Final answer:
In a FastEthernet connection, a firewall typically receives data on pins 1 and 2 if we are referring to the transmit pins of the sending device. For receiving, it would use pins 3 and 6. This is based on the T568A or T568B cabling standards.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a FastEthernet connection, a firewall receives data on pins 1 and 2. FastEthernet refers to the IEEE 802.3u standard, which operates at a speed of 100 Mbps. For a 10/100 Ethernet, which includes FastEthernet, data transmission occurs over twisted-pair cables using the T568A or T568B pinout standards.
According to these standards, pin 1 is used for transmitting positive data (+TD), while pin 2 is for transmitting negative data (-TD). Meanwhile, pins 3 and 6 are used for receiving data. However, the specifics of pin usage for data reception can differ if a crossover cable is used, where the transmit and receive pin pairs are switched.
It is crucial for network professionals and students to understand which pins are involved in data transmission and reception to troubleshoot connectivity issues effectively or when setting up new network components. Incorrect cabling can lead to network failures or degraded performance.