Back to CompTIA Network+ (CompTIA Network+)

Wired and Wireless Networks

Network topologies, media types and components

Learn about different types of network topologies, cable and connector standards, and wireless networking standards and technologies.
5 minutes 5 Questions

Wired and Wireless Networks form the backbone of modern network infrastructure in the CompTIA Network+ curriculum. Wired Networks primarily use physical cables for data transmission. Ethernet is the most common wired technology, operating over twisted-pair copper cables (Cat5e, Cat6, etc.) with RJ-45 connectors. These networks typically offer higher bandwidth, lower latency, and greater reliability than wireless alternatives. Ethernet standards include 1000BASE-T (Gigabit Ethernet), 10GBASE-T (10 Gigabit), and beyond. Fiber optic cables, using glass or plastic fibers and light signals, provide even greater speeds over longer distances with immunity to electromagnetic interference. Wired networks generally offer better security since physical access to cables is required for connection. Wireless Networks transmit data through radio waves, eliminating physical cable requirements. Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 standards) is the predominant wireless technology, with evolving standards including 802.11n, 802.11ac, and 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) offering increasing throughput capabilities. Wireless networks provide mobility and flexibility for end-users but face challenges including signal interference, reduced range, security vulnerabilities, and lower overall throughput compared to wired connections. Wireless networks operate on frequency bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) and require access points for client connectivity. Many modern networks implement hybrid approaches, leveraging both technologies - wired connections for stationary devices requiring maximum performance and wireless for mobile devices prioritizing convenience. Network professionals must understand the strengths and limitations of each technology to design optimal network solutions balancing performance, security, cost, and user requirements. Both network types adhere to the OSI model and TCP/IP protocols while implementing different physical and data link layer technologies specific to their transmission mediums.

Wired and Wireless Networks form the backbone of modern network infrastructure in the CompTIA Network+ curriculum. Wired Networks primarily use physical cables for data transmission. Ethernet is the…

Concepts covered: Ethernet, Switching and Routing, Virtual LAN (VLAN), Topology, Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and User Datagram Protocol (UDP), Network Interface Cards (NICs), Network Access Control (NAC), WiFi, Network Protocols

Test mode:
Start practice test
CompTIA Network+ - Wired and Wireless Networks Example Questions

Test your knowledge of Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3)

Question 1

Which device is used to connect different networks together?

Correct Answer: Router

A router is a device that is used to connect different networks together. It facilitates the process of data transmission over the internet by selecting the most efficient path for the data to reach its destination. On the other hand, a switch is used to connect devices within the same network and not different networks. A hub is a simple device that connects computers in a network without offering any routing capabilities. A firewall, while essential for network security, does not connect networks but rather inspects and filters incoming and outgoing network traffic based on an organization's previously established security policies.

Question 2

Which network topology connects each device to a central hub or switch?

Correct Answer: Star topology

The network topology that connects each device to a central hub or switch is the Star topology. In this topology, each device has a dedicated point-to-point link only to the central controller, referred to as the hub. The hub acts as an exchange: if one device wants to send data to another, it sends the data to the hub, which then relays the data to the other connected device. The advantages of a star topology are that it's simple to set up and manage, and if one link fails, only that link is affected, not the entire network. As for the other answers, Bus topology is not correct because in this topology, all devices are connected to a central cable, called the bus or backbone, rather than a hub. Ring topology is not correct because in this topology, each device has a dedicated point-to-point connection with only the two devices on either side of it in a closed loop, forming a 'ring', and there is no central hub. Mesh topology is not correct because in a mesh network, devices are interconnected, with some devices connected to all the others. But there is no central hub.

Question 3

Which type of fiber-optic cable has a diameter of 9 microns?

Correct Answer: Single-mode

The fiber-optic cable with a diameter of 9 microns is a Single-mode fiber. This type of fiber is designed to carry only a single ray of light, making it ideal for long-distance transmissions as there is less signal degradation. In contrast, Multi-mode fibers have a larger core diameter and support multiple paths of light, leading to more signal degradation over long distances, making them unsuitable for our case. Coaxial and Twisted-pair are not types of fiber-optic cables, so they do not apply to this question.

image/svg+xml
Go Premium

CompTIA Network+ Preparation Package (2025)

  • 1804 Superior-grade CompTIA Network+ practice questions.
  • Accelerated Mastery: Deep dive into critical topics to fast-track your mastery.
  • Unlock Effortless CompTIA Network+ preparation: 5 full exams.
  • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed: Full refund with no questions if unsatisfied.
  • Bonus: If you upgrade now you get upgraded access to all courses
  • Risk-Free Decision: Start with a 7-day free trial - get premium features at no cost!
More Wired and Wireless Networks questions
62 questions (total)
Start 62 question test