220-1201 CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1 Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set 4 Q61-80

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Question 61:

Which type of cable is used to connect two computers directly without a switch or hub?

A) Straight-through Ethernet Cable
B) Crossover Ethernet Cable
C) Coaxial Cable
D) Fiber Optic Cable

Answer: B) Crossover Ethernet Cable

Explanation:

A crossover Ethernet cable is designed to connect two computers directly without the need for an intermediary device such as a switch or hub. Unlike a straight-through cable, where both ends follow the same wiring standard, a crossover cable swaps the transmit and receive pairs, allowing devices to communicate directly. This is particularly useful for file transfers, small temporary networks, or testing network interfaces.

Option A, a straight-through Ethernet cable, connects devices like computers to switches or hubs but cannot directly connect two computers because the transmit and receive lines would be aligned incorrectly.

Option C, coaxial cable, is used for older Ethernet networks and cable television but is not designed for modern Ethernet peer-to-peer connections.

Option D, fiber optic cable, transmits data as light pulses over long distances but requires compatible devices with optical transceivers and cannot be directly used as a simple crossover connection.

Crossover cables are often color-coded or labeled to distinguish them from straight-through cables. They are widely used for temporary setups, device testing, and network troubleshooting. Modern devices with Auto-MDI/MDI-X ports can automatically detect and adjust to crossover or straight-through cables, reducing the need for manual crossover wiring.

In summary, a crossover Ethernet cable connects two computers directly, making option B correct. Straight-through cables, coaxial cables, and fiber optics are either designed for intermediary connections or different transmission methods.

Question 62:

Which component converts digital signals from a computer into analog signals for transmission over telephone lines?

A) Switch
B) Modem
C) Router
D) Hub

Answer: B) Modem

Explanation:

A modem, short for modulator-demodulator, converts digital signals from a computer into analog signals suitable for transmission over telephone lines. This process allows devices to communicate over legacy infrastructures like POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) and DSL. Upon reception, the modem demodulates the analog signals back into digital form, enabling computers to interpret the transmitted data.

A Switch is a network device that connects multiple devices within a local area network (LAN) and uses MAC addresses to forward data only to the intended recipient. Unlike a hub, which broadcasts data to all connected devices, a switch is more efficient because it reduces unnecessary traffic and increases network performance. Switches operate at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model and can also function at the network layer (Layer 3) when performing routing tasks. They are commonly used in offices, data centers, and home networks to create fast, reliable, and organized communication between computers, printers, servers, and other network devices. Modern switches often support features such as VLANs, Quality of Service (QoS), and PoE (Power over Ethernet), making them versatile and essential for structured network management.

A Modem, short for modulator-demodulator, is a device that allows computers and networks to connect to the internet over telephone lines, cable systems, or fiber-optic connections. The modem converts digital signals from a computer into analog signals suitable for transmission over the communication medium and then converts incoming analog signals back into digital data. Modems are essential for internet access in homes and offices and come in various types, including DSL modems, cable modems, and fiber modems. Some modern modems also combine routing functionality, allowing multiple devices to share a single internet connection. Without a modem, devices cannot communicate with an internet service provider (ISP) to access online resources, making it the critical gateway between local networks and the global internet.

A Router is a networking device that directs data packets between different networks, typically between a local area network (LAN) and a wide area network (WAN), such as the internet. Routers operate at the network layer (Layer 3) of the OSI model and use IP addresses to determine the best path for sending data. They often include built-in features such as firewalls, DHCP servers, and wireless access points in the case of Wi-Fi routers. Routers are essential in connecting multiple networks, enabling communication between devices on different subnets, and managing internet traffic efficiently. While routers are involved in network management and security, they do not modulate and demodulate signals, so they cannot replace the role of a modem for internet connectivity.

A Hub is a simple networking device that connects multiple devices in a LAN, similar to a switch, but with less intelligence. When a hub receives data from one device, it broadcasts it to all connected devices, regardless of the intended recipient. This method increases network traffic and reduces efficiency, especially in large networks. Hubs operate at the physical layer (Layer 1) of the OSI model and are rarely used in modern networks because switches provide much better performance and management. Hubs are still occasionally found in small or legacy networks, but their limitations make them unsuitable for high-speed, modern networking requirements.

