CompTIA Network+ (N10-008) - Network Fundamentals Flashcards

Question 1

What is a Star Topology?

Accepted Answer

A network topology where all network devices connect to a central device, such as a switch or hub. If the central device fails, the entire network segment goes down, but individual cable failures only affect one node.

Question 2

What is a Mesh Topology?

Accepted Answer

A network topology where every device is connected to every other device. This provides high redundancy and fault tolerance, as there are multiple paths for data, but it is complex and expensive to implement, especially in large networks.

Question 3

What is the primary function of a Router?

Accepted Answer

A `router` connects different networks and forwards data packets between them based on IP addresses. It operates at Layer 3 (Network Layer) of the OSI model and determines the best path for data to travel.

Question 4

What is the primary function of a Switch?

Accepted Answer

A `switch` connects devices within the same local area network (LAN) and forwards data frames to specific destination devices based on their MAC addresses. It operates at Layer 2 (Data Link Layer) of the OSI model.

Question 5

What is the primary function of a Firewall?

Accepted Answer

A `firewall` is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. It establishes a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks (like the internet).

Question 6

Explain the TCP/IP Model.

Accepted Answer

The `TCP/IP` model is a conceptual framework that describes how data is communicated over a network. It consists of four layers: Application, Transport, Internet, and Network Access (or Link) layer. It's the foundation of the internet.

Question 7

Describe an IPv4 address.

Accepted Answer

An `IPv4` address is a 32-bit numerical label assigned to devices on a computer network. It is typically represented in dot-decimal notation (e.g., `192.168.1.1`) and allows for approximately $4.3 	imes 10^9$ unique addresses.

Question 8

Describe an IPv6 address.

Accepted Answer

An `IPv6` address is a 128-bit numerical label designed to replace IPv4. It is represented in hexadecimal format (e.g., `2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334`) and offers a vastly larger address space ($3.4 	imes 10^{38}$ unique addresses).

Question 9

What is the purpose of a Subnet Mask?

Accepted Answer

A `subnet mask` is used in `IPv4` networking to divide an IP address into two parts: the network address and the host address. It helps routers determine which part of an IP address refers to the network and which refers to the specific device on that network.

Question 10

What is CIDR?

Accepted Answer

`CIDR` (Classless Inter-Domain Routing) is a method for allocating IP addresses and routing IP packets. It replaces the old class-based IP addressing system and uses a variable-length subnet mask (e.g., `/24` in `192.168.1.0/24`) to specify the network portion of an IP address.

Question 11

What are 'Well-Known Ports'?

Accepted Answer

`Well-Known Ports` are port numbers ranging from 0 to 1023, reserved for common services and applications (e.g., HTTP, FTP, SSH). They are standardized by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA).

Question 12

What port number does HTTP use?

Accepted Answer

`HTTP` (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) primarily uses TCP port `80`.

Question 13

What port number does HTTPS use?

Accepted Answer

`HTTPS` (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) primarily uses TCP port `443`.

Question 14

What port number does DNS use?

Accepted Answer

`DNS` (Domain Name System) primarily uses UDP port `53` for queries and TCP port `53` for zone transfers.

Question 15

What port numbers does DHCP use?

Accepted Answer

`DHCP` (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) uses UDP port `67` for the server and UDP port `68` for the client.

Question 16

What port numbers does FTP use?

Accepted Answer

`FTP` (File Transfer Protocol) uses TCP port `20` for data transfer and TCP port `21` for control commands.

Question 17

What port number does SSH use?

Accepted Answer

`SSH` (Secure Shell) primarily uses TCP port `22`.

Question 18

What is the function of DNS?

Accepted Answer

`DNS` (Domain Name System) translates human-readable domain names (e.g., `google.com`) into machine-readable IP addresses (e.g., `172.217.160.142`), enabling users to access websites and other internet resources by name.

Question 19

What is the function of DHCP?

Accepted Answer

`DHCP` (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) automatically assigns IP addresses and other network configuration parameters (like subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server) to devices on a network, simplifying network administration.

Question 20

What is the function of SSH?

Accepted Answer

`SSH` (Secure Shell) is a cryptographic network protocol for operating network services securely over an unsecured network. It provides a secure channel over an untrusted network by using strong encryption, commonly used for remote command-line access.

Question 21

What are the common 802.11 wireless standards?

Accepted Answer

The `802.11` family of standards defines wireless local area networks (WLANs). Common versions include `802.11a`, `802.11b`, `802.11g`, `802.11n`, `802.11ac`, and `802.11ax` (Wi-Fi 6), each offering different speeds, frequencies, and ranges.

Question 22

What is the CIA Triad in network security?

Accepted Answer

The `CIA Triad` represents three core principles of information security: `Confidentiality` (preventing unauthorized disclosure), `Integrity` (maintaining accuracy and completeness of data), and `Availability` (ensuring authorized users have access to information and systems when needed).

Question 23

What is a VPN and its primary use?

Accepted Answer

A `VPN` (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure, encrypted connection over a less secure network, like the internet. Its primary use is to provide secure remote access to private networks and to protect online privacy by encrypting internet traffic.

Question 24

List the general steps in a network troubleshooting methodology.

Accepted Answer

A common troubleshooting methodology includes: 1. Identify the problem. 2. Establish a theory of probable cause. 3. Test the theory to determine cause. 4. Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and implement the solution. 5. Verify full system functionality and, if applicable, implement preventive measures. 6. Document findings, actions, and outcomes.

Question 25

What is the difference between a Hub and a Switch?

Accepted Answer

A `hub` is a basic network device that broadcasts all incoming data to all connected devices, creating network collisions and inefficiency. A `switch` is more intelligent, forwarding data only to the specific destination device based on its MAC address, improving network performance and reducing collisions.

CompTIA Network+ (N10-008) - Network Fundamentals

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