A network administrator wants users to be able to authenticate to the corporate network using a port-based authentication framework when accessing both wired and wireless devices. Which of the following is the best security feature to accomplish this task?
Answer : A
802.1X is a port-based network access control (PNAC) protocol that provides an authentication mechanism to devices wishing to connect to a LAN or WLAN. It is widely used for secure network access, ensuring that only authenticated devices can access the network, whether they are connecting via wired or wireless means. 802.1X works in conjunction with an authentication server, such as RADIUS, to validate the credentials of devices trying to connect.Reference: CompTIA Network+ study materials.
Which of the following devices can operate in multiple layers of the OSI model?
Answer : B
Understanding Switches:
Layer 2 (Data Link Layer): Traditional switches operate primarily at Layer 2, where they use MAC addresses to forward frames within a local network.
Layer 3 (Network Layer): Layer 3 switches, also known as multilayer switches, can perform routing functions using IP addresses to forward packets between different networks.
Capabilities of Multilayer Switches:
VLANs and Inter-VLAN Routing: Multilayer switches can handle VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) configurations and perform inter-VLAN routing, enabling communication between different VLANs.
Routing Protocols: They can run routing protocols like OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) and EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol) to manage traffic between networks.
Comparison with Other Devices:
Hub: Operates only at Layer 1 (Physical Layer) and simply repeats incoming signals to all ports.
Transceiver: Also operates at Layer 1, converting electrical signals to optical signals and vice versa.
Modem: Primarily operates at Layer 1 and Layer 2, modulating and demodulating signals for transmission over different types of media.
Practical Application:
Multilayer switches are commonly used in enterprise networks to optimize performance and manage complex routing and switching requirements within a single device.
CompTIA Network+ study materials on network devices and the OSI model.
A network administrator for a small office is adding a passive IDS to its network switch for the purpose of inspecting network traffic. Which of the following should the administrator use?
Answer : B
Port mirroring, also known as SPAN (Switched Port Analyzer), is used to send a copy of network packets seen on one switch port (or an entire VLAN) to another port where the IDS is connected. This allows the IDS to passively inspect network traffic without interfering with the actual traffic flow. Port mirroring is an essential feature for implementing IDS in a network for traffic analysis and security monitoring.Reference: CompTIA Network+ study materials.
Which of the following OSI model layers can utilize a connectionless protocol for data transmission?
Answer : B
The Network layer (Layer 3 of the OSI model) can utilize the connectionless protocol IP (Internet Protocol) to send data packets independently without establishing a connection. This approach is typical for protocols like IP, which provide best-effort delivery rather than guaranteed delivery. The document explains:
''The OSI Network Layer is responsible for logical addressing and routing, and it can utilize connectionless protocols like IP to send packets without requiring a session setup. This layer does not guarantee packet delivery, relying on higher layers for error detection or correction if needed.''
Which of the following is the correct order of components in a bottom-up approach for the three-tier hierarchical model?
Answer : A
The three-tier hierarchical model in network design consists of three layers: access, distribution, and core. The access layer is where devices like PCs and printers connect to the network. The distribution layer aggregates the data received from the access layer switches before it is transmitted to the core layer, which is responsible for high-speed data transfer and routing. This approach improves scalability and performance in larger networks. Reference: CompTIA Network+ Exam Objectives and official study guides.
A network administrator wants to increase network security by preventing client devices from communicating directly with each other on the same subnet. Which of the following technologies should be implemented?
Answer : D
Private VLANs (PVLANs) are used to segment devices on the same subnet and switch so they cannot communicate with each other, while still accessing a shared resource like a router or gateway. This is often used in shared hosting or DMZ environments.
A . ACLs (Access Control Lists) control traffic between networks, not within the same VLAN.
B . Trunking carries multiple VLANs between switches but does not isolate devices.
C . Port security limits MAC addresses per port but doesn't isolate communication between ports.
Reference:
CompTIA Network+ N10-009 Official Objectives: 3.4 -- Compare and contrast access control methods.
A company receives a cease-and-desist order from its ISP regarding prohibited torrent activity. Which of the following should be implemented to comply with the cease-and-desist order?
Answer : B
Content filtering can be used to block or restrict access to websites and services that facilitate torrenting and other prohibited activities. By implementing content filtering, the company can comply with the ISP's cease-and-desist order and prevent users from accessing torrent sites and engaging in prohibited activities.Reference: CompTIA Network+ study materials.