In summary, a switch efficiently forwards data within a LAN using MAC addresses, a router directs data between networks using IP addresses, and a hub is a basic device that broadcasts data to all connected devices. A modem, on the other hand, is the only device among these four that converts digital signals to analog and vice versa, enabling access to the internet over telephone, cable, or fiber lines. Without a modem, a network cannot connect to an ISP, which makes it the correct answer for providing internet connectivity. Each device plays a distinct role in networking, but only the modem performs the essential function of bridging local networks to external internet services.

Modems may be internal cards or external devices, and they support protocols such as V.92 for dial-up or DSL for broadband. They often include features like error correction, compression, and line diagnostics to improve transmission quality. The primary function of a modem is to bridge the gap between digital computing devices and analog communication channels, providing reliable Internet or network connectivity.

In summary, a modem converts digital signals into analog for telephone transmission, making option B correct. Switches, routers, and hubs handle networking but do not perform signal modulation.

Question 63:

Which storage type allows for extremely fast access and is typically used for the CPU’s immediate data needs?

A) HDD
B) SSD
C) Cache
D) Tape Drive

Answer: C) Cache

Explanation:

Cache memory is a small, high-speed memory located inside or very close to the CPU. Its purpose is to store frequently used instructions and data, allowing the CPU to access information more quickly than retrieving it from RAM or storage devices. Cache reduces latency, increases instruction throughput, and improves overall system performance.

Option A, HDD, is a traditional storage device with slower mechanical access speeds, unsuitable for immediate CPU access.

Option B, SSD, provides faster long-term storage than HDDs but is still much slower than CPU cache.

Option D, tape drives, are long-term archival storage and cannot support immediate CPU access.

Cache memory is organized into levels (L1, L2, L3) based on proximity to the CPU. L1 is the fastest and smallest, integrated into the CPU die; L2 is slightly larger and slower; L3 is shared among CPU cores and provides larger storage with moderate speed. Cache uses SRAM (Static RAM) technology, which does not require constant refreshing like DRAM, ensuring rapid access.

Modern CPUs rely heavily on cache memory to reduce memory bottlenecks. When the CPU needs data, it first checks the cache. If the data is found (a cache hit), it avoids the slower main memory access. If not found (a cache miss), it retrieves data from DRAM, stores a copy in the cache, and continues processing efficiently. Cache algorithms like LRU (Least Recently Used) manage which data remains in cache for optimal performance.

In summary, cache memory provides extremely fast access for the CPU, making option C correct. HDDs and SSDs serve long-term storage, while tape drives are archival media.

Question 64:

Which wireless standard operates exclusively on the 2.4 GHz band and offers speeds up to 11 Mbps?

A) 802.11a
B) 802.11b
C) 802.11n
D) 802.11ac

Answer: B) 802.11b

Explanation:

802.11b is an early wireless standard that operates exclusively on the 2.4 GHz frequency band and provides speeds up to 11 Mbps. It is widely recognized as one of the first widely adopted Wi-Fi standards and remains compatible with later 802.11 standards due to backward compatibility. 802.11b uses DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum) to reduce interference and maintain reliable communication in the 2.4 GHz spectrum.

802.11a is a wireless networking standard introduced in 1999 as part of the IEEE 802.11 family. It operates in the 5 GHz frequency band, which is less crowded than the 2.4 GHz band used by other early standards. This allows for less interference from devices like cordless phones and microwave ovens. 802.11a supports maximum data transfer speeds up to 54 Mbps, which was considered fast at the time of its introduction. However, its range is shorter compared to 2.4 GHz networks because higher-frequency signals have more difficulty penetrating walls and other obstacles. Although it provides relatively high speed, 802.11a saw limited adoption in early home networks due to the higher cost of 5 GHz equipment and compatibility issues with other devices.

