Computer Networks

Thunderbolt technology provides the fastest data transfer rates among the options listed, with Thunderbolt 3/4 supporting up to 40Gbps. USB 3.0 offers 5Gbps, while WiFi and Bluetooth have much lower theoretical and practical throughput depending on the specific version and conditions.

HBA (Host Bus Adapter) is the physical component that connects a host computer's I/O bus (like PCIe) to the Fibre Channel network. It enables the host to communicate with storage devices. Fibre cables connect devices, switches route traffic, and storage arrays store data.

HBA (Host Bus Adapter) connects the host computer's I/O bus (like PCI) to the Fibre Channel network, enabling communication with storage. Fibre cable and switches are network components, while storage array is the destination.

Star topology features a central hub that manages all network communications. Each device connects to this central node, which routes all information between connected devices, providing a single point of control.

Mesh topology provides superior redundancy by establishing multiple connection paths between nodes. If any single link or device fails, traffic can reroute through alternative pathways, maintaining continuous communication.

NAS primarily enables server consolidation through file-level data sharing across networks, while SAN focuses on storage consolidation using block-level protocols. NAS typically uses TCP/IP, whereas SAN employs Fibre Channel.

Cellular topology is particularly susceptible to security violations due to its distributed nature and use of public airwaves for transmission. The broadcast-based communication and reliance on multiple base stations create numerous potential entry points for attackers. Linear, star, and ring topologies have more centralized control and typically wired connections which are easier to secure.

A Local Area Network (LAN) is confined to a small geographic area like a single building or campus. It connects devices within a limited area using private networking equipment. WANs span large geographic areas, MANs cover metropolitan regions, and WLANs are wireless LANs.

Routers operate at Layer 3 (Network Layer) and make forwarding decisions based on IP network addresses and network classes (Class A, B, C), not individual MAC addresses. They route packets between different networks. Bridges and switches work at Layer 2 using MAC addresses, while hubs simply repeat signals to all ports without any decision-making capability. Only routers use network address groups for routing decisions.

A switch operates at Layer 2 and learns MAC addresses to forward frames only to specific destination ports, unlike a hub which broadcasts to all ports. This provides dedicated bandwidth to each connected device, making data transmission more efficient. Switches are the core devices providing concentrated connectivity in modern networks.

Infrastructure applications provide foundational services that support organizational operations. VPNs enable secure remote connectivity, System/Network Management tools monitor and maintain IT health, email services handle communication, and office software suites support productivity. All represent infrastructure-layer applications that multiple users or systems depend on.

With 20% overhead, effective bandwidth is 8 Mbps. Converting 1 GB to megabits: 1 GB = 8,192 Mb. At 8 Mbps, time = 8,192 / 8 = 1,024 seconds ≈ 17 minutes. Option C (15 minutes) is the closest approximation.

Network bandwidth measures the data transfer capacity per unit time, which is a throughput metric. Response time measures latency, not throughput. 'Number in the system' is a queue metric. 'Utilization' measures how much of capacity is used, not the capacity itself.

A single switch has ONE broadcast domain - all ports are in the same broadcast domain by default. Broadcast frames (like ARP requests) are flooded out all ports except the receiving port. To create multiple broadcast domains, you need VLANs or separate switches connected via a router.