Network Devices

What is a network device?

A physical device used to connect computers or other hardware in a network, enabling communication by forwarding, translating, or filtering data.

What is the purpose of network devices?

To enable communication between networked devices and manage data transmission.

What is a Hub?

A simple device that broadcasts data to all connected devices without filtering or addressing.

What are the advantages of a Hub?

Simple, cheap, and easy to install.

What are the disadvantages of a Hub?

Causes network congestion and has no control over data direction.

What is a Switch?

A device that connects multiple computers within a LAN and forwards data only to the intended recipient using MAC addresses.

What are the advantages of a Switch?

Reduces data collisions, increases efficiency, and improves network performance.

What are the disadvantages of a Switch?

More expensive than hubs.

What is a Router?

A device that connects two or more networks and directs data packets between them.

What is the main function of a Router?

It routes data based on IP addresses to ensure data reaches the correct destination.

What are the four common types of Routers?

Wired router, Wireless router, Core router, Edge router.

What is a Wired Router?

A router that connects directly to devices using Ethernet cables.

What is a Wireless Router?

A router that provides Wi-Fi connectivity to wireless devices.

What is a Core Router?

A high-capacity router used by ISPs to direct data within large networks.

What is an Edge Router?

A router that connects internal networks to external ones such as the internet.

What is a Modem?

A device that modulates and demodulates analog and digital signals for Internet communication.

What does a Modem do?

It converts data between analog (telephone or cable lines) and digital (computer) formats.

What is the difference between a Modem and a Router?

A modem connects to the ISP, while a router connects multiple devices to form a local network.

What is a Network Interface Card (NIC)?

A hardware component that connects a computer to a network and transmits/receives data packets.

What does the NIC convert?

Analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog signals for communication.

What is a Bridge?

A device that connects and filters traffic between two LAN segments based on MAC addresses.

What is the purpose of a Bridge?

To reduce network traffic and extend network segments.

What is a Gateway?

A device that connects different network environments and performs protocol translation between them.

What makes a Gateway unique?

It operates across multiple OSI layers and handles data from dissimilar systems.

What is a Firewall?

A hardware or software-based security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic.

What is the main function of a Firewall?

To protect the network by preventing unauthorized access or attacks.

What is DTE?

Data Terminal Equipment – devices that generate or receive digital data like computers and routers.

What is DCE?

Data Circuit-Terminating Equipment – devices that transmit or receive data signals like modems and NICs.

What is the main role of DTE?

To produce and use data in communication.

What is the main role of DCE?

To convert and transmit signals, providing timing and synchronization for communication.

Give examples of DTE devices.

Computers, routers, servers, smartphones, printers.

Give examples of DCE devices.

Modems, NICs, ISDN adapters, satellites, radio transmitters.

What is the OSI Model?

A reference model that defines how data is transmitted and received across networks in seven layers.

How does data flow through the OSI Model?

Data moves down the sender’s layers (Application → Physical) and up the receiver’s layers (Physical → Application).

What happens during data encapsulation?

Each OSI layer adds its own header or trailer to the data before transmission.

What happens during de-encapsulation?

The receiver removes headers/trailers layer by layer until the data is readable by the application.

What is the importance of the OSI Model?

It standardizes network communication and ensures interoperability between different systems and devices.

Summarize the difference between DTE and DCE.

DTE creates or receives data, while DCE manages signal conversion and timing to transmit it.