Network Devices - Week 5

A signal that is discrete in both time and value is called a digital signal. Digital signals are represented by a series of discrete values or digits, typically in binary form. These signals are commonly used in digital communication systems and computing devices, where information is encoded and transmitted in a digital format. The term "digital" can refer to both uppercase and lowercase forms, as it is a widely accepted term in the field of signal processing.

When hosts are connected, a network is created. This is because a network refers to a collection of interconnected devices, such as computers, servers, printers, and other devices, that are linked together to facilitate communication and data sharing. When hosts are connected to each other, they form a network where they can exchange information and resources.

A router is the correct answer because it is a networking device that connects multiple networks together and directs data packets between them. It acts as a central hub for internet traffic, allowing devices to communicate with each other and access the internet. Without routers, it would be impossible for different networks to connect and for information to be efficiently transmitted across the internet. Therefore, routers can be considered the "backbone" of the internet.

A signal that is continuous in time and value is called an analog signal. It is represented by a continuous waveform and can have an infinite number of values within a given range. Analog signals are used in various applications such as audio and video transmission, telecommunications, and instrumentation. The term "analog" is derived from the fact that the signal is analogous to the original physical quantity being measured or transmitted.

Bandwidth is the correct answer because it refers to the range of frequencies that a medium or channel can transmit. It measures the difference between the highest and lowest frequencies that can be accommodated by the medium. A wider bandwidth allows for more data to be transmitted simultaneously, resulting in higher throughput. Therefore, bandwidth is the appropriate term to describe the difference between the highest and lowest frequencies a medium can transmit.

RTT (Round Trip Time) refers to the total time it takes for a packet to travel from the sender to the receiver and then back from the receiver to the sender. This includes the time it takes for the packet to be transmitted, processed, and acknowledged by the receiver, as well as the time it takes for the acknowledgment to be transmitted back to the sender. RTT is an important metric in computer networks as it helps determine the overall latency or delay in communication between two endpoints.

A Link Layer Switch operates in the Data Link and Physical layers. The Data Link layer is responsible for transferring data between adjacent network devices, while the Physical layer deals with the actual transmission of bits over the physical medium. A Link Layer Switch receives data frames at the Data Link layer and forwards them to the appropriate destination based on the MAC addresses. It also performs the necessary electrical and mechanical operations to transmit the data over the physical medium.

Hubs operate in the Physical layer of the internet model. The Physical layer is responsible for the actual transmission of data over the physical medium, such as cables or wireless signals. Hubs are simple devices that connect multiple devices in a network by receiving data from one device and broadcasting it to all other devices connected to the hub. They do not perform any intelligent processing or filtering of data, making them a basic and low-level component of the network infrastructure.

Attenuation refers to the decrease in signal strength as it travels through a medium or over a distance. It is measured in decibels (dB). Attenuation can occur due to various factors such as distance, interference, or obstacles in the signal path. It is an important consideration in telecommunications and networking, as high levels of attenuation can result in a loss of signal quality and reliability. Therefore, the given correct answer, "Attenuation," accurately describes the loss of signal strength measured in decibels (dB).

The diagram is an example of a switch. A switch is a networking device that connects multiple devices within a local area network (LAN). It receives data packets from one device and forwards them to the intended recipient device based on the MAC addresses. Switches operate at the data link layer of the OSI model and provide a higher level of performance and security compared to hubs or repeaters.

Throughput refers to the amount of data that is successfully transmitted or processed within a given time period. It is a measure of the actual data transfer rate, indicating the efficiency of the communication system. Throughput takes into account factors such as bandwidth, data modulation, and channel characteristics to determine the actual amount of data that can be transmitted. It is an important metric in evaluating the performance and effectiveness of a network or communication system.

Routers operate in the network layer of the internet model. The network layer is responsible for routing and forwarding data packets between different networks. Routers analyze the destination IP address of a packet and determine the best path for it to reach its destination. They make decisions based on routing tables and protocols to ensure efficient and reliable delivery of data across networks.

Switches operate at the Data Link layer of the internet model. This layer is responsible for the reliable transmission of data between adjacent network nodes. Switches use MAC addresses to forward data packets to the correct destination within a local area network (LAN). They operate by examining the destination MAC address of incoming packets and forwarding them to the appropriate port connected to the destination device. Therefore, switches play a crucial role in managing and directing network traffic at the Data Link layer.

