Network Components, Types, and Connections – Module 2 Exam Answers

Network Components, Types, and Connections – Module 2 Exam Answers

Understanding network components, types, and their connections is fundamental to building and maintaining efficient IT infrastructures. This module focuses on the critical elements that make up modern networks, including hardware components like routers, switches, and access points, as well as the different types of networks such as LAN, WAN, and MAN. Additionally, it explores various connection methods, from wired options like Ethernet to wireless technologies like Wi-Fi, emphasizing their roles, configurations, and interoperability in real-world scenarios. This guide provides accurate answers and insights to help you excel in the Module 2 exam.

1. Which statement accurately describes the client-server model of network communications?

• Clients and servers have interchangeable roles and responsibilities.
• Servers act as centralized hubs and provide services to clients on demand.
• Clients host files and services and share them directly with other clients.
• Each client directly communicates with every other client in the network.

In the client-server model, servers serve as centralized hubs, providing client services and resources on demand. Clients, on the other hand, request access to files and services from servers. This model involves a clear division of roles between the two types of network devices.

The correct statement is:

Servers act as centralized hubs and provide services to clients on demand.

In the client-server model, servers are dedicated systems that manage resources and services, such as file storage, applications, or database access, while clients are devices that request and use these services. This setup ensures a clear distinction between the roles of clients and servers, promoting efficiency and scalability in network communications.

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2. Which statement accurately describes an advantage of the client-server model?

• Each client must host files and services directly for other clients.
• It is prone to network delays between clients and servers.
• It enables scalability by adding servers to handle increased usage and traffic.
• It eliminates the need for centralized management, security, and access policy enforcement.

In the client-server model, scalability is achieved by easily adding servers to handle increased growth in usage and traffic. This central hub structure enables the network to grow and adapt to meet demand efficiently.

The correct statement is:

It enables scalability by adding servers to handle increased usage and traffic.

In the client-server model, scalability is a significant advantage. As network usage grows, additional servers can be integrated to manage higher traffic and user demands, ensuring reliable performance. The centralized structure also facilitates efficient management, security enforcement, and resource distribution.

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3. Which statement accurately describes the communication messaging model in Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS) environments?

• It excludes protocols like Profinet and Modbus, commonly used in IIoT environments.
• It resembles traditional client-server or peer-to-peer IT models, utilizing standard Ethernet and IP communications.
• It has loose ties to traditional IT models, featuring different communication patterns, loads, and frequencies specific to the manufacturing process it supports.
• It relies solely on the client-server model, with clients including devices such as sensors, controllers, robots, and gateways.

In Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS) environments, the communication messaging model has only loose ties to traditional client-server or peer-to-peer IT models. These environments have different communication patterns, loads, and frequencies tailored to support the manufacturing processes they serve.

The correct statement is:

It has loose ties to traditional IT models, featuring different communication patterns, loads, and frequencies specific to the manufacturing process it supports.

In Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS) environments, communication messaging models are optimized for real-time control, deterministic communication, and high reliability. These models differ from traditional IT models by accommodating unique requirements such as precise timing, higher communication frequencies, and specialized protocols like Profinet, Modbus, and EtherNet/IP, tailored to manufacturing and industrial processes.

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4. Which statement accurately describes a characteristic of a hybrid peer-to-peer (P2P) application?

• P2P applications only allow devices to function as either clients or servers, but not both simultaneously
• Not requiring each end device to run background services or user interfaces.
• Resource sharing is decentralized across network peers.
• P2P file-sharing applications like Gnutella and BitTorrent rely on centralized directories to store resource locations.

Resource sharing is decentralized among peers in a hybrid peer-to-peer (P2P) system. However, indexes pointing to resource locations are stored in a centralized directory. Each peer accesses this index server to retrieve the location of a resource stored on another peer.

The correct statement is:

Resource sharing is decentralized across network peers.

In a hybrid peer-to-peer (P2P) application, resource sharing is decentralized, meaning peers share files or resources directly with each other. However, to facilitate locating resources, a centralized directory or index server is often used. This hybrid approach combines the efficiency of centralized indexing for resource discovery with the distributed nature of peer-to-peer sharing for data transfer, as seen in applications like BitTorrent.

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5. Which statements accurately describe the concept of east-west and north-south network communication flows?

• East-west traffic refers to traffic moving between servers within a data center LAN. In contrast, north-south traffic refers to client-server traffic flows from a data center network.
• East-west communication occurs between devices of unequal status, enabling coordinated operations across disparate plant zones. In contrast, north-south communication occurs between devices of equal status.
• East-west traffic refers to client-server traffic flows going into and out of a data center network. In contrast, north-south traffic refers to traffic moving between servers within a data center LAN.
• North-south communication occurs between devices of unequal status, facilitating communication from controllers to the devices they manage. In contrast, east-west communication occurs between devices of equal status.

In network communication, east-west traffic refers to traffic moving between servers within a data center LAN. In contrast, north-south traffic refers to client-server traffic flows from a data center network.

