Network + Week 1

What is a network?

Two or more devices connected to share resources.

What does LAN (local) stand for?

Area network (small, like home or office).

What does WAN (wide) stand for?

Area Network (large, vast distance, like the Internet).

What does MAN (metropolitan) stand for?

Area network (city-wide).

What is Client–Server

centralized server (common)

Peer-to-peer

devices talk directly.

What does a switch do?

Connects devices in a LAN, forwards traffic only where needed.

What does a hub do?

Sends data to all devices (inefficient, insecure).

What does a router do?

Connects different networks (LAN to WAN/Internet).

What does a firewall do?

Filters traffic, blocks or allows based on rules.

What is an access point?

Provides Wi-Fi connectivity.

Which is more secure: switch or hub?

Switch.

Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a are what type of cables?

Twisted pair Ethernet cables.

Which cable is immune to interference?

Fiber optic.

What is bandwidth?

Maximum capacity of data transfer.

What is latency?

Delay before data transfer starts.

What is throughput?

Actual data transfer rate (real-world performance).

In simple terms, how do you differentiate between Hub, Switch, and Router?

Hub = Dumb, Switch = Smart, Router = Boss.

What does Physical Layer (Layer 1) encompass?

Cables, signals, bits (1s and 0s).

What does Data Link Layer (Layer 2) manage?

MAC addresses (hardware addresses), switches.

What is the primary function of Network Layer (Layer 3)?

Decides where the packet goes (which network).

What is the Transport Layer (Layer 4)?

Ensures reliable delivery (TCP/UDP) and breaks data into segments.

What does Session Layer (Layer 5) manage?

Manages logging into a website and keeping you connected).

What is the function of Presentation Layer (Layer 6)?

Translates data formats (encryption, compression, file formats).

What does Application Layer (Layer 7) encompass?

What the user actually interacts with (e.g., Web browsers, email, Zoom).