Computer Networking Basics

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary characteristic of the internet structure described as a 'network of networks'?

It enables multiple ISPs to compete within a global market. (correct)

It allows for individual ISPs to function independently without interconnection.

It is comprised entirely of private networks without public access.

It is comprised solely of high-speed data lines.

What implication does the presence of multiple ISPs suggest about the internet?

The market for internet services is monopolistic.

Competition among ISPs can enhance service quality and pricing. (correct)

There is a lack of innovation in internet service.

There is a guaranteed uniform service quality across ISPs.

In the context of ISPs, what could be a potential consequence of having only one global ISP?

Enhanced collaboration between internet users.

Reduced competition and potentially higher prices. (correct)

Increased variety of internet services.

Greater transparency in internet service delivery.

Which of the following best describes a potential benefit of having multiple ISPs in a region?

Promotion of innovation and customization in service offerings. Signup and view all the answers

What potential issue may arise if ISPs do not establish interconnections?

Fragmentation of internet access, limiting user connectivity. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of sending three packets to each router in the traceroute method?

To measure variations in packet transmission delay. Signup and view all the answers

What does the time-to-live (TTL) field value represent in the context of router i?

The number of hops before the packet is discarded. Signup and view all the answers

In the delay measurements provided, which router exhibited the highest consistent time delay?

62.40.103.253 Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated when the traceroute data shows decreasing delays for certain routers?

Reduction in the number of hops. Signup and view all the answers

What could the presence of multiple measurement values for each router suggest in traceroute results?

The path is unstable and varies for each probe. Signup and view all the answers

What type of network connects devices over a metropolitan area?

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) Signup and view all the answers

Which organization owns and builds the Internet?

Multiple organizations worldwide Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a Wide Area Network (WAN)?

VPN Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the Internet?

A collection of individual networks connecting globally Signup and view all the answers

What type of network connects devices over a country?

Wide Area Network (WAN) Signup and view all the answers

Which example illustrates a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)?

Cable TV network providing Internet access Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following technologies can be considered part of the Internet core infrastructure?

VPNs provided by ISPs Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of the introduction to networking content?

To achieve a big picture overview of networking concepts Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a packet arrives at a full queue?

The packet is dropped Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes throughput?

The rate at which bits are sent from sender to receiver Signup and view all the answers

If Rs represents the sending rate and Rc represents the capacity of a link, what is the average end-to-end throughput if Rs > Rc?

Rc bits/sec Signup and view all the answers

In the context of packet loss, what does a '*' symbol indicate in traceroute results?

The probe lost response or router is not replying Signup and view all the answers

What is instantaneous throughput?

Rate at which data is sent at a specific point in time Signup and view all the answers

What factor can lead to packet loss during transmission?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

How can a lost packet be retransmitted?

By the previous node or the source end system Signup and view all the answers

When Rs is less than Rc, what determines the average end-to-end throughput?

It is equal to Rs Signup and view all the answers

What does packet sniffing allow attackers to do?

Intercept packets in transit and read their contents Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of IP spoofing?

To hide the true identity of the sender Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a Denial of Service (DoS) attack?

Overloading a server with excessive traffic Signup and view all the answers

Which method is commonly used for authentication in cellular networks?

SIM card identity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a method to ensure confidentiality in data transmission?

Encryption Signup and view all the answers

How do digital signatures contribute to network security?

They prevent and detect tampering of data Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a firewall in network security?

To filter incoming packets and restrict network access Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of authentication mechanisms in network security?

They validate user identity through various means Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

Connects devices within a metropolitan area.
Examples include internet access via cable TV or DSL telephone networks.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

Links devices across countries.
Examples include VPNs and the Internet core managed by major ISPs like AT&T and Verizon.

The Internet

Known as the "network of networks," it connects millions of computers globally.
It is maintained and owned collectively by various organizations.

Internet Structure

Described as a "network of networks" with multiple interconnected ISPs.
Competitors in the ISP sector ensure continuous service improvements.

Internet Delays and Traceroute

Traceroute measures the delay between routers on the path to a destination.
Delay measurements can vary; routers may not respond, indicated by asterisks.

Packet Loss

Occurs when incoming packets exceed buffer capacity, leading to dropped packets.
Packet retransmission may occur from sources or previous nodes.

Throughput

Defined as the rate (bits/time unit) of data being transmitted from sender to receiver.
Considerations for throughput include instantaneous vs. average rates and the impact of network capacity.

Cybersecurity Threats

Packet Interception: "Sniffing" captures all packets on shared networks, exposing sensitive data.
IP Spoofing: Attackers can send packets with false source addresses to impersonate other devices.

Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks

Aims to make resources unavailable by flooding them with unnecessary traffic.
Involves targeting a victim and leveraging compromised devices (botnets) to execute the attack.

Lines of Defense Against Cyber Threats

Authentication: Verifies user identity through methods like SIM cards in cellular networks.
Confidentiality: Ensured through encryption practices.
Integrity: Digital signatures provide tamper detection capabilities.
Access Restrictions: Implementations like password-protected VPNs enhance security.
Firewalls: Act as protective barriers in networks, filtering incoming traffic and defending against DoS attacks.

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Description

Test your knowledge on computer networking with this quiz that covers various types of networks, including MAN and WAN. Explore the structure of the Internet and learn about key concepts like packet loss and traceroute techniques. Perfect for students and enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding of networking.