networks lec 3 &4

1. What is the main purpose of a communication network

A communication network connects devices to allow the exchange of data, resources, and information between users and systems

2. Why are networks considered essential in modern life

Because they allow communication and data sharing across the world, making it possible for people, businesses, and organizations to stay connected

3. How do networks affect our daily lives

They impact education, communication, entertainment, business, and healthcare by providing instant access to information and services

4. What is an end device

An end device is a network device where a message either originates or is received

5. What role do end devices play in communication

They act as the source (sender) or destination (receiver) of data being transmitted through the network

6. What are some examples of end devices

Computers, laptops, smartphones, printers, servers, IP phones, and tablets

7. How does data flow between end devices

Data originates from one end device, passes through intermediary devices, and arrives at another end device

8. Why are end devices sometimes called hosts

Because they host network applications that generate or consume data, such as web browsers, email clients, or file servers

9. What is an intermediary device

An intermediary device connects multiple end devices and manages data traffic within the network

10. What functions do intermediary devices perform

They regenerate and retransmit signals, manage data paths, control data flow, and enforce network security

11. What are some examples of intermediary devices

Switches, routers, wireless access points, firewalls, and gateways

12. How do intermediary devices improve network performance

They ensure efficient and reliable data transfer by controlling the best path for data to reach its destination

13. How does a switch function as an intermediary device

A switch connects multiple devices within a local area network and forwards data only to the device that needs it

14. How does a router function as an intermediary device

A router connects different networks and determines the best route for data packets

15. What is the function of a wireless access point

A wireless access point provides wireless connectivity to devices, allowing them to connect to a wired network using radio waves

16. How does a firewall act as an intermediary device

A firewall filters and monitors network traffic, blocking unauthorized access and protecting the network from attacks

17. Why are intermediary devices important for network security

Because they can detect, filter, and prevent unwanted or malicious traffic from reaching end devices

18. What is network media

Network media is the physical or wireless channel through which data signals travel between devices

19. What is the main function of network media

To provide a communication path that allows data to move from a source device to a destination device

20. What are the three main types of network media

Copper cables, fiber-optic cables, and wireless media

21. How does copper cabling transmit data

It uses electrical signals to carry binary data through metallic wires

22. How does fiber-optic cabling transmit data

It uses pulses of light generated by lasers or LEDs to transmit data over glass or plastic fibers

23. How does wireless media transmit data

It uses electromagnetic waves, such as radio or microwave signals, to transmit data through the air

24. Which type of network media is most affected by interference

Copper cabling, because electrical signals are vulnerable to electromagnetic interference and radio frequency interference

25. Which type of network media is best for long-distance and high-speed data transmission

Fiber-optic cabling, because it offers high bandwidth, low signal loss, and immunity to interference

26. What is the main advantage of wireless media

It provides mobility and flexibility since no physical cables are required

27. Why is it important for network devices to share the same type of media standard

Because the encoding, signaling, and transmission methods must match for devices to successfully send and receive data

28. How does data travel through a network from one device to another

Data originates at an end device, passes through intermediary devices, and travels across network media to the destination device

29. What ensures that a message reaches its correct destination

Proper addressing, routing, and switching mechanisms implemented by intermediary devices

30. What happens when a device sends data but there is no valid network path

The intermediary device, such as a router, discards the data packet because it cannot determine where to send it

31. What is the relationship between end devices, intermediary devices, and network media

End devices create or receive data, intermediary devices manage and forward that data, and network media carries it physically or wirelessly

32. Can an intermediary device also act as an end device

Yes, in some cases, such as a router that also hosts a management interface or a server that routes internal requests

33. Why is understanding network components important for network engineers

Because it allows them to design, troubleshoot, and optimize communication systems effectively

34. What would happen if a network lacked intermediary devices

End devices would not be able to communicate efficiently, as there would be no system to direct, manage, or control data flow

35. What ensures reliable data delivery between devices in a network

The combination of properly functioning end devices, intermediary devices, and suitable network media