802.11b is one of the earliest wireless standards, introduced in 1999 alongside 802.11a. Unlike 802.11a, 802.11b operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, which provides better signal penetration through walls and other obstacles, giving it a longer range in typical home and office environments. The maximum data transfer speed of 802.11b is 11 Mbps, which is lower than 802.11a, but its reliability and longer range made it widely popular for early Wi-Fi networks. Because many devices and routers were built to support 802.11b, it became the de facto standard for wireless networking in the early 2000s. Despite being slower than later standards, 802.11b was instrumental in popularizing Wi-Fi and enabling wireless connectivity in homes, schools, and small businesses. Its widespread adoption established the foundation for the development of faster and more advanced Wi-Fi standards.

802.11n is a more modern wireless standard introduced in 2009, designed to improve both speed and range. It operates in both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, which provides flexibility and reduces interference from crowded networks. 802.11n introduced multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology, which uses multiple antennas to send and receive more than one data stream simultaneously. This allows for significantly higher data transfer speeds, up to 600 Mbps under optimal conditions, and better overall network performance. The 802.11n standard is backward compatible with older standards such as 802.11b and 802.11g, allowing devices using different generations of Wi-Fi to coexist on the same network. Its combination of speed, reliability, and range made it a popular choice for home and enterprise networks.

802.11ac is a more advanced standard introduced in 2013, operating primarily in the 5 GHz frequency band to provide very high data transfer speeds. It supports wider channels, more MIMO streams, and higher modulation rates than previous standards, allowing speeds up to several gigabits per second. 802.11ac is commonly used in modern home routers, gaming systems, and enterprise networks where high-speed wireless performance is required. It provides faster connections and reduced latency, making it suitable for video streaming, online gaming, and other bandwidth-intensive applications. Like 802.11n, it is backward compatible with older Wi-Fi standards, ensuring broader device support.

In summary, 802.11a operates at 5 GHz with speeds up to 54 Mbps but has a shorter range, while 802.11b operates at 2.4 GHz with speeds up to 11 Mbps and a longer range, which made it the most widely adopted early Wi-Fi standard. 802.11n offers higher speeds up to 600 Mbps and dual-band operation, while 802.11ac provides gigabit-level speeds primarily in the 5 GHz band for high-performance applications. Among these, 802.11b was the most common early standard for wireless networks due to its reliable range and widespread device support, making it the correct answer in this context.

Despite being outdated, 802.11b devices can still connect to modern networks using 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, though they significantly limit network speed. Its adoption demonstrated the feasibility of wireless LANs in offices and homes, paving the way for subsequent standards like 802.11g and 802.11n.

In summary, 802.11b operates exclusively on 2.4 GHz at 11 Mbps, making option B correct. 802.11a, n, and ac either operate on different bands or offer higher speeds with modern enhancements.

Question 65:

Which tool is used to test network ports by sending signals back to the device?

A) Cable Tester
B) Loopback Plug
C) Multimeter
D) Crimper

Answer: B) Loopback Plug

Explanation:

A loopback plug is a diagnostic tool used to test the functionality of network ports by sending signals back to the same port. It allows technicians to verify that the network interface card (NIC) or port is operational and capable of sending and receiving data. Loopback testing isolates the port from the network, identifying hardware faults without requiring external devices.

Option A, cable testers, verify cable integrity and continuity, but do not test the internal functionality of network ports.

Option C, multimeters, measure electrical properties such as voltage or resistance, and cannot assess network port operations.

Option D, crimpers, attach connectors to cables, but do not test network port performance.

Using a loopback plug involves inserting the plug into the port, initiating a diagnostic test, and checking if the transmitted data returns correctly. Network diagnostic software often reports errors, dropped packets, or failures, allowing technicians to identify faulty ports or NICs quickly. Loopback testing is particularly useful for server NICs, switches, and routers during maintenance, installation, or troubleshooting.

In summary, a loopback plug tests network ports by sending signals back to the device, making option B correct. Cable testers, multimeters, and crimpers serve different purposes.

Question 66:

Which type of network topology connects all devices in a single continuous loop?

