13 Network Hardware Infrastructure

1. Front: What is the primary function of a router?

Back: To make forwarding decisions based on destination IP addresses to route traffic between different IP subnets or networks.

2. Front: What is the primary function of a switch?

Back: To connect devices on the same network and forward traffic based on destination MAC addresses. It creates a single broadcast domain.

3. Front: What is a Layer 3 Switch?

Back: A device that combines the functions of a switch (MAC address forwarding) and a router (IP address routing) in a single unit.

4. Front: What is the key difference between an unmanaged switch and a managed switch?

Back: An unmanaged switch is plug-and-play with no configuration options. A managed switch allows for advanced configuration like VLANs, traffic prioritization, port mirroring, and SNMP management.

5. Front: How does a standalone Wireless Access Point (AP) differ from a wireless router?

Back: An AP acts as a bridge, connecting a wireless network to a wired network. It does not perform routing, IP assignment, or firewall functions like a router does.

6. Front: What is the purpose of a patch panel in a network closet?

Back: To provide a permanent, organized termination point for cables running from desks. It allows for easy re-patching of desk connections to different switch ports in the closet without disturbing the main cable run.

7. Front: What is Power over Ethernet (PoE) and what are its main benefits?

Back: A technology that delivers both data and electrical power over a single Ethernet cable. It simplifies installation for devices like wireless access points, IP phones, and security cameras by eliminating the need for a separate power outlet.

8. Front: How does a Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) differ from a traditional firewall?

Back: A traditional firewall filters traffic based on port numbers and IP addresses. An NGFW can filter traffic based on the specific application being used, regardless of the port.

9. Front: What is a demarcation point ("demarc")?

Back: The physical point where a service provider's (e.g., ISP) network ends and the customer's (e.g., your company's) network begins. It defines the boundary of responsibility for troubleshooting.

10. Front: What are the common names for the devices that provide internet connectivity via cable, DSL, and fiber lines?

Back: Cable: Cable Modem (DOCSIS standard). DSL: DSL Modem. Fiber: Optical Network Terminal (ONT).

11. Front: What is a Network Interface Card (NIC)?

Back: The hardware component (either built-in or an expansion card) that connects a computer to a network. Each NIC has a unique MAC address.

12. Front: What are the power specifications for standard PoE (802.3af) and PoE+ (802.3at)?

Back: PoE: Provides up to 15.4 watts. PoE+: Provides up to 25.5 watts.

13. Front: If a switch does not support PoE, how can you provide power to a device like an access point?

Back: By using a PoE injector (also called a midspan device), which adds power to an existing Ethernet cable.