Networks (D325)

Correct Answer

A. Authentication, Authorization, Accounting

Explanation

The AAA framework stands for Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting. These are three fundamental security functions used to control access to computer resources, enforce policies, and track user activities.

Authentication verifies the identity of users or devices attempting to access a system.

Authorization determines what resources the authenticated user or device is allowed to access.

Accounting tracks the actions performed by authenticated and authorized users to ensure compliance and generate logs for auditing purposes.

Why other options are wrong

B. Access, Authentication, Accounting

This option is incorrect because while it includes two important components (Authentication and Accounting), it places "Access" in the first position instead of "Authorization." Authorization is a distinct process that follows authentication and determines access levels.

C. Authorization, Access, Accountability

This is incorrect because "Authorization" is not the first step, and "Access" is not a separate term in the AAA framework. The framework uses "Authentication" to verify identity first.

D. Authentication, Access, Accountability

This option is incorrect because "Access" and "Accountability" are not correct terms in the AAA framework. "Access" should be replaced by "Authorization," and "Accountability" refers to tracking, which is captured by "Accounting."

Correct Answer

D. Determines the legitimacy of traffic based on the state of the connection from which the traffic originated.

Explanation

Stateful inspection is a firewall technology that tracks the state of active connections and determines whether incoming packets are part of an established connection. This inspection allows the firewall to make more informed decisions about whether to allow or block traffic based on the context of the connection, rather than simply examining each packet in isolation.

Why other options are wrong

A. Designed to sit between a host and a web server and communicate with the server on behalf of the host.

This description better fits a proxy server, which acts as an intermediary between a client and a web server. A stateful inspection firewall operates at a different level and does not function as a proxy for communication.

B. Offers secure connectivity between many entities and uses encryption to provide an effective defense against sniffing.

This is describing a VPN (Virtual Private Network) or an encrypted tunnel, which secures data transmission across a network. Stateful inspection does not focus on encryption but on tracking and managing connection states.

C. Allows all internal traffic to share a single public IP when connecting to an outside entity.

This is describing Network Address Translation (NAT), particularly Port Address Translation (PAT), which allows multiple internal devices to share a single public IP address. While NAT is related to network security, it does not involve the connection state tracking of a stateful inspection firewall.

Correct Answer

B. To provide centralized storage and access to files for network users

Explanation

A file server in a local area network (LAN) is designed to store and manage files that can be accessed by authorized users within the network. It serves as a centralized repository where files can be stored, shared, and managed, allowing multiple users to access the same files from different devices on the network. The file server may also handle permissions and security to ensure that only authorized users can access specific files.

Why other options are wrong

A. To manage network traffic between devices

Managing network traffic is the role of network devices like routers, switches, or firewalls, not a file server. A file server’s primary responsibility is the storage and management of files, not the routing or traffic management.

C. To connect wireless devices to the internet

Connecting wireless devices to the internet is the role of wireless routers or access points, not a file server. A file server does not typically provide internet connectivity to devices.

D. To serve as a firewall for network security

A file server is not designed to serve as a firewall. Firewalls are specialized devices or software used to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on security rules, whereas a file server is focused on file storage and access.

Correct Answer

A. Vulnerability Testers

Explanation

Vulnerability Testers are individuals or tools specifically designed to scan networks, servers, and devices for known vulnerabilities. These tools assess the security of the system and help identify potential weaknesses, allowing organizations to address them before they are exploited. Vulnerability testing is an essential part of proactive cybersecurity measures.

Why other options are wrong

B. White hat hackers

White hat hackers are ethical hackers who use their skills to improve security by identifying and fixing vulnerabilities. While they may conduct vulnerability scans, the term "vulnerability tester" specifically refers to tools and processes used to scan for vulnerabilities, not individuals, making this a less accurate option.

C. Black hat hackers

Black hat hackers are individuals who exploit vulnerabilities for malicious purposes. They do not conduct vulnerability scanning for protection but rather to find ways to compromise systems.

D. Script Kiddies

Script kiddies are individuals who use pre-written scripts or tools to conduct cyberattacks, often without understanding how they work. They are not typically involved in formal vulnerability testing or using sophisticated tools like Nessus to scan systems for known vulnerabilities.

Correct Answer

D. Ad-hoc

Explanation

An ad-hoc network is a type of wireless network where devices communicate directly with each other, without the need for a wireless access point (WAP). This peer-to-peer communication model allows devices to connect directly to each other, typically for short-range communication, without requiring a central networking device such as a WAP. This is in contrast to traditional Wi-Fi networks, where a WAP is used to manage traffic between devices.