A) Star
B) Ring
C) Bus
D) Mesh

Answer: B) Ring

Explanation:

A ring topology connects all devices in a network in a single continuous loop, where each device is connected to exactly two neighbors. Data travels in one direction (or sometimes both in a dual-ring network) from device to device until it reaches its destination. Token-passing is a common method used in ring networks to manage data transmission and prevent collisions, ensuring only one device transmits at a time.

Option A, star topology, connects each device to a central hub or switch. Communication is centralized, and failure of the hub can impact the entire network, but devices are not connected in a loop.

Option C, bus topology, uses a single central cable (backbone) to which all devices are connected. Data is broadcast along the backbone, and terminators prevent signal reflection. It is not a closed loop and is prone to collisions.

Option D, mesh topology, connects each device to multiple other devices, providing high redundancy and fault tolerance. Mesh networks are complex and expensive compared to ring topology.

Ring topology ensures deterministic network access due to the token-passing method, making it suitable for environments requiring predictable network performance. It reduces collisions compared to bus topologies, but is vulnerable to a single point of failure unless a dual-ring configuration is used. While modern Ethernet networks mostly use star or mesh topologies, ring topology is still employed in specialized environments like metropolitan area networks (MANs) and legacy token ring systems.

In summary, ring topology connects all devices in a single continuous loop, making option B correct. Star, bus, and mesh topologies use different connection patterns and do not form a closed loop.

Question 67:

Which type of memory retains data even when the computer is powered off?

A) DRAM
B) SRAM
C) ROM
D) Cache

Answer: C) ROM

Explanation:

Read-Only Memory (ROM) is a type of non-volatile memory that retains data even when the computer is powered off. It is commonly used to store firmware, BIOS instructions, or system-level software that must persist across reboots. ROM ensures that essential system initialization code is available every time the computer powers on, providing a stable foundation for booting the operating system and configuring hardware.

Option A, DRAM (Dynamic RAM), is volatile memory that loses all stored information when power is removed.

Option B, SRAM (Static RAM), is also a volatile memory used primarily for cache, offering faster access but requiring constant power to retain data.

Option D, cache, is high-speed volatile memory near the CPU used for temporary storage of frequently accessed data and instructions, but it does not retain information when power is lost.

Modern ROM implementations include EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM) or flash memory, allowing updates to firmware without replacing chips. ROM provides stability and security for critical system code, as it cannot be easily altered by normal software processes. It serves as the initial interface between the hardware and the operating system, ensuring that hardware components are correctly initialized and tested before loading the OS.

In summary, ROM retains data when the computer is powered off, making option C correct. DRAM, SRAM, and cache are volatile and lose data without power.

Question 68:

Which type of network device amplifies or regenerates signals to extend transmission distance?

A) Switch
B) Router
C) Repeater
D) Hub

Answer: C) Repeater

Explanation:

A repeater is a network device that receives, amplifies, and retransmits signals to extend the transmission distance in a network. Repeaters operate at the physical layer (Layer 1) of the OSI model and are commonly used in both wired and wireless networks to maintain signal integrity over long distances. They ensure that the network signal reaches devices beyond the typical attenuation limits of cables or wireless transmissions.

Option A, a switch, connects devices within a LAN and forwards data based on MAC addresses, but it does not amplify signals.

Option B, a router, directs traffic between networks using IP addresses and performs packet-level operations, but does not regenerate physical signals.

Option D, a hub, broadcasts signals to all connected devices but does not amplify or regenerate signals over extended distances.

Repeaters are essential in scenarios where the distance between network devices exceeds the maximum cable length for reliable signal transmission, such as Ethernet networks (100 meters for Cat5e/Cat6) or wireless links. Modern devices often combine repeater functions with other networking capabilities, such as wireless access points or network switches, providing both connectivity and extended range. Repeaters can prevent data loss, maintain high network performance, and reduce errors caused by signal degradation.

In summary, repeaters amplify or regenerate signals to extend transmission distance, making option C correct. Switches, routers, and hubs handle network data forwarding but do not regenerate signals physically.

Question 69:

Which type of storage device is best suited for long-term archival of data?

