Networking Hardware

What is a router

1. An OSI layer 3 device

2. Uses IP addresses to send data packets to their destination

3. Connects multiple networks together

4. Normally combined in home networks with switches and access points in a single gateway device

5. If a client has a valid IP but can’t access external sites check the router config including default route and firewall settings

What is a switch

1. An OSI Level 2 device

2. Uses MAC addresses to forward data frames to the correct port

3. Connects multiple devices within a single network

4. Managed vs. Unmanaged

5. Check cables or VLAN mismatches when troubleshooting

6. Intelligently filter traffic unlike hubs which broadcast to all ports

What is a managed switch

1. Allows for advanced network configuration and monitoring

2. Ability to configure a VLAN to segment traffic

3. Enable QoS to prioritize specific traffic types like VoIP

4. Utilize SNMP for remote monitoring and performance statistics

5. Allows for port mirroring to copy traffic to a specific port for analysis

6. Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) to prevent network loops

7. Port security settings

what is an unmanaged switch

1. Plug and play device

2. No configuration required

3. Forwards Ethernet frames based on MAC addresses stored in a CAM table

4. Don’t offer as much security or management interface, just expand connectivity

What is an Access Point

A networking device that connects wireless devices to a wired network

What is a Patch Panel

A networking device that consists of multiple connector blocks and ports used for copper cable management

What is a firewall

A security device or software application that monitors and controls both incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules

What is a PoE injector

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

What are cable modems

1. Provide high speed broadband internet using coaxial cabling that carries both TV signals and data

2. Standard protocol is DOCSIS which allows for the transmission of data, voice, and video over the same line

3. range from 4 Mbps to gigabit speeds depending on DOCSIS version and service plan

4. Demodulates the signal from the cable line and provides connectivity to a router or PC via an Ethernet connection

What is DSL

1. “Always on” broadband connection

2. Utilizes existing copper telephone lines (POTS infrastructure)

3. Most common form is ASDL (Asymmetric) where download speeds are significantly higher than upload

4. SDSL (Symmetric): Equal upload/download

5. VDSL (Very-high-bit-rate): offers speeds up to 100 Mbps over short distances

6. Allows simultaneous use of voice and data services on the same line without dial-up requirements

7. TP copper cabling

What is ONT

1. An Optical Network Terminal is the customer device that converts fiber-optic light signals into electrical signals

2. Serves as the final active link in a FTTP or FTTH service

What is a Network Interface Card

Hardware responsible for connecting a device to a network by converting digital data into electrical or optical signals

What is a MAC address

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

What is the use of a crimper

Attaching connectors onto cables by compressing the connectors metal contacts onto the exposed wires

What is the use of a Cable Stripper

Removing electrical insulation cover from electric wires

What is the use of a Wi-Fi analyzer

Scan the surrounding wireless environment to visualize radio frequency data to help identify the cause of slow speeds, dropped connections, and poor coverage through signal strength, channel congestion, and interference sources

What is the use of a Toner and probe kit

Send a signal to trace and identify individual wires within a cable bundle

What is the use of a Punchdown tool

Attaching network cables to a patch panel

What is the use of a Cable tester

Verify the integrity and connectivity of network cables

What is a loopback plug used for

Test the functionality of a NIC

What is the use of a Network tap

Monitor network traffic without interrupting the data flow