Exam 98-366: Networking Fundamentals/Understanding Network Hardware

This lesson covers Understanding Network Hardware. It looks at switches, routers, and media types.

Activity 1 - Understand Switches

This objective may include but is not limited to: transmission speed; number and type of ports; number of uplinks; speed of uplinks; managed or unmanaged switches; VLAN capabilities; Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches,, security options; hardware redundancy; support; backplane speed; switching types, mac table;understanding capabilities of hubs vs. switches.

1. Read What is a Network Switch.
2. Read Internetworking Basics.
3. Read Unmanaged versus Managed Switches.
4. Read Layer 2 and Layer 3 Switch Evolution.
5. Read How Do Hubs, Switches, Routers, and Access Points Differ.
6. Read Strategies for Fault-Tolerant Computing.

Activity 2 - Understand Routers

This objective may include but is not limited to: transmission speed considerations, directly connected routes, static routing, dynamic routing (routing protocols), default routes; routing table and how it selects best route(s); routing table memory, NAT, software routing in Windows Server.

1. Read How NAT Works.
2. Read What is a Network Switch vs. a Router?.
3. Read Remote Access.

Activity 3 - Understand Media Types

This objective may include but is not limited to: cable types and their characteristics, including media segment length and speed; fibre optic; twisted pair shielded or nonshielded; catxx cabling, wireless; ; susceptibility to external interference (machinery, power cables, etc); susceptibility to electricity (lightning), susceptibility to interception.

1. Read Network Media Types.
2. Read Building a Home Network, Part 3: the Wiring.
3. Read Network Media.

References

• Exam 98-366 Networking Fundamentals Student Study Guide
• Microsoft: Networking Fundamentals Exam Details