A) SSD
B) HDD
C) Tape Drive
D) Cache

Answer: C) Tape Drive

Explanation:

Tape drives are storage devices designed for long-term archival of data. They use magnetic tape to store information and are ideal for backing up large volumes of data that do not require frequent access. Tape drives provide high capacity, low cost per gigabyte, and excellent longevity, with tapes capable of retaining data for decades under proper storage conditions.

Option A, SSD, offers fast access and high performance but is more expensive per gigabyte and not ideal for long-term archival due to limited write cycles and cost.

Option B, HDD, provides long-term storage but is better suited for active data access rather than archival because mechanical components are more susceptible to wear over time.

Option D, cache, is temporary, high-speed memory used for immediate CPU data needs and is volatile, making it unsuitable for long-term storage.

Tape drives are commonly used by enterprises for backup, disaster recovery, and archival purposes. They support automated tape libraries for large-scale operations, enabling easy retrieval of historical data. Tape technology remains relevant because of its cost efficiency, scalability, and reliability for storing petabytes of information without continuous power consumption. Proper handling and storage, including controlled temperature and humidity, extend tape life and ensure data integrity over the years.

In summary, tape drives are best suited for long-term archival, making option C correct. SSDs and HDDs serve active storage purposes, while cache is temporary memory.

Question 70:

Which wireless standard provides maximum speeds over the 5 GHz band and supports MU-MIMO technology?

A) 802.11b
B) 802.11g
C) 802.11n
D) 802.11ac

Answer: D) 802.11ac

Explanation:

802.11ac, also known as Wi-Fi 5, is a wireless standard that provides maximum speeds over the 5 GHz frequency band. It supports MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output) technology, allowing simultaneous data streams to multiple devices, improving network efficiency, throughput, and performance in crowded environments. 802.11ac operates exclusively on the 5 GHz band, which has less interference compared to 2.4 GHz, and offers wider channel bandwidths (up to 160 MHz) to achieve speeds exceeding 1 Gbps under ideal conditions.

Option A, 802.11b, operates at 2.4 GHz with speeds up to 11 Mbps and lacks MU-MIMO support.

Option B, 802.11g, also operates at 2.4 GHz, providing speeds up to 54 Mbps without MU-MIMO capabilities.

Option C, 802.11n, operates on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, supports MIMO, and provides speeds up to 600 Mbps but is slower than 802.11ac and lacks some modern enhancements.

802.11ac improves efficiency and user experience in high-density environments like offices, stadiums, and public Wi-Fi areas. MU-MIMO allows the access point to communicate with multiple clients simultaneously, reducing latency and increasing total throughput. Beamforming technology is also used to focus signals toward active devices, improving reliability and range.

In summary, 802.11ac provides maximum speeds over the 5 GHz band with MU-MIMO support, making option D correct. 802.11b/g/n either operate on 2.4 GHz or offer lower speeds without MU-MIMO.

Question 71:

Which type of network device filters traffic based on IP addresses and provides security between networks?

A) Hub
B) Switch
C) Firewall
D) Repeater

Answer: C) Firewall

Explanation:

A firewall is a network device or software solution that filters incoming and outgoing traffic based on predefined security rules. It examines packets at the network and transport layers, allowing or blocking them according to IP addresses, ports, protocols, and other criteria. Firewalls provide security between networks, such as protecting a local area network (LAN) from external threats on the internet, and can also enforce internal network segmentation to prevent unauthorized access.

Option A, a hub, broadcasts traffic to all devices in a network without filtering, offering no security.

Option B, a switch, forwards traffic based on MAC addresses but does not analyze or filter packets for security purposes.

Option D, a repeater, regenerates signals to extend network distance but provides no traffic inspection or security features.

Firewalls can operate as hardware appliances, software on individual devices, or a combination. They can function as packet-filtering firewalls, stateful inspection firewalls, or next-generation firewalls (NGFW) with deep packet inspection, intrusion prevention, and application-layer filtering. Firewalls play a critical role in defending against external attacks such as malware, unauthorized access, and denial-of-service attacks, as well as enforcing policies that restrict access to sensitive internal resources.

