WGU C172 Network and Security -
Foundations; PA and OA set – 233
Questions and Verified Answers | 100%
Correct | Grade A
The WGU C172 Network and Security - Foundations course prepares students
for a 60-question Objective Assessment (OA) covering network fundamentals,
security protocols, the OSI model, and infrastructure components. This 233-
question & Ans PA/OA study set includes topics on ARP spoofing, firewalls,
VLANs, and TCP/IP, ensuring proficiency in both theoretical concepts and
practical troubleshooting.
Exam Topics and Highlights:
• OSI Model & Networking: Thorough understanding of all seven layers,
specifically Physical (cabling, NICs) and Data Link (MAC, Ethernet).
• Security Protocols: Focus on WPA2/AES, firewalls, Virtual Private
Networks (VPNs), and mitigating attacks like ARP spoofing.
• Network Infrastructure: Knowledge of LAN/WAN topologies (star,
mesh, bus), hardware (switches, hubs), and VLAN configuration (trunking).
• Command Line Tools: Ability to use tools like ipconfig, netstat, and
traceroute for troubleshooting.
• Scenario-Based Questions: Practical application of security and
networking concepts, including identifying optimal network types (WLAN)
for specific environments
Q1. Which specific disadvantage of the Token Ring system is highlighted in the text? [Multiple
Choice]
A) An error can change the token pattern and stop it from circulating
B) High power consumption for token formation
1
, C) Excessive bandwidth use caused by tokoen traffic
D) Persistent encryption problems of the token payload
Answer: An error can change the token pattern and stop it from circulating
Explanation: A key disadvantage listed is that errors affecting token structure can halt the token
circulation, stopping all transmissions. Distractors: "High power consumption for token formation" is not
mentioned and unrelated; "Excessive bandwidth use by tokens" is incorrect — tokens are small and
minimal overhead; "Difficulty in encrypting token contents" is not listed and irrelevant to the described
mechanical failure mode.
Q2. Which topology allows all devices on the network to see each other's data traffic? [Multiple
Choice]
A) Bus topology
B) Star topology
C) Ring topology
D) Mesh topology
Answer: Bus topology
Explanation: In a bus topology all devices are on the same shared medium, so every device can see the
data transmitted on that medium. Distractors: "Star topology" typically isolates traffic between a device
and a central switch unless the switch broadcasts; "Ring topology" passes frames in one direction and
devices generally only act when addressed or when holding a token; "Mesh topology" involves point-to-
point links and does not present a single shared broadcast medium visible to all nodes.
Q3. What behavior characterizes a deterministic network as explained in the source? [Multiple
Choice]
A) Each station has access at regular or fixed time intervals
B) Stations transmit whenever they detect no carrier on the network
C) Access is granted randomly to a station when it is ready
D) Stations take turns according to their IP address numeric order
Answer: Each station has access at regular or fixed time intervals
Explanation: Deterministic access means stations are given predictable, scheduled opportunities to
transmit — in token systems the token grants access at defined intervals. Distractors: "Stations transmit
whenever they detect silence" describes contention-based access, not deterministic; "Access is granted
randomly to any station" would be non-deterministic; "Stations take turns based on IP addresses" is not
the described mechanism — determinism here comes from scheduled token or time slots, not address
ordering.
Q4. How does the text define a token ring hub? [Multiple Choice]
A) A device that manages the passing of the token
2
, B) A network firewall that blocks unauthorized token use
C) A protocol analyzer that logs token operations
D) A wireless access point that extends the token ring
Answer: A device that manages the passing of the token
Explanation: A token ring hub is described as the device that centrally controls or manages token passing
instead of relying on each station to forward the token, improving control. Distractors: "A network firewall"
is for security, not token management; "A protocol analyzer" inspects traffic but doesn't manage token
passing; "A wireless access point" connects wireless clients and does not perform token circulation
management.
Q5. Which topology uses a token that is placed in the data channel and circulates around the
ring? [Multiple Choice]
A) Token Ring topology
B) Bus topology
C) Star topology
D) Mesh topology
Answer: Token Ring topology
Explanation: Token Ring topology uses a special data token that circulates around the ring; only the station
holding the token may transmit, which prevents collisions. Distractors: "Bus topology" uses a shared
coaxial medium, not a circulating token; "Star topology" centralizes connections to a hub or switch and
does not use a circulating token; "Mesh topology" connects devices with multiple paths and does not rely
on a token mechanism.
Q6. What solution does the text give to address the maintenance disadvantage of Token Ring?
