Grade 10 - week 2

What layer of the OSI model do hubs operate at?

• Layer 1 (Physical)

• Layer 2 (Data Link)

• Layer 3 (Network)

• Layer 4 (Transport)

Answer explanation

Hubs operate at Layer 1 (Physical) of the OSI model, as they are basic networking devices that transmit raw bit streams over a physical medium without any data processing or addressing.

What is the primary function of a hub in a network?

• Forward data to specific devices

• Broadcast data to all devices

• Route data between networks

• Filter network traffic

Answer explanation

The primary function of a hub in a network is to broadcast data to all devices connected to it. Unlike switches, hubs do not direct data to specific devices, making them less efficient in managing network traffic.

Which of the following is a key disadvantage of using a hub?

• High cost

• Complex configuration

• Data collisions and network congestion

• Limited scalability

Answer explanation

A key disadvantage of using a hub is that it can lead to data collisions and network congestion. Since all devices share the same bandwidth, simultaneous transmissions can interfere with each other, causing delays and reduced performance.

At which OSI layer do switches operate?

• Layer 1 (Physical)

• Layer 2 (Data Link)

• Layer 3 (Network)

• Layer 4 (Transport)

Answer explanation

Switches operate at Layer 2 (Data Link) of the OSI model, where they manage data frames and use MAC addresses to forward data within a local network. This distinguishes them from devices that operate at higher layers.

What feature distinguishes switches from hubs?

• Broadcasts data to all devices

• Operates at the network layer

• Forwards data only to the intended recipient

• Acts as a gateway between networks

Answer explanation

Switches intelligently forward data only to the intended recipient based on MAC addresses, unlike hubs that broadcast data to all devices. This efficiency reduces network congestion and improves performance.

Which of the following best describes the function of a switch?

• Connects multiple networks

• Filters data based on MAC addresses

• Translates IP addresses

• Broadcasts data to all devices

Answer explanation

A switch primarily filters data based on MAC addresses, directing packets only to the intended devices on a network. This enhances efficiency compared to broadcasting data to all devices.

How do switches enhance network security?

• By broadcasting data to all devices

• By using Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs)

• By connecting multiple networks

• By translating IP addresses

Answer explanation

Switches enhance network security by using Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs), which segment network traffic and restrict access to sensitive data, preventing unauthorized users from accessing all devices on the network.

What is the primary role of a router in a network?

• Connect network segments

• Broadcast data to all devices

• Intelligent routing between networks

• Forward data based on MAC addresses

Answer explanation

The primary role of a router is intelligent routing between networks. It determines the best path for data to travel, unlike switches that forward data based on MAC addresses or broadcast data to all devices.

At which OSI layer do routers operate?

• Layer 1 (Physical)

• Layer 2 (Data Link)

• Layer 3 (Network)

• Layer 4 (Transport)

Answer explanation

Routers operate at Layer 3 (Network) of the OSI model, where they route data packets between different networks using IP addresses. This layer is crucial for determining the best path for data transmission.

Which device is responsible for connecting LANs and WANs?

• Hub

• Switch

• Router

• Bridge

Answer explanation

A router is the device that connects different networks, including Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs). It routes data between these networks, making it essential for communication across diverse network types.