In summary, firewalls filter traffic based on IP addresses and provide network security, making option C correct. Hubs, switches, and repeaters cannot perform traffic filtering or enforce security rules.

Question 72:

Which storage device provides the fastest read and write speeds for frequently accessed data?

A) SSD
B) HDD
C) Tape Drive
D) Optical Disc

Answer: A) SSD

Explanation:

Solid-State Drives (SSDs) use NAND flash memory to store data, providing extremely fast read and write speeds compared to traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). SSDs have no moving parts, reducing latency and improving reliability. They are ideal for operating systems, applications, and frequently accessed data because they dramatically decrease load times and improve overall system responsiveness.

Option B, HDD, is mechanical, with spinning disks and read/write heads, resulting in slower access speeds and higher latency.

Option C, tape drives, are designed for long-term archival storage with slow access speeds, unsuitable for frequently used data.

Option D, optical discs (CD/DVD/Blu-ray), have much slower read and write speeds and are primarily used for media distribution or backups rather than active data storage.

SSDs also improve power efficiency, generate less heat, and offer silent operation due to their lack of mechanical parts. NVMe SSDs, which connect via PCIe interfaces, provide even higher speeds than SATA SSDs, supporting sequential read/write speeds exceeding 3,000 MB/s. They are increasingly used in gaming, content creation, virtual machines, and enterprise storage environments.

In summary, SSDs provide the fastest read and write speeds for frequently accessed data, making option A correct. HDDs, tape drives, and optical discs are significantly slower and less suitable for high-performance requirements.

Question 73:

Which wireless security protocol is considered outdated and vulnerable to attacks?

A) WPA3
B) WPA2
C) WPA
D) WEP

Answer: D) WEP

Explanation:

Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is an early wireless security protocol that is considered outdated and highly vulnerable to attacks. WEP uses weak encryption (RC4 with static keys) that can be easily cracked with modern tools, allowing attackers to access networks, intercept traffic, or inject malicious data. WEP’s vulnerabilities make it unsuitable for protecting sensitive networks and data in today’s environments.

Option A, WPA3, is the most secure wireless protocol, offering strong encryption and protection against brute-force attacks.

Option B, WPA2, provides strong encryption using AES but has known vulnerabilities such as KRACK.

Option C, WPA, improved on WEP with TKIP encryption but is weaker than WPA2 and WPA3.

WEP’s use of fixed encryption keys and the limited key size (40 or 104 bits) makes it susceptible to statistical attacks. Modern networks should replace WEP with WPA2 or WPA3 to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and authentication. Despite its historical significance, WEP should only be found in legacy devices that cannot support newer protocols.

In summary, WEP is outdated and vulnerable, making option D correct. WPA, WPA2, and WPA3 provide stronger security with modern encryption methods.

Question 74:

Which tool is used to trace the route packets take from a source to a destination across a network?

A) Ping
B) Tracert/Traceroute
C) Ipconfig
D) Nslookup

Answer: B) Tracert/Traceroute

Explanation:

Tracert (Windows) or Traceroute (Linux/macOS) is a network diagnostic tool used to trace the route packets take from a source device to a destination. It identifies each intermediate device (router or gateway) that the packets pass through, measuring the time taken for each hop. This is useful for troubleshooting network latency, identifying routing issues, and verifying connectivity paths across complex networks.

Option A, ping, tests basic connectivity by sending ICMP echo requests, but does not provide information about each hop.

Option C, ipconfig, displays the IP configuration of a local device but cannot trace network paths.

Option D, nslookup, queries DNS servers to resolve domain names to IP addresses, but does not trace packet routes.

Traceroute works by sending packets with incrementally increasing Time-To-Live (TTL) values. Each router that decrements the TTL to zero responds with an ICMP “Time Exceeded” message, allowing the tool to record the path. Traceroute helps identify slow hops, network bottlenecks, and routing loops. It is widely used by network administrators to ensure proper packet delivery, analyze latency issues, and plan network expansions or optimizations.