[Multiple Choice]
A) Connect each computer to a central token ring hub
B) Replace token passing with CSMA/CD protocol
C) Convert the ring into a bus-style coaxial cable
D) Replace all devices with wireless network adapters
Answer: Connect each computer to a central token ring hub
Explanation: The source suggests connecting devices to a central token ring hub so that individual devices
can be added or removed without breaking the logical ring — the hub manages connections. Distractors:
"Replace the token with CSMA/CD" changes the protocol and isn't the suggested fix; "Convert the ring to a
bus cable" would introduce other issues and isn't the proposed solution; "Use only wireless devices" is
unrelated and not proposed as a practical maintenance fix for Token Ring.
3
, Q7. Which topology is described as one where the computers share the media or coaxial cable
for data transmission? [Multiple Choice]
A) Bus topology
B) Star topology
C) Ring topology
D) Mesh topology
Answer: Bus topology
Explanation: A bus topology is characterized by computers sharing a single communication medium
(typically coaxial cable) for data transmission. Distractors: "Star topology" connects each device to a
central device rather than sharing a single medium; "Ring topology" circulates a token around a ring, not
shared coax; "Mesh topology" uses multiple direct links between devices, not a single shared medium.
Q8. Which network topology is described as a deterministic network in the text? [Multiple Choice]
A) Token Ring Topology
B) Bus topology
C) Star topology
D) Mesh topology
Answer: Token Ring Topology
Explanation: The source calls Token Ring a deterministic network because it controls when each station
can transmit — token passing enforces fixed access slots. Distractors: "Bus topology" is contention-based
and not deterministic; "Star topology" can be contention-managed by a switch but is not inherently
deterministic by token passing; "Mesh topology" refers to multiple interconnections and does not
guarantee deterministic access timing in the way token passing does.
Q9. What troubleshooting and maintenance disadvantage of Token Ring is mentioned in the
source? [Multiple Choice]
A) The token ring path must be temporarily broken or interrupted to remove or add a device
B) Devices can be added or removed without interrupting the ring
C) Only software reconfiguration is required to change connected devices
D) All devices must be rebooted simultaneously during maintenance
Answer: The token ring path must be temporarily broken or interrupted to remove or add a
device
Explanation: The text notes that adding or removing a device requires temporarily interrupting the ring
path, which complicates maintenance. Distractors: "Devices can be hot-swapped without interruption"
contradicts the stated maintenance issue; "Only software reconfiguration is required" downplays the
4
Foundations; PA and OA set – 233
Questions and Verified Answers | 100%
Correct | Grade A
The WGU C172 Network and Security - Foundations course prepares students
for a 60-question Objective Assessment (OA) covering network fundamentals,
security protocols, the OSI model, and infrastructure components. This 233-
question & Ans PA/OA study set includes topics on ARP spoofing, firewalls,
VLANs, and TCP/IP, ensuring proficiency in both theoretical concepts and
practical troubleshooting.
Exam Topics and Highlights:
• OSI Model & Networking: Thorough understanding of all seven layers,
specifically Physical (cabling, NICs) and Data Link (MAC, Ethernet).
• Security Protocols: Focus on WPA2/AES, firewalls, Virtual Private
Networks (VPNs), and mitigating attacks like ARP spoofing.
• Network Infrastructure: Knowledge of LAN/WAN topologies (star,
mesh, bus), hardware (switches, hubs), and VLAN configuration (trunking).
• Command Line Tools: Ability to use tools like ipconfig, netstat, and
traceroute for troubleshooting.
• Scenario-Based Questions: Practical application of security and
networking concepts, including identifying optimal network types (WLAN)
for specific environments
Q1. Which specific disadvantage of the Token Ring system is highlighted in the text? [Multiple
Choice]
A) An error can change the token pattern and stop it from circulating
B) High power consumption for token formation
1
, C) Excessive bandwidth use caused by tokoen traffic
D) Persistent encryption problems of the token payload
Answer: An error can change the token pattern and stop it from circulating
Explanation: A key disadvantage listed is that errors affecting token structure can halt the token
circulation, stopping all transmissions. Distractors: "High power consumption for token formation" is not
mentioned and unrelated; "Excessive bandwidth use by tokens" is incorrect — tokens are small and
minimal overhead; "Difficulty in encrypting token contents" is not listed and irrelevant to the described
mechanical failure mode.
Q2. Which topology allows all devices on the network to see each other's data traffic? [Multiple
Choice]
A) Bus topology
B) Star topology
C) Ring topology
D) Mesh topology
Answer: Bus topology
Explanation: In a bus topology all devices are on the same shared medium, so every device can see the
data transmitted on that medium. Distractors: "Star topology" typically isolates traffic between a device
and a central switch unless the switch broadcasts; "Ring topology" passes frames in one direction and
devices generally only act when addressed or when holding a token; "Mesh topology" involves point-to-
point links and does not present a single shared broadcast medium visible to all nodes.
