An IT support technician is often called on to research equipment to maintain

1
Explanation
A brief detail of switches:

TEG-S50G: The manufacturer of this switch is TRENDnet and it supports 5 gigabit ethernet ports (5 x RJ45). The switch type of this port is External.

DGS-1024D: The manufacturer of this switch is D-Link and it supports 24 gigabit ethernet ports (24 x RJ45). The switch type of this port is Rackmount.

FS105: The manufacture of this switch is NETGEAR and it supports 5 gigabit ethernet ports (5 x RJ45). The switch type of this port is External.

Verified Answer
The three switches that have compatibility with Gigabit Ethernet and contain at least 5 ports are: TEG-S50G, DGS-1024D and FS105

2
Explanation
Among these switches, TEG-S50G has the least price, Linksys SE3008 has a moderate price and DGS-1024D has the highest price.

TEG-S50G:

It is inexpensive as compared to other switches.
It can save up to 70 percent of the energy used by equivalent switches.
DGS-1024D:

It has a large number of ports.
It supports noiseless functioning.
Linksys SE3008:

The build of this switch is excellent.
Installation is simple and easy.
As the switch is to be used for gigabit ethernet, its compatibility is to be checked before buying it. Also, any switch should be checked, whether it is easy to be used as plugging it in or not. Along with these features, some QoS features helping users manage their flow of data can also be checked.

3
Explanation
Network adapters that are compatible with Gigabit ethernet:

PWLA8391GT: This network adapter is manufactured by Intel and has PCI interface. It also supports great speeds up to 1000 Mbps and has 1 x RJ45 connector.

ST100SLP: This network adapter is manufactured by StarTech and has PCI/PCI-X interface. It has a speed capacity of up to 100 Mbps and also has 1 x RJ45 connector.

RC-402: This network adapter is manufactured by Rosewill and has PCI interface. It also supports speeds up to 100 Mbps and has 1 x RJ45 connector.

Sample Response
The three network adapters are PWLA8391GT, ST100SLP, and RC-402.

4
Explanation
A cellular network has numerous cells to achieve wider coverage areas and these cells are required to be connected to the device. This connection is established by cellular adapters. In most cases, the cellular adapter is inbuilt inside the device but if it is not there, then the connection can be established through different wireless mechanisms.

Ethernet cable is considered a faster medium of making network connections than a wireless connection. But Ethernet connections required some specific tool to establish. This connection is done by the powerline adapter where the powerline adapter is used to connect computers or other devices to the router.

100BaseT or 10BaseT network needs cable connection between patch cable and crossover cable. For this purpose, a crossover adapter is used to convert a patch cable to a crossover cable. Once the patch cable is converted to crossover cable, the further connection becomes compatible for 100BaseT or 10BaseT networks.

Additional information required to make a choice:

Certification information is a vital factor for choosing any adapter. The adapter in use must be a certified adapter by the relevant and standard organization. In the case of a powerline adapter, it is advised to have Homeplug certification for its reliability and authenticity. Similarly, different adapters have some certification recommended, this information must be analyzed before using any adapter.
Required additional information:

Adapters are of many types which function as a connecting tool. Different types of connections require different adapters. It is essential to know about the type of connection required. Certification is another essential feature of an adapter for assuring the reliability of an adapter. For instance, most of the powerline manufacturers are associated with the Homeplug alliance group and it is advised to check whether the adapter is Homeplug certified or not.

5
Explanation
The price of an upgrade always relies on the quantity and type of equipment. In the given case, switch and network, the adapter is involved. That is why, the type and quantity of switch and network adapter will decide the price of the upgrade. Different type of the switch will cost differently and the same will be the case of adapters.

The price of the upgrade will depend on the type of switch and network adapters. Considering moderate choices, if the switch is an ethernet switch with 5 ports, then it will cost around $ 149 to upgrade it through a complete replacement process. The price for upgrading network switch will also depend on the type and quantity of the adapters. Considering the moderate choice, if the adapter is a USB adapter, then it will cost around $20 for each adapter. Consequently, the $80 for four adapters. As a result, the total price of the upgrade including one switch and four network adapters will be around $229.

Verified Answer
The price of the upgrade is shown below:

Factors to consider Specification Price
Type of switch and network adapter Ethernet switch with 5 ports around $ 149
Type and quantity of the adapters USB adapter ($20 for each) with one switch around $229

6
Explanation
This is a question that must be answered before initiating the upgrading process:

It is always advisable to clarify a question. Whether a specific existing equipment is to be upgraded or whole set of existing equipment is needed to be replaced by new equipment?

This is how the answer to this question can be found:

Upgradation is an essential feature of the networking industry. Networking equipment must be upgraded from time to time to maintain its functionality and enhance efficiency and efficiency. But the upgradation cost depends on the fact, what is needed to be upgraded? If the equipment used with the network are latest and of modern standard, then only old equipment and their existing setup is required to be upgraded. But if the equipment are not of the modern standard, then it is required to replace the whole setup with the modern equipment, to make a more efficient and reliable network.

Sample Response
The following is the one definite question to be answered:

One more question that needs to be answered is what is required to upgrade? Whether some of the hardware components are to be upgraded or upgrading of existing hardware to completely new hardware is required?

Answering the question:

The answer to this question can be found by analyzing the existing network equipment. If the existing equipment is up to the mark, then the network requires formal upgradation of the whole network. If the equipment is obsolete and not of the modern standard, then efficiency and reliability of the network will suffer. That is why, it is required to upgrade the whole setup by replacing obsolete equipment with new equipment.