In summary, Tracert/Traceroute traces the route packets take across a network, making option B correct. Ping, ipconfig, and nslookup serve different diagnostic purposes.

Question 75:

Which type of network cable is immune to electromagnetic interference and can transmit over long distances?

A) Coaxial Cable
B) Twisted-Pair Cable
C) Fiber Optic Cable
D) HDMI Cable

Answer: C) Fiber Optic Cable

Explanation:

Fiber optic cables transmit data using light pulses through glass or plastic fibers, making them immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and ideal for long-distance, high-speed transmission. Fiber optic networks can carry data over kilometers without significant signal loss and support extremely high bandwidths, making them suitable for enterprise backbones, ISPs, and data centers.

Option A, coaxial cable, carries electrical signals and is susceptible to EMI over long distances, limiting its effectiveness.

Option B, twisted-pair cables (Cat5e, Cat6), are prone to EMI and crosstalk, restricting maximum speed and distance.

Optio:n Dan an HDMI cable, which transmits audio/video signals but is not suitable for network data transmission over long distances.

Fiber optic cables come in single-mode and multimode types. Single-mode fibers allow long-distance transmissions up to tens of kilometers, while multimode fibers are suited for shorter distances like LANs or data centers. Fiber optics is critical in modern networking for providing reliable, high-speed connectivity with minimal interference and future scalability.

In summary, fiber optic cables are immune to EMI and support long-distance transmission, making option C correct. Coaxial, twisted-pair, and HDMI cables are electrical-based and cannot match fiber optic performance.

Question 76:

Which type of network address uniquely identifies a device on a network at the data link layer?

A) IP Address
B) MAC Address
C) Subnet Mask
D) Gateway

Answer: B) MAC Address

Explanation:

A MAC (Media Access Control) address is a unique identifier assigned to a network interface card (NIC) that identifies a device on a network at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model. MAC addresses are 48-bit hexadecimal numbers, often written in formats like 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E, and are globally unique to ensure no two devices on the same network share the same hardware address.

Option A, an IP address, identifies devices at the network layer (Layer 3) and can change based on network configurations.

Option C, subnet mask, is used to define the network and host portions of an IP address, but does not identify individual devices.

Option D, gateway, is a router or device that allows devices to communicate outside their local network, not a unique identifier for a device.

MAC addresses are essential for network communications, as switches and other Layer 2 devices use them to forward frames correctly. When a device sends data on a LAN, it includes the destination MAC address in the frame header, enabling precise delivery. ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) maps IP addresses to MAC addresses for routing purposes, linking Layer 3 and Layer 2 addressing.

Because MAC addresses are hardcoded into the NIC by manufacturers, they are also used in network security for access control, such as MAC filtering on Wi-Fi networks. Network administrators can track or restrict devices based on their MAC addresses, adding a layer of security alongside IP-based controls.

In summary, MAC addresses uniquely identify a device at the data link layer, making option B correct. IP addresses, subnet masks, and gateways operate at higher layers or serve different networking functions.

Question 77:

Which tool is used to configure and manage virtual machines on a computer?

A) Hypervisor
B) Router
C) Switch
D) Firewall

Answer: A) Hypervisor

Explanation:

A hypervisor is software or firmware that allows multiple virtual machines (VMs) to run on a single physical computer. It manages hardware resources such as CPU, memory, and storage, distributing them among VMs while isolating them from one another. Hypervisors can be classified into two types: Type 1 (bare-metal) runs directly on the hardware, while Type 2 (hosted) runs on top of an existing operating system.

Option B, a router, directs network traffic between networks but does not manage virtual machines.

Option C, a switch, forwards network frames within a LAN and has no role in virtualization management.

Option D, a firewall, filters network traffic for security purposes and does not manage hardware resources for virtual machines.

Hypervisors allow organizations and individual users to create multiple isolated environments for testing, development, or server consolidation. They support snapshots, live migration, resource allocation, and virtual networking. Type 1 hypervisors, such as VMware ESXi or Microsoft Hyper-V, are highly efficient and suitable for data center environments. Type 2 hypervisors, such as VMware Workstation or VirtualBox, are commonly used for personal computing and testing environments.

