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What is the Internet made up of?
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The Internet is made up of many interconnected networks across the world, using high-speed fiber optic cables to link Internet exchange points (IXPs).
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What is an Internet Exchange Point (IXP)?
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An IXP is a location where networks meet and exchange data.
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What role do Internet Service Providers (ISPs) play?
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ISPs connect their networks to the Internet through IXPs.
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What are transit agreements and peering arrangements?
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Transit agreements are paid links, while peering arrangements are shared links that ISPs use to exchange data with networks they do not own.
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What is the ISP tier hierarchy based on?
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It is based on how much ISPs rely on other ISPs to move data. Higher-tier ISPs own more infrastructure and require fewer connections with other networks.
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What is a Point of Presence (PoP)?
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A PoP is the location, usually a local telephone exchange, where customers connect to the Internet through their ISP.
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What is a WAN interface?
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A WAN (Wide Area Network) interface is the connection type that links a home or office network to the ISP’s network, typically a point-to-point connection.
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What is the function of a digital modem?
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A digital modem provides the physical connection between the home or office network and the ISP’s WAN by converting the Internet signal into a form that can be used by local devices.
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What types of modems are used for different Internet connections?
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DSL modems, cable modems, fiber modems, and cellular modems.
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What role does a router play in a network?
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A router manages and directs the flow of data within the local network and to the Internet, using Internet Protocol (IP) to forward data between devices on different networks.
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What are the two main types of DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)?
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Asymmetrical DSL (ADSL) and Symmetrical DSL (SDSL).
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What is Asymmetrical DSL (ADSL)?
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ADSL provides faster download speeds compared to upload speeds, commonly used in homes.
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What are the speeds of ADSL2+?
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Up to 24 Mbps download and up to 2.5 Mbps upload.
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What is Symmetrical DSL (SDSL)?
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SDSL provides equal download and upload speeds, often used by businesses.
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How does a DSL modem connect to the telephone line?
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Through an RJ11 WAN port.
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How does a DSL modem connect to the network router or device?
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Through an RJ45 LAN port.
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What is the purpose of a filter (splitter) in DSL connections?
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To separate voice and data signals at each phone socket.
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What type of network is used for a cable Internet connection?
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Hybrid Fiber Coax (HFC), which combines fiber optic core networks with copper coaxial cables.
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What is DOCSIS, and what speeds does it support?
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DOCSIS is the standard for cable Internet, supporting download speeds up to 38 Mbps (North America) and 50 Mbps (Europe) and upload speeds up to 27 Mbps.
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How does a cable modem connect to the network router?
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Through an RJ45 Ethernet port.
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How does a cable modem connect to the service provider’s network?
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Through a short coaxial cable with F-type connectors.
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What is the last mile in Internet connections?
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The final stretch of network that connects to customers' homes, often using low-grade copper wiring.
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What is Fiber to the Curb (FTTC)?
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FTTC extends fiber optic cables to a communications cabinet, with copper wires connecting the cabinet to customer homes.
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What technology is used for FTTC, and what speeds does it offer?
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Very High-Speed DSL (VDSL), with asymmetric speeds up to 52 Mbps download and 6 Mbps upload over 300 meters.
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What is Fiber to the Premises (FTTP)?
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FTTP brings fiber optic cable directly to the customer’s building, offering a full-fiber connection.
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What is a Passive Optical Network (PON)?
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A network that runs fiber from the Point of Presence (PoP) to an Optical Line Terminal (OLT), which then splits the signal to Optical Network Terminals (ONTs) at customer premises.
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What is the function of an Optical Network Terminal (ONT)?
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The ONT converts the optical signal from the fiber network to an electrical signal for the customer’s router.