The correct statement is:

East-west traffic refers to traffic moving between servers within a data center LAN. In contrast, north-south traffic refers to client-server traffic flows from a data center network.

In network terminology:

• East-west traffic represents lateral communication between devices, such as servers within the same data center, enabling data exchange and coordination internally.
• North-south traffic represents vertical communication, such as data flowing in and out of the data center to external clients or users, typically involving client-server interactions.

This distinction is crucial for optimizing data center operations and security measures.

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6. Which network topology provides a logical circle where each node is connected to two other nodes, creating dual paths around the ring to reduce bottlenecks and oversubscription of the network?

• Redundant star topology
• Mesh topology
• Ring topology
• Star topology
• Linear topology

Each node is connected to two other nodes in a ring topology, forming a logical circle. This design allows dual paths around the ring, reducing bottlenecks and network oversubscription.

The correct answer is:

Ring topology

In a ring topology, each node is connected to exactly two other nodes, forming a closed loop or circle. This structure provides dual paths for data to travel, allowing traffic to flow in either direction. This redundancy helps reduce bottlenecks and oversubscription, making it a reliable choice for certain types of networks where fault tolerance and balanced traffic distribution are critical.

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7. Which statement regarding a computer in an IT environment is accurate?

• A computer in an IT environment can only run one type of software, server, or client, but not both.
• A computer with server software can only provide services to one client at a time.
• A single computer can run multiple types of client software, allowing it to connect to multiple servers simultaneously.
• A single computer can run multiple types of server software but only one type of client software.
• A computer in an IT environment can act as a server or a client, but not simultaneously.

In an IT environment, a single computer can run multiple types of client software, allowing it to connect to multiple servers simultaneously. This flexibility enables users to check email, browse the web, and access files concurrently.

The correct statement is:

A single computer can run multiple types of client software, allowing it to connect to multiple servers simultaneously.

In an IT environment, computers are designed for multitasking. A single machine can run various client applications, such as web browsers, email clients, and file-sharing programs, enabling it to interact with different servers simultaneously. This capability is fundamental for modern IT workflows, where users often need to access multiple services concurrently.

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8. Which statement accurately describes the role of PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) in an OT (Operational Technology) environment?

• PLCs are passive devices in the network and cannot act as servers or clients.
• PLCs can only receive queries from sensors but cannot send commands to actuators or request information from servers.
• PLCs can only act as clients, requesting information from servers elsewhere in the network.
• PLCs can only act as servers, receiving sensor queries and sending commands to actuators.
• PLCs can act as servers and clients, querying sensors, sending commands to actuators, and requesting information from servers.

In an OT environment, PLCs can function as both servers and clients. They can query sensors for information and send commands to actuators while also being able to request information from servers elsewhere in the network. This dual functionality allows PLCs to play a central role in controlling and monitoring industrial processes.

The correct statement is:

PLCs can act as servers and clients, querying sensors, sending commands to actuators, and requesting information from servers.

In an OT (Operational Technology) environment, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) serve as critical components for automating and monitoring industrial processes. They interact with sensors to gather data, send commands to actuators to control physical processes, and can also communicate with servers or other systems to request or share information. This dual functionality makes PLCs versatile and integral to industrial control systems.

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9 Which of the following categories are included in the network infrastructure?

• End devices, intermediate devices, and network media
• Only end devices
• End devices and intermediate devices
• Only network media
• Only intermediate devices

The network infrastructure includes three categories of hardware components: end devices, intermediate devices, and network media. End devices are the source and destination of messages, intermediate devices facilitate data exchange between end devices, and network media provide the physical channels through which data is transmitted between devices. All three categories are essential components of the network infrastructure.

The correct answer is:

End devices, intermediate devices, and network media

The network infrastructure comprises:

1. End devices – These are the source and destination devices in the network, such as computers, smartphones, and printers.
2. Intermediate devices – These facilitate communication by directing data, such as routers, switches, and access points.
3. Network media – These are the physical or wireless channels that carry data between devices, including cables (like Ethernet) and wireless technologies (like Wi-Fi).

All three are essential for a fully functional and efficient network infrastructure.

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10. Which devices are considered intermediate devices in the context of IT networking?

• LAN access switches
• Barcode scanners
• Industrial sensors
• PLCs
• Actuators

Intermediate devices in IT networking include LAN access switches, distribution switches, core switches, firewalls, and routers. These devices facilitate data exchange between end devices within the network and play a crucial role in managing network traffic, security, and connectivity. Industrial sensors, PLCs, actuators, and barcode scanners are typically considered end devices in industrial automation systems rather than intermediate devices in IT networking.

The correct answer is:

LAN access switches

In the context of IT networking, intermediate devices are responsible for facilitating communication between end devices by directing data within the network. Examples of intermediate devices include:

• Switches (e.g., LAN access switches, distribution switches, core switches)
• Routers
• Firewalls
• Access points

Devices like barcode scanners, industrial sensors, PLCs, and actuators are considered end devices, as they are the source or destination of data within the network.

