Connectivity Devices Quiz

Bridges are network devices that operate at the data link layer of the OSI model. They are designed to connect multiple network segments and forward data packets based on their MAC addresses. By examining the MAC address of each data packet, a bridge can determine the destination network segment and forward the packet accordingly. Therefore, it is true that a bridge is able to read the MAC address of each data packet circulating on the network segments connected to it.

Hubs are commonly used on networks that use twisted-pair cabling because hubs are simple devices that allow multiple devices to connect to a network using twisted-pair cables. Twisted-pair cables are a type of copper cable commonly used in Ethernet networks. Hubs receive data packets from one device and broadcast them to all other devices connected to the hub. This makes them suitable for small networks where data traffic is not heavy. However, hubs have been largely replaced by switches, which offer better performance and security.

A router has more intelligence compared to the other devices listed. A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks. It uses routing tables and protocols to determine the best path for data transmission. Routers can analyze network traffic, make decisions based on network conditions, and provide security features such as firewalls. In contrast, a NIC (Network Interface Card) is responsible for connecting a device to a network, a transceiver is a device that transmits and receives signals in a network, and a hub is a simple networking device that connects multiple devices in a network without any intelligence or decision-making capabilities.

A router is an OSI Layer-3 device because it operates at the network layer of the OSI model. It uses routing tables and protocols to determine the best path for data packets to travel between networks. Routers are responsible for forwarding packets between different networks based on IP addresses. They can make decisions based on network conditions, such as congestion or link failures, to ensure efficient and reliable data transmission.

A switch actually helps to reduce the workload on individual computers. It does this by allowing multiple devices to connect to a network and share the network resources efficiently. The switch manages the traffic flow and directs data packets to the appropriate device, reducing congestion and improving overall network performance. Therefore, the statement "Switch doesn't reduce workload on individual computers" is false.

A hub is a device that operates at the physical layer of the networking standard and simply forwards data packets to all connected devices. It does not perform any intelligent decision-making or filtering of data. Therefore, a hub can be considered as performing the most basic functions allowed by any networking standard.

Network switches ARE capable of inspecting data packets. In fact, that's their primary function. They operate at Layer 2 (Data Link Layer) of the OSI model, where they examine the MAC addresses within the packets to determine the source and destination devices. This allows them to forward the packets only to the intended recipient's port, improving network efficiency and reducing unnecessary traffic.

The statement "Handling Multicast packets needs quite a bit of configuration & proper designing" is not a disadvantage of a router. In fact, routers are designed to handle multicast packets efficiently. They have built-in features and protocols that enable them to handle multicast traffic effectively without requiring extensive configuration or design considerations. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

The given answer is incorrect. A router does not forward information from packets to all nodes connected. Instead, it uses routing tables to determine the best path for the packet and forwards it only to the intended destination.