Datacom basics - Network device and their functions

In a data communication network, a communication network consists of routers, switches, firewalls, access controllers (ACs), access p
oints (APs), PCs, network printers, and servers.

Switches

S5700-28TP-LI-AC
 S7706
On a campus network, a switch is the device closest to end users and is used to connect terminals to the campus network. Switches at t
he access layer are usually Layer 2 Switches and are also called Ethernet Switches. Layer 2 refers to the data link layer of the TCP/IP r
eference model.
The Ethernet switch can implement the following functions: data frame switching, access of end user devices, basic access Security fu
nctions, and Layer 2 link redundancy.
Broadcast domain: A set of nodes that can receive broadcast packets from a node.

Routers

AR1220F
 NE20E-S4
Routers are network-layer devices that forwards data packets on the Internet. Based on the destination address in a received packet，a
router selects a path to send the packet to the next router or destination. The last router on the path is responsible for sending the packe
t to the destination host.
Routers can implement the following functions:
Implementing communication between networks of the same type or different types
Isolating broadcast domains
Maintaining the routing table and running routing protocols
Selecting routes and forwarding IP packets
Implementing WAN access and network address translation
 Connecting Layer 2 networks established through switches

Firewalls

USG6630
Firewalls are network security devices used to ensure secure communication between two networks. It monitors，restricts and modifi
es data flows passing through it to shield information，structure，and running status of internal networks from the public network.
Firewalls can implement the following functions:
Isolating networks of different security levels
Implementing access control (using security policies) between networks of different security levels
Implementing user identity authentication
Implementing remote access
 Supporting data encryption and VPN services
Implementing network address translation
Implementing other security functions

Wireless devices
In a broad sense, WLAN is a network that uses radio waves, laser and infrared signals to replace some or all transmission media in a w
ired LAN. Common Wi-Fi is a WLAN technology based on the IEEE 802.11 family of standards.
On a WLAN, common devices include fat APs, fit APs, and ACs.
 APs

AP4050DE AirEngine 8760R-X1

 Generally, it supports the fat AP, fit AP, and cloud-based management modes. You can flexibly switch between these mod
es based on network planning requirements.
Fat AP: lt is applicable to homes. It works independently and needs to be configured separately. lt has simple functions an
d low costs.
Fit AP: It applies to medium- and large-sized enterprises. It needs to work with the AC and is managed and configured by
the AC.
Cloud-based management: It applies to small- and medium-sized enterprises. lt needs to work with the cloud-based man
agement platform for unified management and configuration. lt provides various functions and Supports plug-and-play.

ACs

AC6005-8
lt is generally deployed at the aggregation layer of the entire network to provide high-speed, secure, and reliable WLAN se
rvices.
The AC provides wireless data control services featuring large capacity, high performance, high reliability, easy installatio
n, and easy maintenance. It features flexible networking and energy saving.
Questions:
1. What is the function of a switch in a data communication network?

a) Forward data packets on the Internet

b) Implement access control between networks

c) Connect terminals to the campus network

d) Provide secure communication between networks

Answer: c) Connect terminals to the campus network

2. Which layer of the TCP/IP reference model do Layer 2 switches operate at?

a) Network layer

b) Transport layer
c) Data link layer

d) Application layer

Answer: c) Data link layer

3. What is a broadcast domain?

a) A set of nodes that can receive broadcast packets from a node

b) A network-layer device that forwards data packets

c) A device closest to end users in a campus network

d) A network security device for secure communication

Answer: a) A set of nodes that can receive broadcast packets from a node

4. Which device is responsible for selecting a path and forwarding data packets based on the destination address?

a) Switch

b) Router

c) Firewall

d) Wireless Access Point (AP)

Answer: b) Router

5. What is a function of routers?

a) Implementing WAN access and network address translation

b) Maintaining the routing table and running routing protocols

c) Implementing user identity authentication

d) Implementing access control between networks

Answer: b) Maintaining the routing table and running routing protocols

6. What is the purpose of firewalls in a network?

a) Forward data packets on the Internet

b) Connect Layer 2 networks established through switches

c) Ensure secure communication between two networks

d) Replace transmission media in a wired LAN

Answer: c) Ensure secure communication between two networks

7. What function can firewalls perform?

a) Isolating networks of different security levels

b) Connecting Layer 2 networks established through switches

c) Implementing communication between networks of the same type

d) Maintaining the routing table and running routing protocols

Answer: a) Isolating networks of different security levels

8. Which wireless device is applicable to medium- and large-sized enterprises and needs to work with the AC for management?

a) Fat AP

b) Fit AP
c) Cloud-based management

d) Wireless Access Point (AP)

Answer: b) Fit AP

9. Which mode of AP management is suitable for small- and medium-sized enterprises?

a) Fat AP mode

b) Fit AP mode

c) Cloud-based management mode

d) Wireless Access Point (AP) mode

Answer: c) Cloud-based management mode

10. Where is an AC (Access Controller) generally deployed in a network?

a) Aggregation layer

b) Data link layer

c) Network layer

d) Application layer

Answer: a) Aggregation layer

11. What does an AC provide in a WLAN?

a) Forward data packets on the Internet

b) Large capacity, high performance, and high reliability for WLAN services
c) Isolation of networks of different security levels

d) Secure communication between two networks

Answer: b) Large capacity, high performance, and high reliability for WLAN services

12. What is a common WLAN technology based on the IEEE 802.11 family of standards?

a) Ethernet

b) TCP/IP

c) Wi-Fi

d) Infrared

Answer: c) Wi-Fi

13. What is the primary function of an Ethernet switch?

a) Implementing user identity authentication

b) Forwarding data frames and connecting end-user devices

c) Isolating networks of different security levels

d) Implementing remote access

Answer: b) Forwarding data frames and connecting end-user devices

14. Which device is responsible for shielding internal networks from the public network and implementing access control between networks?

a) Switch

b) Router
c) Firewall

d) Wireless Access Point (AP)

Answer: c) Firewall

15. What network device is used to connect network printers and servers?

a) Switch

b) Router

c) Firewall

d) Wireless Access Point (AP)

Answer: a) Switch