Ethernet

5 minutes 5 Questions

Ethernet, a widely used technology in local area networks (LAN), is a set of networking protocols and standards for data transmission. Ethernet uses Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) to manage traffic on the network and avoid collisions. It provides high-speed connectivity with various transmission speeds such as 10 Mbps (Ethernet), 100 Mbps (Fast Ethernet), 1 Gbps (Gigabit Ethernet), and 10 Gbps (10 Gigabit Ethernet) or higher. Ethernet cables, like Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat7, are used to physically connect devices to the network. Ethernet supports several popular network topologies, including bus, star, and hybrid.

Guide on Ethernet

Ethernet is a set of network protocols that allow for the reliable and secure transfer of data packets over a network.

Why is Ethernet important?
Ethernet is essential for most modern networking as it enables devices to communicate and share information. It is most commonly used in office or home networks for its high speeds, low latency, security, and reliability.

What is Ethernet and how does it work?
Ethernet uses a method known as Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (CSMA/CD), which allows devices to check whether the network is free before they send data. In case of data packet collision, the devices will stop, wait for a random amount of time, and re-send the data to ensure reliability.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Ethernet
- Understand the basics of Ethernet, including the CSMA/CD method.
- Know the key advantages and disadvantages of Ethernet.
- Be familiar with the different types of Ethernet, such as Gigabit Ethernet and Fast Ethernet.
- Understand how Ethernet differs from other networking protocols.
- Be able to describe why Ethernet is important in the context of modern networking.
- Practice answering questions that require both technical knowledge and practical application understanding of Ethernet.

Remember, accurately answering exam questions on Ethernet heavily relies on understanding its core working mechanism and its role in the networking architecture.

Test mode:

Exam (Timed)

Practice (With explanations)

Start practice test

Question 1

You replaced an Ethernet cable between a PC and a router with a longer cable but now the PC is having connectivity issues. What could be the likely cause?

Cable terminated incorrectly Cable length exceeded maximum limit PC's Ethernet adapter failure Router port failure

Correct Answer: Cable length exceeded maximum limit

The Ethernet cable length between the PC and the router possibly exceeded the maximum limit which can lead to weakening of signal strength and cause connectivity issues. This limitation primarily comes from signal degradation or loss that occurs as the cable length increases. The other answers and why they are incorrect: - 'Cable terminated incorrectly': This could also cause connectivity issues, however, the question suggests the issues started only after changing the length of the cable, implying that the connection was fine prior to this and thus, the termination is likely not the issue. - 'Router port failure': Again, the connectivity problem commenced after the cable was replaced, which precludes the possibility of the router port failing coincidental with the cable replacement. - 'PC's Ethernet adapter failure': Similar to the router port failure explanation, it is highly unlikely that the PC's Ethernet adapter failed at the same time as the cable replacement. In conclusion, by process of elimination and the context of the description, 'Cable length exceeded maximum limit' is the most appropriate answer.

Question 2

A company's network administrator needs to increase the switching capacity of the network. The current setup consists of 5 devices that use Fast Ethernet. What would be the best solution?

Add more Fast Ethernet switches Decrease the number of devices on the network Replace all devices with Wi-Fi-enabled devices Upgrade to Gigabit Ethernet switches

Correct Answer: Upgrade to Gigabit Ethernet switches

The best solution would be to 'Upgrade to Gigabit Ethernet switches'. Here's why: Fast Ethernet has a maximum speed of 100 Mbps, whereas Gigabit Ethernet offers speeds up to 1000 Mbps (10 times faster). Upgrading the switches to Gigabit Ethernet would effectively increase the total network capacity. Adding more Fast Ethernet switches could increase the number of devices connected, but it would not increase the overall speed of the network. Decreasing the number of devices on the network might decrease traffic, but it wouldn't elevate the intrinsic capacity of the network. And finally, while Wi-Fi-enabled devices can connect to the network without requiring physical cabling, they don't inherently increase the network's switching capacity.

Question 3

An office has recently expanded, requiring multiple Ethernet connections between distant areas. The total cable length exceeds 100 meters. Which solution would be ideal?

Switch to Wi-Fi instead Increase the cable thickness Use a single Category 6 cable Install Ethernet switches or repeaters to extend the network

Correct Answer: Install Ethernet switches or repeaters to extend the network

The maximum length for an Ethernet cable is 100 meters. Installing Ethernet switches or repeaters can help to extend the network and maintain signal integrity over long distances.

Go Premium