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What media types are typically used in wired network connections?
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Wired network connections typically use copper wire with RJ45 jacks or fiber optic cables.
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How do most Ethernet adapters establish a link with the network switch?
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Most Ethernet adapters and switches are set to autonegotiate, meaning the link establishes automatically when the cable is plugged in.
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How are wired adapters labeled in Windows?
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Wired adapters are labeled as Ethernet, Ethernet2, Ethernet3, and so on.
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How can you manually configure Ethernet adapter settings in Windows?
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Open Device Manager, right-click the adapter, choose Properties, and update settings under the Advanced tab.
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What should you do to connect to a wireless network if the SSID is broadcasted?
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Click the network status icon, choose the network from the list, and enter the required credentials.
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What happens if a wireless network’s SSID is not broadcasted?
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You need to manually add the network by going to Network & Internet settings, then Wi-Fi > Manage known networks > Add a new network.
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What is the importance of the 802.11 standard in wireless networks?
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The 802.11 standard ensures compatibility between the wireless adapter and the network, allowing older adapters (like 802.11n) to connect to 802.11g or 802.11b networks.
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What is an IP address and how is it used in a network?
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An IP address is like a mailing address for your computer, allowing other devices on the network to locate and communicate with it.
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What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?
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IPv4 uses a 32-bit address (e.g., 192.168.1.100), while IPv6 uses a 128-bit address and can handle more devices.
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What is a subnet mask, and how does it relate to an IP address?
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A subnet mask (e.g., 255.255.255.0) divides an IP address into network and host portions, determining which part of the IP identifies the network and which identifies the device.
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How do devices on the same local network communicate?
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Devices must use addresses from the same IP range and communicate through a router if on different networks.
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What is DHCP and how does it help with IP configuration?
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Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) automatically assigns IP addresses to devices, simplifying network setup.
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What does the term “static IP configuration” mean?
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Static IP configuration involves manually assigning a fixed IP address to a device rather than using DHCP.
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What default components are installed for both Ethernet and Wi-Fi adapters in Windows?
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Components include Client for Microsoft Networks, File and Print Sharing, IPv4 and IPv6 protocols, and Link-layer Topology Discovery.
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What is Network Location Awareness (NLA) and why is it important?
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NLA helps Windows determine the type of network (Public, Private, or Domain) and applies appropriate security settings through the Windows Defender Firewall.
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How does Windows treat Public and Private networks differently in terms of security?
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Public networks block most external access and disable file/printer sharing, while Private networks allow discovery and sharing.
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What is a UNC path?
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Universal Naming Convention (UNC) path
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How is a UNC path used?
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Universal Naming Convention (UNC) paths, like \Host\Path, are used to access shared network resources, where "Host" is the server name or IP and "Path" is the folder or file.
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How do you manage which programs are allowed through the Windows Defender Firewall?
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Go to Allow an app through the firewall, check the boxes for the network profile types, or add a new program using Allow another program.
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What is a VPN and what does it allow you to do?
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A Virtual Private Network (VPN) securely connects a remote computer to a private network over the Internet, creating a "tunnel" for secure data transmission.
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How can a Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) connection be used?
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A WWAN connection uses a cellular adapter to connect to the Internet via a provider's mobile network (e.g., 3G, 4G, or 5G).
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What should you monitor when using a WWAN connection?
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Monitor data usage to avoid exceeding your data allowance and consider setting the connection as metered to manage data consumption.
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What is a proxy server, and how does it benefit a network?
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A proxy server forwards Internet requests and can cache frequently accessed content to reduce bandwidth usage and improve performance.
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What are the different types of proxies and how are they configured?
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Proxies can be intercepting/transparent, autoconfiguring, or require manual configuration where clients input the proxy's IP address and port.
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Where do you configure proxy settings in Windows?
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Proxy settings can be configured via Network & Internet settings in Windows.
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How do you set a connection as metered in Windows and why is it important?
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Set a connection as metered in Network & Internet settings to monitor data usage and avoid extra charges on limited data plans.