Common Networking Hardware

Characteristics of a Router

Connects multiple networks together

Uses IP addresses to send data packets to their destination

Operates at Layer 3 of the OSI model

Characteristics of a network switch

Uses MAC addresses to forward data frames to the correct port

Connects multiple devices within a single network

Operates at Layer 2 of the OSI model

Characteristic features of a managed switch

Can be monitored and or adjusted remotely

Includes integrated tools for real-time monitoring, diagnostics, and security features

Offers extensive configuration options

Characteristic features of an unmanaged switch

Cannot be managed or reconfigured remotely

Forwards network traffic without providing monitoring features or advanced security functions

Operates as a simple plug-and-play device, requiring no manual setup

Access Point

A networking hardware device connecting wireless devices to a wired network

Patch Panel

A simple device consisting of multiple connector blocks and ports used for copper cable management

Firewall

Monitors and controls both incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules

The IEEE 802.3 standards for Power over Ethernet (PoE) provide varying levels of power to support different types of devices based on their energy needs. IEEE 802.3af (PoE) delivers up to 15.4W per port, making it ideal for low-power devices such as basic IP phones, wireless access points, and standard security cameras. IEEE 802.3at (PoE+) increases power delivery to 25.5W per port, supporting devices like PTZ cameras and high-performance access points that require additional wattage for advanced features. The IEEE 802.3bt (PoE++) standard further expands power capabilities, where Type 3 supports up to 60W per port and Type 4 extends this to 100W per port, enabling support for higher-power devices such as LED lighting, building automation systems, and certain computing devices, all while transmitting both power and data over a single Ethernet cable.

(T/F)

TRUe

PoE Injector

Device that enables a network switch without built-in PoE support to deliver power over Ethernet

Characteristic features of Cable Modems

Cabling that carries TV signals

Coaxial cabling

Shared bandwidth

Cable boradband

Describes the use of cable modems for Internet access over a standard cable television infrastructure

Characteristics of DLS modems

Telephone lines

Twisted-pair copper cabling

Dedicated bandwidth

ONT (Optical Network Terminal)

Type of fiber-optic equipment that is typically located at a demarcation point

NIC (Network Interface Card)

A computer’s hardware component designed for enabling network access

MAC (Media Access Control)

A unique, 48-bit identifier used as a physical network address