Network Topology & Configuration Flashcards

In a star topology, what happens to the rest of the network if a single workstation's cable fails?

Answer: Only that workstation loses connectivity

In a star topology, each device connects independently to a central switch, so a single cable failure only isolates that one workstation.

Which structured cabling standard defines the minimum requirements for a telecommunications room (TR) in a commercial building?

Answer: ANSI/TIA-569

ANSI/TIA-569 covers pathways and spaces, including specifications for telecommunications rooms.

A technician is installing cable in a building that uses a collapsed backbone. Where is the backbone termination point in this design?

Answer: At a single main distribution frame (MDF) serving the entire building

A collapsed backbone consolidates all backbone connections at a single MDF rather than distributing them across multiple IDFs.

What is the maximum segment length for a 1000BASE-T (Gigabit Ethernet) connection over Cat 5e UTP?

Answer: 100 meters

1000BASE-T supports a maximum channel length of 100 meters over Cat 5e UTP, following the TIA-568 standard.

In a mesh topology used for network redundancy, how many links are required to fully connect 5 nodes so every node connects directly to every other node?

Answer: 10

A full mesh of n nodes requires n(n-1)/2 links; for 5 nodes that is 5×4/2 = 10 links.

Which cabling component is used at the demarcation point to separate the service provider's network from the customer's premises cabling?

Answer: Network interface device (NID)

The network interface device (NID) marks the boundary between the service provider's responsibility and the customer's premises wiring.

When designing a hierarchical network for a large campus, which layer provides high-speed backbone connectivity between distribution layer switches?

Answer: Core layer

The core layer provides high-speed, low-latency backbone connectivity between distribution switches in a hierarchical campus network design.