Tech Talk: Home Networking Quiz

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About This Quiz

Home networks are becoming common in homes that use more than one computer. With people using computers for shopping, home businesses and entertainment, it can be essential to link up not only PCs but also fax machines and TVs. What's going on behind this linked-up system?

A home network is simply a method of allowing computers communicate with each other. At its most basic level, a home network must have all of the following to operate except:

print server

more than one computer

router

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

A print server isn't necessary for a basic home network. It requires more than one computer, hardware and software to coordinate the exchange of information and a path for the information to follow from one computer to another.

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In wireless and Ethernet home networks, what directs traffic among connected devices?

cable modem

router

DSL modem

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

A router is responsible for directing traffic among connected devices in both wireless and Ethernet home networks.

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Of the following, what company is not a reputed purveyor of firewalls?

Firestorm

McAfee

Symantec

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

Firestorm isn't a reputed creator of software-based firewalls. McAfee and Symantec are, however, and you can download free firewall protection as well as buy advanced security options from them.

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An Ethernet home network is also referred to as a ___ network.

wired

cable-connected

hard

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

The terms Ethernet network and wired network may be used interchangeably. Essentially, Ethernet networks are called wired networks because they require cables to transfer information from one device to another within the network.

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If you're planning on connecting just two computers, what type of card is necessary?

category 5 cable

network interface

wireless Internet

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

A network interface card or NIC is necessary for connecting just two computers. Run a cable between them (like the commonly used Category 5 Unshielded Twisted Pair, or UTP) and presto: You've got a home network.

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Which of the following isn't true?

Wired networks are cheaper than wireless networks.

Wired networks are faster than wireless networks.

Wired networks are more secure than wireless networks.

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

Wired networks are fast and fairly secure, but they’re not necessarily cheap. The cost of cable adds up quickly. The more computers you have and the farther apart they are, the higher the cost of your network.

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Wireless networks are flexible because:

You can connect a limitless number of computers to one router.

You don’t need any special hardware other than the router.

You don’t need wires to connect your computer to the router.

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

The biggest selling point of wireless networks is that they’re, well, wireless. Multiple -- but not infinite -- computers can share the connection as long as they all have a built-in wireless card or a plug-in wireless adapter.

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Wireless security options include all of the following except:

MAC

MPA

WEP

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

Media Access Control (MAC) address filtering and Wired Equivalency Privacy (WEP) are both types of wireless security options. While MPA is not, another option is WiFi Protected Access (WPA).

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A wireless router is essential for building a wireless network. Unfortunately, walls can interrupt the signal -- even though it extends about 100 feet (30.5 meters) in all directions. This device can help you get more coverage (even through those pesky walls):

router probe

wireless tunneler

range extender (or repeater)

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

A range extender (or repeater) can help you achieve greater coverage with your wireless router. Depending on the size and shape of your home, as well as the range of your router, you may need to add one of these to your network.

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While the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers has approved MAC, WEP and WPA security options, studies have shown that ___ can be broken into fairly easily.

WPA

WEP

MAC

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

WEP isn't as secure as other wireless security options. If you use WEP in your network, you can enhance security by adding Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) to your operating system.

FINISH QUIZ

You Got:

/10