Patch Panels, Hubs, Switches, and Routers

What are patch panels used for?

To organize and manage network cables in a structured manner.

What is used to organize and manage network cables in a structured manner?

Patch panels.

What do patch panels typically consist of?

Ports where network cables can be terminated and connected.

What hardware piece typically consists of ports where network cables can be terminated and connected?

Patch panels.

Which equipment in a data center allows for the termination of multiple network cables from different areas of the building?

24-port patch panel.

Each port in a 24-port patch panel can be connected to what?

A specific device, switch, router, etc.

What OSI layer are hubs found in?

Layer 1

What do hubs do?

They receive data from one port and broadcast it to all other ports.

What layer of the OSI model do hubs operate on?

Layer 1 (Physical layer).

Why are hubs not commonly used in modern networks?

Due to their limited functionality and susceptibility to network congestion.

What OSI layer are switches found?

Layer 2

What do switches do?

They selectively forward data to specific devices based on their MAC addresses.

What layer of the OSI model do switches operate on?

Layer 2 (Data Link layer).

What is an example of a switch in use?

A 24-port Gigabit Ethernet switch in an enterprise network.

What are routers?

Devices that operate at the network layer (Layer 3) of the OSI model and forward data packets between different networks.

What layer of the OSI model do routers operate on?

Layer 3 (Network layer).

What do routers use to determine the best path for data transmission?

Routing tables.

What is an example of a router in use?

A home wireless router connecting multiple devices (smartphones, laptops, etc.) to the internet.

What are access points (APs)?

Devices that allow wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi or related standards.

What is the role of an access point?

It acts as a bridge between wireless devices and a wired network, providing access to the internet or other network resources.

What are access points commonly used for?

Extending the range of a wireless network in homes, offices, and public places.

What are repeaters?

Devices that extend the range of a network by amplifying and retransmitting the signal.

What do repeaters do?

They receive a network signal, amplify it, and retransmit it to areas where the original signal is weak.

Where are repeaters useful?

In large buildings or areas with physical obstructions that interfere with signal strength.