Why other options are wrong

A. Wi-Fi protected access (WPA)

WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) is a security protocol designed to protect wireless networks by encrypting data and ensuring secure communication. It does not pertain to the peer-to-peer communication model of an ad-hoc network, which does not require a WAP.

B. WPA2

WPA2 is an improved version of WPA that provides stronger encryption and security for wireless networks. Like WPA, it is used in typical Wi-Fi networks, which require a WAP. It is not related to the peer-to-peer communication characteristic of an ad-hoc network.

C. WPA3

WPA3 is the latest version of the Wi-Fi security protocol, offering improved encryption and security features. While WPA3 strengthens security, it still requires a WAP in standard Wi-Fi networks and does not operate in a peer-to-peer fashion like an ad-hoc network.

Correct Answer

C. Stateful

Explanation

A stateful firewall keeps track of the state of active connections and can make decisions based on the context of the traffic. It operates up to Layer 4 (Transport layer) and is capable of monitoring entire sessions, allowing or denying packets based on both current and previous packets. This provides a more secure and intelligent filtering process than stateless methods.

Why other options are wrong

A. Group policy

Group policies are administrative tools in Windows environments used to manage settings across user accounts and systems. They are not firewalls and do not handle packet filtering or session management at any network layer.

B. Stateless

Stateless firewalls filter traffic solely based on predefined rules without tracking the state of connections. They do not maintain information about active sessions and therefore do not offer the same level of intelligence or security as stateful firewalls.

D. Static packet-filter

Static packet-filter firewalls inspect packets individually without context or knowledge of session state. They make decisions based on static rules involving IP addresses, ports, and protocols but lack the ability to track ongoing connections, making them less adaptable than stateful firewalls.

Correct Answer

D. Fiber optic cable

Explanation

Fiber optic cable is made of thin strands of glass or plastic that carry data as pulses of light. This type of cable is highly efficient for transmitting data over long distances with minimal signal loss. The protective coatings around the glass fibers ensure that the light signals stay intact as they travel, making fiber optics ideal for high-speed internet and telecommunications.

Why other options are wrong

A. Coaxial cable

Coaxial cable is a type of electrical cable that consists of a central conductor, insulating layer, and outer shielding. While it can transmit data, it is not as efficient as fiber optics for long-distance data transmission and is typically used for cable TV and some network connections.

B. Conduit

Conduit is a type of tubing that is used to protect electrical cables, not a data transmission medium. It can be made from metal or plastic, but it does not guide light signals like fiber optic cable does.

C. Glass immersion cable

There is no widely recognized cable type called glass immersion cable in telecommunications or networking. This term may be confused with fiber optic cables, but it does not refer to a specific data transmission technology.

Correct Answer

B. Improved fault tolerance and reliability

Explanation

In a mesh topology, each node is connected to multiple other nodes, creating several paths for data to travel. This redundancy improves fault tolerance because if one connection fails, data can still be routed through other available paths. The topology ensures high reliability by minimizing the chances of network failure.

Why other options are wrong

A. Increased security through encryption

Encryption is a function of securing the data during transmission, which is handled by protocols or security devices, not by the mesh topology itself. Mesh topology does not inherently improve security through encryption.

C. Simplified network management

Mesh topology can actually increase network complexity because of the many connections between nodes. This can make management more difficult, as the network grows in size and complexity.

D. Lower installation costs

The opposite is true for mesh topology. Because each node is connected to multiple other nodes, installation costs tend to be higher compared to simpler topologies like bus or star, which require fewer connections.

Correct Answer

D. Devices are interconnected with multiple direct links.

Explanation

In a Mesh Topology, every device is connected to every other device on the network, either directly or through multiple pathways. This provides high redundancy and fault tolerance, ensuring that even if one path fails, data can still be transmitted via other routes. It is often used in critical network infrastructures that require high reliability.

Why other options are wrong

A. Devices are connected to a central hub

This describes a Star Topology, not a Mesh Topology. In a star setup, each device communicates through a central hub or switch, and a failure in the hub can disrupt the entire network.

B. Devices are connected in a linear fashion

This refers to a Bus Topology, where devices are connected in a single line with terminators at each end. While simple and inexpensive, it lacks redundancy and can be disrupted if the main cable fails.

C. Devices are connected in a circular or ring-like manner

This describes a Ring Topology, where each device is connected to exactly two other devices, forming a circular pathway for signals. It is distinct from mesh topology, which provides multiple redundant connections rather than a single ring.