The diagram is an example of a router. A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks. It operates at the network layer of the OSI model and uses IP addresses to determine the best path for data transmission. Routers are commonly used in homes and businesses to connect multiple devices to the internet and enable communication between different networks. They provide network security, manage network traffic, and can also perform other functions such as DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) and NAT (Network Address Translation).

A channel refers to a distinct communication path between nodes, which can be physically or logically separated. It is the medium through which data is transmitted between sender and receiver. The channel can be a physical wire, a wireless connection, or a virtual connection established through network protocols. The term "channel" encompasses both the physical medium and the associated protocols and technologies used for communication.

Data modulation is the process of modifying a carrier signal to encode digital information. It involves changing the characteristics of the carrier signal, such as its amplitude, frequency, or phase, to represent the data being transmitted. By modulating the data onto a carrier signal, it becomes suitable for transmission over a communication path, such as a channel. Therefore, data modulation is the correct answer as it explains how data is made suitable for carrying over a communication path.

Latency refers to the delay or time taken for a signal to travel from the source to the destination. It is the time gap between the transmission and receipt of a signal. Latency can be caused by various factors such as distance, network congestion, processing time, and transmission medium. It is an important aspect in communication systems as it affects the overall speed and efficiency of data transfer. Therefore, latency is the correct answer in this context.

When networks are connected, a connection to the internet is established. The internet is a global network of interconnected computers and devices that allows for communication and access to information across the world. It provides a vast array of services such as email, web browsing, file sharing, and online gaming. Connecting to the internet enables users to access resources and services available on the World Wide Web.

Jitter refers to the variation in the delay of packet arrival in a network. It is caused by congestion, network congestion, or routing issues. Jitter can lead to packet loss, out-of-order packets, and poor quality of voice and video transmissions. Unlike latency, which is a constant delay, jitter is the inconsistency in the delay. Therefore, jitter is the most appropriate term to describe the variation in latency among the given options.

The term "phase" refers to a wave's progress over time in relation to a fixed point. It describes the position of a wave at a specific point in time, indicating whether the wave is at its peak, trough, or any other point in its cycle. The phase of a wave is important in determining interference patterns and synchronization between multiple waves.

A "multi-port repeater" is another name for a hub because a hub is a networking device that connects multiple devices together in a local area network (LAN). It operates at the physical layer of the OSI model and simply receives incoming data packets and broadcasts them to all connected devices. Similarly, a multi-port repeater also receives and amplifies signals before transmitting them to connected devices. Therefore, both terms refer to the same networking device.

The diagram is an example of a bridge. A bridge is a networking device that connects two or more networks together and allows them to communicate with each other. It operates at the data link layer of the OSI model and uses MAC addresses to forward data packets between networks. In the diagram, it is likely showing two separate networks being connected by the bridge, enabling them to share information and resources.

Frequency refers to the number of times the amplitude of a wave cycles over a fixed time period. It is measured in hertz (Hz). The term "frequency" does not refer to the analog wave's strength, the distance between corresponding wave cycle points, or the wave's progress over time in relation to a fixed point. Therefore, the correct answers are "Number of times amplitude cycles over fixed time period" and "Measured in hertz (Hz)".

The diagram is an example of a hub. A hub is a network device that connects multiple devices together, allowing them to communicate with each other. It operates at the physical layer of the network and simply broadcasts incoming data packets to all connected devices. Unlike a switch or a router, a hub does not have the ability to analyze or filter the data it receives. Therefore, all devices connected to a hub share the same bandwidth, which can lead to network congestion and slower performance.

The term "Amplitude" refers to the strength or magnitude of an analog wave. It represents the maximum displacement or height of the wave from its equilibrium position. The greater the amplitude, the more energy the wave carries. Therefore, "Analog wave's strength" is a correct explanation for the term "Amplitude".

The term "wavelength" refers to the distance between corresponding wave cycle points. It is also inversely proportional to frequency, meaning that as the frequency increases, the wavelength decreases. Wavelength is typically expressed in meters or feet.

The diagram is an example of a repeater. A repeater is a network device that amplifies and regenerates signals to extend the reach of a network. It receives a signal, cleans it up, and then retransmits it to the next network segment. The diagram likely represents the basic functionality of a repeater, showing incoming and outgoing signals being amplified and regenerated.