Computer Networking Fundamentals

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of a computer network?

To link computers for shared resources (correct)

To provide entertainment through gaming

To exclusively provide internet access

To manage hardware repairs

Which type of network has the smallest geographic scope?

Local Area Network (LAN)

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

Campus Area Network (CAN)

Personal Area Network (PAN) (correct)

What is a primary use of a Local Area Network (LAN)?

Facilitating personal device communication

Interconnecting resources in a specific establishment (correct)

Linking multiple servers for data management

Connecting buildings across a city

Which of the following is NOT a type of network categorized by geography?

Corporate Area Network (CAN) Signup and view all the answers

What best describes a Campus Area Network (CAN)?

A network that covers multiple buildings within a campus Signup and view all the answers

Which network architecture would you typically use for sharing resources in a home?

Local Area Network (LAN) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)?

Connects multiple buildings within a city Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly identifies an enterprise network?

An enterprise network links multiple servers in a company. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Wide Area Network (WAN)?

A larger network that can cover cities and provinces Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the OSI model is responsible for error recovery and flow control?

Data link layer Signup and view all the answers

What does the Network layer in the OSI model do?

Receives messages and combines them into packets Signup and view all the answers

Which OSI layer is responsible for end-to-end message delivery?

Transport layer Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Physical layer in the OSI model?

Provides electrical and mechanical connections Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the OSI model's purpose?

To standardize interactions between network components Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the OSI model, what does MAC stand for?

Media Access Control Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the OSI model is associated with session management?

Session layer Signup and view all the answers

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

To start, manage, and end connections. Signup and view all the answers

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

Presentation layer Signup and view all the answers

What does the application layer interface with according to the OSI model?

Application programs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following layers is responsible for the actual physical connection between network devices?

Physical layer Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key goals of the OSI reference model?

To ensure compatibility in network hardware and software. Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the OSI model does the data link layer manage?

Flow of data Signup and view all the answers

In the OSI model, what does the term 'network interface' refer to?

Hardware used to connect devices. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the function of the presentation layer?

It structures messages and performs data conversion. Signup and view all the answers

What does a hub do in a network?

Interconnects networking devices and broadcasts data. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a switch in a network?

Initiates a direct connection from sender to receiver. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a cable modem's role in a network?

Uses a cable connection to access the ISP. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of using a wired network?

Provides a more stable and faster connection. Signup and view all the answers

What does a firewall do in a network?

Monitors and secures incoming and outgoing traffic. Signup and view all the answers

What type of network uses radio signals to initiate connections?

Wireless Network Signup and view all the answers

Which device is responsible for providing resources over a network?

Server Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of using a hub in a network?

Increases data traffic and security risks. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of wired network connections?

Not susceptible to outside interference Signup and view all the answers

Which device connects wireless devices and provides a connection to wired LANs?

Wireless Access Point Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary disadvantage of wireless networks compared to wired networks?

Inherent security issues Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a wireless router?

Links networking devices using radio frequency Signup and view all the answers

What describes the 'star' topology in networking?

All devices connect to a single router Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of wireless networks?

Less labor-intensive installation Signup and view all the answers

Which device combines a modem and router functionality?

Wi-Fi Modem Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation associated with bus topology in modern networks?

Single point of failure Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a hub in a network?

It forwards data to connected devices without discrimination. Signup and view all the answers

Which topology is considered most ideal for reducing unnecessary data traffic?

Star topology with a switch Signup and view all the answers

Which network topology allows communication solely between two directly connected devices?

Point-to-Point topology Signup and view all the answers

What type of mesh topology exists when each end device can connect directly to every other end device?

Fully meshed topology Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant disadvantage of Token Ring topology?

Errors can halt the circulation of data tokens. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a bus topology?

Computers share the media for data transmission using a coaxial cable. Signup and view all the answers

What networking technology has recently replaced Token Ring topology?

Ethernet Technology Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of a partially meshed topology?

It has multiple paths between some but not all end devices. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Computer Networking Key Concepts

Computer networking connects computers for shared resources over the internet
Networks allow web browsing, emailing, file sharing, and image/music downloads
Organizations use single-user or general-purpose networks for tasks like word processing, scientific computing, and control
Networks are categorized by geographic scope

Network Categories

Personal Area Network (PAN): Smallest network connecting personal devices like earphones and computers
Local Area Network (LAN): Connects computers within a building or a limited area like a house or office
Campus Area Network (CAN): Larger network across multiple buildings in a campus setting (universities, etc.)
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): Connects multiple buildings within a city/area
Wide Area Network (WAN): Largest network across vast areas (cities, provinces, countries) - can include LANs and MANs

Network Architecture

A diagram showing network structure and services for client connectivity needs
Common types include:
- Access networks: Connect users and devices in a business (e.g., linking employees in a building)
- Data center networks: Link servers/applications for easy access
- Wide Area Networks (WANs): Connect users to applications (e.g., hospital employees connecting to health programs)

The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Model

A reference model for communication systems, enabling interconnection of different network types
Developed in 1984 by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
Consists of seven layers:
- Physical layer: Electrical and mechanical connections
- Data link layer: Error recovery, flow control, MAC addresses
- Network layer: Routing information, combining messages
- Transport layer: End-to-end delivery and message integrity
- Session layer: Controls connections for user requests
- Presentation layer: Message formatting and encryption
- Application layer: Interaction with application programs(e.g., web browser, email)

Network Types and Devices

Wired networks: Use cabling and connectors
Wireless networks: Use radio signals
Advantages and disadvantages of Wired/Wireless networks:
Wired Networks: Faster data transfer, inexpensive setup, not susceptible to interference
Wireless networks: User mobility, simple installation, security issues, slower data transfer
Network devices include:
- LAN Ethernet Cables: Connect devices within a local area network
- Hubs: Interconnect devices but broadcast all data to all connected devices
- Switches: Connect devices directly to ensure data privacy
- Cable Modems: Broadband connection to the internet from a home or business
- Servers: Provide resources (data, services) to clients
- Firewalls: Monitor incoming/outgoing network traffic, offering security

Network Topologies

Point-to-Point: Simplest - direct connection between two devices
Token Ring: Deterministic message access, ensures access to message transmissions at regular/fixed time intervals for each connected station - (disadvantage - if an error changes the token pattern it may stop circulating causing data traffic to stop, and it is increasingly being replaced by Ethernet)
Bus: Computers share a common communication media - not extremely bandwidth efficient
Star: Most common - all devices connect to a central hub or switch
Mesh: Several paths between end devices - Fully meshed (direct path between all devices) and partially meshed (multiple paths may exist between devices)

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Description

This quiz explores key concepts of computer networking, including network categories and architectures. You'll learn about various network types such as PAN, LAN, CAN, MAN, and WAN, and their applications in different settings. Test your understanding of how networks facilitate resource sharing and communication.