Week 6 Topic 1: Introduction to computer networks and physical mediums

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the primary function of computer networking?

  • To protect computers from physical damage.
  • To increase the processing speed of individual computers.
  • To limit the access of computers to external networks.
  • To enable communication and data exchange between computers. (correct)

In the context of computer networks, what does 'net' refer to?

  • The physical mediums connecting computers. (correct)
  • The applications running on the computers.
  • The security measures implemented on the network.
  • The protocols used for communication.

What is the main benefit of using a layered approach in networking?

  • It reduces the number of devices needed in a network.
  • It increases the speed of data transmission.
  • It allows new technology to be easily implemented by changing only a few layers. (correct)
  • It simplifies the physical connections between computers.

Which layer of the OSI model is responsible for establishing pathways between devices?

<p>Network layer (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a protocol commonly associated with the application layer of the OSI model?

<p>HTTP (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the OSI model handles error correction and flow control?

<p>Transport layer (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following protocols is responsible for converting domain names into IP addresses?

<p>DNS (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which OSI model layer specifies how bits are represented on the network medium?

<p>Physical layer (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between IPv4 and IPv6?

<p>IPv6 provides more address space. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following protocols is primarily used for sending emails?

<p>SMTP (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the session layer in the OSI model?

<p>To establish and manage connections between applications. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the OSI model is responsible for data compression and encryption?

<p>Presentation layer (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the data link layer in the OSI model?

<p>Controlling who can transmit on the medium at any given time. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why was the OSI model created?

<p>To standardize communication functions in a telecommunication or computing system. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios would most benefit from using UDP over TCP?

<p>Streaming a live video feed where occasional data loss is tolerable. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key characteristic that distinguishes Ethernet from Wi-Fi?

<p>Ethernet is typically wired, providing a dedicated physical connection, while Wi-Fi is wireless, using radio waves. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a network administrator needs to implement a protocol that guarantees delivery of data packets in the same order they were sent, which protocol should they choose?

<p>TCP (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering future network scalability and the exhaustion of IPv4 addresses, what is the most compelling reason for transitioning to IPv6?

<p>Larger address space to accommodate more networked devices. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a scenario where an application requires real-time data transmission with minimal delay. While also needing guaranteed delivery and re-transmission of lost packets, which combination of protocols would best satisfy these requirements, and what trade-off is inherent in this choice?

<p>Implement a custom protocol at the application layer that combines elements of TCP reliability with UDP speed, trading standardization for performance. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Imagine you are designing a highly specialized network for a financial institution that requires extremely low latency for transaction processing and enhanced security to prevent eavesdropping. Based on the OSI model, at which layers would you implement custom protocols or modifications to optimize performance and security, and what specific challenges might you encounter?

<p>Focus on the physical and data link layers to ensure minimal transmission delays and implement proprietary encryption algorithms, but face challenges with compatibility and standardization. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Computer Networking

Connecting computers to enable communication and data exchange.

Components of a Computer Network

PCs, servers, hubs, switches, routers, printers, phones and cameras.

Net in Computer Networks

Physical mediums connecting computers, such as wires and fiber optics.

Work in Computer Networks

Protocols needed to make computer nets run effectively.

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OSI Model

A conceptual model that standardizes communication functions in a computing system.

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Physical Layer

Specifies how bits are represented on the medium.

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Data Link Layer

Controls who can transmit on the medium at any given time.

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Network Layer

Establishes pathways between devices.

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Transport Layer

Error correction and flow control.

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Session Layer

Provides APIs for application software to manage the connection.

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Presentation Layer

Compression and encryption.

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Application Layer

The application that uses the data (e.g. web browsers).

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Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

Protocols for physical connections (wires, fiber) and data transfer control.

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IPv4 and IPv6

Used for addressing and routing packets on the internet.

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TCP and UDP

Ensures reliable transmission or provides fast, connectionless data transfer.

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HTTP

Used for transmitting websites.

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DNS

Translates domain names into IP addresses.

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SMTP

Used by email servers to send email.

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Study Notes

  • Computer networking connects computers for communication and data exchange.
  • It enables multiple computers or nodes to interact, share information, and collaborate.
  • A computer network is a collection of devices that can exchange data.
  • The term ‘computer network’ can be broken down into computer + net + work.
  • Computers include PCs, hosts, servers, hubs, and routers.
  • Not every device on a computer network is a computer; printers, phones, and cameras can be network-enabled.
  • Net refers to physical mediums connecting computers, like wires and fibre optics.
  • Work refers to the protocols needed to make computer nets run.
  • Networking is broken down into a set of layers.
  • Separate network layers allow new technology to be easily implemented.
  • A standard was created in the late 1970s known as the open systems interconnection model (OSI).
  • The Open Systems Interconnection model (OSI Model) is a conceptual model that characterises and standardises the communication functions of a telecommunication or computing system without regard for their underlying internal structure and technology

The OSI model consists of seven layers:

  • Physical layer: specifies how the bits are represented on the medium.
  • Data link layer: controls who can transmit on the medium at any given time.
  • Network layer: establishes pathways between devices.
  • Transport layer: error correction and flow control.
  • Session layer: provides APIs for application software to manage the connection.
  • Presentation layer: compression and encryption.
  • Application layer: the application that uses the data (e.g. web browsers).

Common protocols for each layer of the OSI model:

  • Physical and data link layer protocols (layers 1 and 2): ethernet (over fibre or unshielded twisted pair).
  • Physical and data link layer protocols (layers 1 and 2): 802.11 (wi-fi).
  • Physical and data link layer protocols (layers 1 and 2): Bluetooth.
  • Network layer protocols (layer 3): IPv4 — internet protocol version 4 — what most of the internet is using.
  • Network layer protocols (layer 3): IPv6 — internet protocol version 6 — what most of the internet will move to.
  • Transport layer protocols (layer 4): TCP — transmission control protocol.
  • Transport layer protocols (layer 4): UDP — user datagram protocol.
  • Application layer protocols (layer 5–7): HTTP — hypertext transfer protocol — used to transmit websites.
  • Application layer protocols (layer 5–7): DNS — Domain Name System — used to convert a domain name (e.g. en.wikipedia.org) into the appropriate IP address (e.g. 208.80. 154.224).
  • Application layer protocols (layer 5–7): SMTP — simple mail transfer protocol — used by email servers.

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