Ethernet protocol basics in Computer Networks - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is Ethernet?

Ethernet is a common technology used to connect devices in a local area network (LAN). It allows devices to communicate by sending data packets over cables.

beginner

What type of cable is commonly used in Ethernet connections?

Twisted pair cables, especially Cat5e or Cat6 cables, are commonly used for Ethernet connections. They help reduce interference and allow fast data transfer.

beginner

What is the role of MAC addresses in Ethernet?

MAC addresses are unique identifiers assigned to each network device. Ethernet uses MAC addresses to know where to send data packets within the local network.

intermediate

How does Ethernet handle data collisions?

Ethernet uses a method called CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection) to detect when two devices send data at the same time and then waits before retrying.

beginner

What speeds can Ethernet support?

Ethernet supports various speeds including 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps (Fast Ethernet), 1 Gbps (Gigabit Ethernet), and even 10 Gbps or higher in modern networks.

What does Ethernet primarily connect?

A Devices in a local area network

B Web servers on the internet

C Mobile phones to satellites

D Printers to paper

Ethernet is mainly used to connect devices within a local area network (LAN).

Which cable type is most commonly used for Ethernet?

A USB cable

B Coaxial cable

C Twisted pair cable

D Fiber optic cable

Twisted pair cables like Cat5e or Cat6 are the most common for Ethernet connections.

What does a MAC address do in Ethernet?

A Encrypts data packets

B Identifies a device uniquely on the network

C Measures cable length

D Controls internet speed

MAC addresses uniquely identify devices so Ethernet knows where to send data.

What is CSMA/CD used for in Ethernet?

A Encrypting data

B Increasing cable length

C Assigning IP addresses

D Detecting and managing data collisions

CSMA/CD helps Ethernet detect when two devices send data simultaneously and manage collisions.

Which of these is NOT a common Ethernet speed?

A 100 Gbps

B 1 Gbps

C 10 Gbps

D 100 Mbps

While 100 Gbps Ethernet exists, it is not common in basic Ethernet networks; typical speeds are up to 10 Gbps.

Explain how Ethernet devices use MAC addresses to communicate within a network.

Think about how devices know where to send data.

Describe the purpose of CSMA/CD in Ethernet and how it helps manage data transmission.

Consider what happens when two devices send data at the same time.