Q3. What behavior characterizes a deterministic network as explained in the source? [Multiple
Choice]
A) Each station has access at regular or fixed time intervals
B) Stations transmit whenever they detect no carrier on the network
C) Access is granted randomly to a station when it is ready
D) Stations take turns according to their IP address numeric order
Answer: Each station has access at regular or fixed time intervals
Explanation: Deterministic access means stations are given predictable, scheduled opportunities to
transmit — in token systems the token grants access at defined intervals. Distractors: "Stations transmit
whenever they detect silence" describes contention-based access, not deterministic; "Access is granted
randomly to any station" would be non-deterministic; "Stations take turns based on IP addresses" is not
the described mechanism — determinism here comes from scheduled token or time slots, not address
ordering.
Q4. How does the text define a token ring hub? [Multiple Choice]
A) A device that manages the passing of the token
2
, B) A network firewall that blocks unauthorized token use
C) A protocol analyzer that logs token operations
D) A wireless access point that extends the token ring
Answer: A device that manages the passing of the token
Explanation: A token ring hub is described as the device that centrally controls or manages token passing
instead of relying on each station to forward the token, improving control. Distractors: "A network firewall"
is for security, not token management; "A protocol analyzer" inspects traffic but doesn't manage token
passing; "A wireless access point" connects wireless clients and does not perform token circulation
management.
Q5. Which topology uses a token that is placed in the data channel and circulates around the
ring? [Multiple Choice]
A) Token Ring topology
B) Bus topology
C) Star topology
D) Mesh topology
Answer: Token Ring topology
Explanation: Token Ring topology uses a special data token that circulates around the ring; only the station
holding the token may transmit, which prevents collisions. Distractors: "Bus topology" uses a shared
coaxial medium, not a circulating token; "Star topology" centralizes connections to a hub or switch and
does not use a circulating token; "Mesh topology" connects devices with multiple paths and does not rely
on a token mechanism.
Q6. What solution does the text give to address the maintenance disadvantage of Token Ring?
[Multiple Choice]
A) Connect each computer to a central token ring hub
B) Replace token passing with CSMA/CD protocol
C) Convert the ring into a bus-style coaxial cable
D) Replace all devices with wireless network adapters
Answer: Connect each computer to a central token ring hub
Explanation: The source suggests connecting devices to a central token ring hub so that individual devices
can be added or removed without breaking the logical ring — the hub manages connections. Distractors:
"Replace the token with CSMA/CD" changes the protocol and isn't the suggested fix; "Convert the ring to a
bus cable" would introduce other issues and isn't the proposed solution; "Use only wireless devices" is
unrelated and not proposed as a practical maintenance fix for Token Ring.
3
, Q7. Which topology is described as one where the computers share the media or coaxial cable
for data transmission? [Multiple Choice]
A) Bus topology
B) Star topology
C) Ring topology
D) Mesh topology
Answer: Bus topology
Explanation: A bus topology is characterized by computers sharing a single communication medium
(typically coaxial cable) for data transmission. Distractors: "Star topology" connects each device to a
central device rather than sharing a single medium; "Ring topology" circulates a token around a ring, not
shared coax; "Mesh topology" uses multiple direct links between devices, not a single shared medium.
Q8. Which network topology is described as a deterministic network in the text? [Multiple Choice]
A) Token Ring Topology
B) Bus topology
C) Star topology
D) Mesh topology
Answer: Token Ring Topology
Explanation: The source calls Token Ring a deterministic network because it controls when each station
can transmit — token passing enforces fixed access slots. Distractors: "Bus topology" is contention-based
and not deterministic; "Star topology" can be contention-managed by a switch but is not inherently
deterministic by token passing; "Mesh topology" refers to multiple interconnections and does not
guarantee deterministic access timing in the way token passing does.
Q9. What troubleshooting and maintenance disadvantage of Token Ring is mentioned in the
source? [Multiple Choice]
A) The token ring path must be temporarily broken or interrupted to remove or add a device
B) Devices can be added or removed without interrupting the ring
C) Only software reconfiguration is required to change connected devices
D) All devices must be rebooted simultaneously during maintenance
Answer: The token ring path must be temporarily broken or interrupted to remove or add a
device
Explanation: The text notes that adding or removing a device requires temporarily interrupting the ring
path, which complicates maintenance. Distractors: "Devices can be hot-swapped without interruption"
contradicts the stated maintenance issue; "Only software reconfiguration is required" downplays the
4