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11. Which statement about IT zone switches is true?

• Fixed-configuration switches are typically not expandable but can be stackable for increased port density.
• IT zone Core, distribution, and access switches are always modular.
• Fixed-configuration switches are expandable and provide flexibility as network requirements change.
• Modular switches provide fixed numbers of ports and are less expensive than fixed-configuration switches.
• Modular switches are less flexible than fixed-configuration ones but more cost-effective.

Fixed-configuration switches in IT zones provide a fixed number of ports and are typically not expandable. However, many models are stackable, allowing multiple switches to be connected to operate as a single unit and increase port density. This stacking capability offers a cost-effective solution for expanding network capacity.

The correct statement is:

Fixed-configuration switches are typically not expandable but can be stackable for increased port density.

Fixed-configuration switches come with a predetermined number of ports and cannot be expanded by adding new modules. However, many models support stacking, which allows multiple switches to operate as a single logical unit. This feature provides a scalable and cost-effective way to increase port density and improve network management without requiring modular switches.

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12. Which statement about access switches is true?

• Access switches are primarily responsible for connecting distribution switches to the network.
• Fixed access switches include the Cisco Catalyst 9400 series switch.
• Access switches do not support Power over Ethernet (PoE) for powering end devices.
• Access switches typically do not support VLANs for traffic segmentation.
• Access switches can play an important role in network defense through port-based network access control (PNAC) using 802.1x.

Access switches at the network edge can play an important role in network defense through port-based network access control (PNAC) using 802.1x. This feature allows access switches to control network access based on the authentication status of connected devices, enhancing security.

The correct statement is:

Access switches can play an important role in network defense through port-based network access control (PNAC) using 802.1x.

Access switches, located at the network edge, are responsible for connecting end devices to the network. They support features like 802.1x authentication, which enforces security by controlling access based on the identity of devices or users attempting to connect. Additionally, access switches often support Power over Ethernet (PoE) to power devices like IP phones and cameras, and they enable VLANs for traffic segmentation, improving both security and performance.

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13. Which statement about distribution switches is true?

• Distribution switches typically do not support Layer 3 routing.
• Distribution switches primarily serve as high-capacity aggregation points at the network’s backbone.
• Distribution switches directly connect end devices to the network.
• Distribution switches aggregate and route traffic from access to core switches.
• Key features of distribution switches include Power over Ethernet (PoE) and VLAN support.

Distribution switches aggregate and route traffic from access switches to core switches in a network. They do not directly connect end devices.

The correct statement is:

Distribution switches aggregate and route traffic from access switches to core switches.

In a hierarchical network design, distribution switches serve as aggregation points for traffic from multiple access switches. They often support Layer 3 routing to manage and forward traffic efficiently between VLANs and subnets. Distribution switches typically connect to core switches, forming the backbone of the network, but they do not directly connect to end devices. Key features include high-capacity forwarding, redundancy, and scalability, rather than direct end-device connectivity.

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14. Which statement about edge router platforms is correct?

• Edge router platforms are primarily used within the enterprise zone to connect subnets and as gateways to outside networks.
• Aggregation edge router platforms are primarily used within branch locations to handle local network traffic.
• Aggregation edge router platforms, such as the Cisco 8500 series, serve as central connection points for distributed WAN traffic in large core and campus locations and colocation facilities.
• Edge router platforms are specifically designed for small-scale network environments and unsuitable for large core and campus locations.

Aggregation edge router platforms, like the Cisco 8500 series, serve as central connection points for distributed WAN traffic in large core and campus locations and colocation facilities. They are not limited to branch locations.

The correct statement is:

Aggregation edge router platforms, such as the Cisco 8500 series, serve as central connection points for distributed WAN traffic in large core and campus locations and colocation facilities.

Aggregation edge routers are designed to manage and route high volumes of traffic in enterprise networks, serving as a bridge between distributed branch locations and central data centers. They are critical in large-scale deployments, providing high performance, scalability, and advanced features to support distributed WAN traffic and centralized network management.

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15. Which statement about router platforms is correct?

• Branch routers like the Cisco 4000 Integrated Services branch router are primarily deployed in large core and campus locations to handle centralized routing functions.
• Core routers, such as the Cisco 8000 series routers, are deployed at remote branches of an enterprise network to consolidate IT functions of network, computing, and storage.
• Core routers, like the Cisco 8000 series routers, are virtual-form-factor routers designed for deployment in cloud environments to optimize applications and enhance user experience.
• Virtual edge routers, like the Catalyst 8000V edge platforms, are virtual-form-factor routers designed for deployment in virtual and cloud environments, providing SD-WAN and WAN gateway functions.
• Virtual edge routers, like the Catalyst 8000V edge platforms, are designed for deployment only on physical hardware, such as routers and switches.