Network + Exam, Chapter One

Explanation
Half-duplex communication allows for transmission in both directions but only one direction at a time. This means that while one party is transmitting, the other party must wait until the transmission is complete before they can transmit. In full-duplex communication, both parties can transmit and receive data simultaneously, allowing for faster and more efficient communication. This is achieved by using separate channels for sending and receiving data.

Explanation
The two most common network types are peer-to-peer and client/server. In a peer-to-peer network, all devices have equal capabilities and can act as both clients and servers. This type of network is commonly used in small-scale environments where resources are shared among all connected devices. On the other hand, in a client/server network, there is a central server that provides services and resources to multiple client devices. This type of network is commonly used in large-scale environments where centralized management and control are required.

Explanation
In a peer-to-peer network, each computer has the capability to act as both a client and a server. This means that each computer can request resources from other computers on the network, while also being able to provide resources to other computers when requested. In this type of network, there is no centralized server, and all computers have equal status and can communicate directly with each other. This allows for a more decentralized and distributed network architecture.

Explanation
The four most common network topologies are bus, star, ring, and mesh. A bus topology is a linear network where all devices are connected to a single cable. In a star topology, all devices are connected to a central hub or switch. A ring topology forms a closed loop where each device is connected to the device next to it. Lastly, a mesh topology has each device connected to every other device in the network. These topologies are commonly used in networking to establish different types of connections and communication pathways.

Explanation
Bus and Token Ring network topologies have very little fault tolerance because they rely on a single communication path. In a bus topology, all devices are connected to a single cable, and if the cable gets damaged or disconnected at any point, the entire network can be affected. Similarly, in a Token Ring topology, data is passed sequentially from one device to another using a token, and if one device fails or the token is lost, the entire network can be disrupted. These topologies lack redundancy and alternative paths, making them vulnerable to single points of failure.

Explanation
A Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR) is a device used to test cables by sending a pulse signal through the cable and measuring the reflections that occur when the signal encounters impedance changes, such as breaks or faults in the cable. By analyzing the reflections, the TDR can determine the location and severity of the break or fault, making it an effective tool for troubleshooting and maintenance of cables.

Explanation
Just as servers connect to the backbone, workstations connect to segments. Segments are connected
to the backbone to allow the workstations on them access to the rest of the network.

Explanation
RJ-11 is the correct answer because it is the most commonly used connector for telephones. It is a standard connector that is used for connecting telephone lines to devices such as telephones, fax machines, and modems. The RJ-11 connector has six positions and is typically used for connecting a telephone line to a telephone jack. It is a small, rectangular connector with a clear plastic housing and typically has four or six gold-plated contacts for transmitting voice signals.

Explanation
The correct answer is RJ-45. RJ-45 is a type of connector used with Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cables. It is a standard connector for Ethernet networking and is commonly used for connecting computers, routers, switches, and other network devices. The RJ-45 connector has eight pins and is designed to securely connect the UTP cable to the network device, ensuring a reliable and high-speed connection.

Explanation
The two most popular and recognizable fiber optic connectors are the straight tip (ST) and subscriber (or square) connector (SC) connectors. These connectors are widely used in telecommunications and data networks for their reliability and ease of use. The ST connector features a bayonet-style twist lock mechanism, while the SC connector has a push-pull design. Both connectors provide low insertion loss and high return loss, making them ideal for high-speed data transmission.

Explanation
10Base-T is one of the most popular network cabling schemes. It is an Ethernet standard that uses twisted-pair copper cables to transmit data at a maximum speed of 10 Mbps. This cabling scheme is widely used in local area networks (LANs) and is known for its reliability and cost-effectiveness. It allows for long cable lengths and can support multiple devices connected to a network. 10Base-T has been widely adopted and is still used in many network environments today.

Explanation
The maximum transmission distance for 10Base-T is 100 meters per segment. This means that the Ethernet cable used for 10Base-T can transmit data up to a maximum distance of 100 meters before experiencing any signal degradation or loss. This limitation is due to the type of cable used and the technology implemented in 10Base-T, which is a standard for Ethernet over twisted pair copper wiring.

Explanation
100Base-TX is a type of Ethernet standard that uses two pairs of CAT-5 UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) cables for data transmission. This standard allows for data transfer at a speed of 100 megabits per second. CAT-5 UTP cables are commonly used in networking to connect devices such as computers, routers, and switches. The use of two pairs of cables in 100Base-TX allows for full-duplex communication, meaning that data can be transmitted and received simultaneously.

Explanation
A hub is a networking device that operates at the physical layer of the OSI model and simply broadcasts incoming data to all connected devices. It does not differentiate between different devices or addresses. On the other hand, a switch operates at the data link layer and can intelligently direct incoming data to the specific device it is intended for, based on the destination MAC address. This allows for more efficient and secure communication within a network.

Explanation
A router is a networking device that is responsible for directing network traffic between different networks. It uses network performance data collected from the network to make intelligent decisions on the most efficient path for data to reach its destination. By analyzing factors such as network congestion, latency, and available bandwidth, the router can optimize the routing process and ensure that data packets are delivered in a timely and efficient manner.