CNET CN40BC, CNUSB-611, CNWLC-811, CNF401, Pro200 Frequently Asked Questions Manual

Networking Basics

1- What is a network?

A network is a group of computers, printers, and other devices that are connected and
communicate wit each other. The medias used in networking can be copper wire , fiber
optics or radio waves. The three type of networks are Local Area, Metropolitan and
Wide Area Network which are commonly called LAN, MAN and WAN.

2- What is a LAN topology?

LAN topologies define the manner in which network devices are organized.

3- What is the definition of Ethernet?

Ethernet is the most widely used network standard. Specified in, IEEE802.3, Ethernet
was originally developed by Xerox and then developed further by Xerox, DEC, and Intel.

4- What does UTP stand for?

Unshielded Twisted Pair and is the type of cable used in Ethernet networks.

5- What is a CAT5 cable?

CAT 5 is the highest quality UTP cable and is tested for conductivity over a 100MHz
signal. The Cat5 cable is not a guarantee that the cable is 100% compliant to the
standards especially if it is not properly connected to the RJ-45 connector/jack.

6- What are the numerical/color wiring layout of a straight-through

CAT5 cable?

Pin 1 and 2 are connected to the same twisted pair wire. 1-Orange/White 2-Orange
Pin 3 and 6 are connected to the same twisted pair wire. 3-Green/White 6-Green
Pin 4 and 5 are connected to the same twisted pair wire. 4-Blue/White 5-Blue
Pin 7 and 8 are connected to the same twisted pair wire. 7-Brown/White 8-Brown

7- What is the wiring layout of a crossover cable?

Pin 1 to Pin 3 Pin 5 to Pin 5
Pin 2 to Pin 6 Pin 6 to Pin 2
Pin 3 to Pin 1 Pin 7 to Pin 7
Pin 4 to Pin 4 Pin 8 to Pin 8

8- What is Token Ring?

The token ring is the second most widely-used LAN protocol after Ethernet.
A token ring network is a local area network in which all computers are connected in a ring or star
topology and a token-passing scheme is used in order to prevent the collision of data between

two computers that want to send messages at the same time. Token Ring is specified by
IEEE802.5 standard.

9- What is ArcNet?

ARCNET is a local area network technology that uses a token-bus scheme for managing line
sharing among the workstations and oth er devices co n nec ted on the LAN .

10- What is a Protocol?

A Protocol is the language the nodes on a network use to communicate with each other.

11- Name a few LAN devices.

Hubs, Switches, Bridges and Routers

12- What is a HUB?

HUB is a passive network device (physical layer device) that allows network nodes to
communicate with each other. The packets received on each port will be broadcasted to
all ports on the hub. In hubs the bandwidth is shared between all connected devices.

13- What is a Switch?

Switch is a network device (layer II) that provides dedicated connections for network
nodes. Unlike hubs that broadcast packets to all ports, switches provide dedicated
bandwidth between source and destination ports.

14- What is a Bridge?

Bridges are network devices (Layer II) that can be used to segment LANs and are used to
provide more control on the network traffic.

15- What is a Router?

Routers are network devices (layer III) that are used for connecting different networks
and are responsible for routing packets from source to destination based on their routing
table.

16- What does NIC stands for?

Network Interface Card.

17- What is a MAC address?

MAC address is a unique 6byte number that is burned into each card when it is
manufactured.

18- What are the main networking components needed to setup

networking on a computer?

Client, adapter and protocol are the three components needed to setup a network between
two computers.

19- What is a network card driver?