In summary, a hypervisor is used to configure and manage virtual machines, making option A correct. Routers, switches, and firewalls perform networking and security tasks but do not manage VMs.

Question 78:

Which type of wireless encryption protects networks with a pre-shared key and is considered secure?

A) WEP
B) WPA
C) WPA2
D) Open Network

Answer: C) WPA2

Explanation:

WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) is a wireless encryption protocol that protects networks using a pre-shared key (PSK) or enterprise authentication. WPA2 employs AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) to secure data, providing strong encryption and authentication. It is widely used in homes, businesses, and enterprise networks.

Option A, WEP, is outdated and vulnerable due to weak encryption and static keys.

Option B, WPA, uses TKIP encryption, which is less secure than AES and susceptible to attacks.

Option D, an open network, has no encryption and allows anyone within range to connect, providing no security.

WPA2 provides confidentiality, integrity, and authentication. AES encryption ensures that transmitted data is not easily intercepted or modified, while the PSK or RADIUS authentication prevents unauthorized access. WPA2 also supports Enterprise Mode using 802.1X for centralized authentication in corporate networks.

Regular updates and strong passwords enhance WPA2 security. Although WPA3 offers even stronger protections, WPA2 remains a robust choice for securing wireless networks in many environments. Network administrators should avoid WEP or open networks and configure WPA2 with strong passphrases or enterprise authentication.

In summary, WPA2 provides secure wireless encryption using a pre-shared key, making option C correct. WEP, WPA, and open networks are less secure or insecure.

Question 79:

Which type of network topology provides redundancy by connecting each device to multiple others?

A) Star
B) Ring
C) Mesh
D) Bus

Answer: C) Mesh

Explanation:

A mesh topology connects each device to multiple other devices, providing redundancy and fault tolerance. In a full mesh, every device is connected to every other device, ensuring that if one connection fails, alternative paths maintain network connectivity. Partial mesh topologies connect some devices redundantly to balance cost and reliability.

Option A, star topology, connects devices to a central hub or switch. Failure of the hub can impact the network, so it lacks redundancy.

Option B, ring topology, forms a loop where data travels in one direction. A single device or connection failure can disrupt the network unless a dual-ring is implemented.

Option D, bus topology, uses a single backbone cable. If the cable is damaged, the entire network may fail, making it less reliable than a mesh topology.

Mesh topologies are widely used in critical environments like data centers, wireless sensor networks, and military applications. They improve reliability, reduce latency through multiple paths, and allow scalable network expansion. Wireless mesh networks also allow devices to forward traffic for others, enhancing coverage and resilience.

In summary, mesh topology provides redundancy by connecting devices to multiple others, making option C correct. Star, ring, and bus topologies provide less redundancy and fault tolerance.

Question 80:

Which type of cable is commonly used to connect a computer to a switch or router in a LAN?

A) Fiber Optic
B) Crossover Ethernet Cable
C) Straight-Through Ethernet Cable
D) Coaxial Cable

Answer: C) Straight-Through Ethernet Cable

Explanation:

A straight-through Ethernet cable is the standard cabling used to connect a computer, printer, or other end device to a network switch, hub, or router in a LAN. The wiring follows the same standard (T568A or T568B) on both ends, allowing proper alignment of transmit and receive pairs. This enables reliable communication between devices and network infrastructure.

Option A, fiber optic cable, is used for long-distance, high-speed connections but requires specialized NICs and transceivers, not typical for standard LAN connections.

Option B, crossover Ethernet cable, connects two similar devices directly (like computer-to-computer) without a switch or hub, making it unnecessary in most LAN setups.

Option D, coaxial cable, is mostly obsolete in Ethernet LANs and cannot support modern networking speeds over typical LAN distances.

Straight-through cables are available in Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a variants, supporting different speeds and distances. Proper termination, testing, and adherence to standards ensure consistent performance and prevent network issues.

In summary, straight-through Ethernet cables connect computers to switches or routers in LANs, making option C correct. Fiber, crossover, and coaxial cables are used for specific purposes or legacy networks.