datacenter.
116
(Fill-in-the-Blank from notes) "Traffic that moves between servers within the same datacenter is referred to as ______ traffic."
East-West

Network+ N10-009 (1 decks)

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