Data Link Layer Quiz & Flashcards for Computer Networks

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the Data Link Layer?

To route data between networks

To provide network security

To provide error-free communication between devices (correct)

To manage network topology

What is a node in a network?

A device or point where data is generated, processed, or received (correct)

A type of networking equipment

A network topology

A connection between devices

What is the function of end devices?

To facilitate communication between devices

To act as intermediaries for routing data

To manage network topology

To generate or receive data in a network (correct)

What is the purpose of intermediate devices?

To facilitate communication between end devices Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of networking equipment?

Hub Signup and view all the answers

What is the OSI model layer that ensures error-free communication between devices?

Data Link Layer Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of Block Coding?

Error detection and correction within each block Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of Cyclic Codes?

They have a circular structure Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a Checksum?

Error detection only Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of Forward Error Correction (FEC)?

It corrects errors without retransmission Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Framing in the Data Link Layer?

Facilitating synchronization and error detection Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Addressing in the Data Link Layer?

Ensuring frames are delivered to the correct destination Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Flow Control in the Data Link Layer?

Regulating the flow of data between sender and receiver Signup and view all the answers

What type of Block Code can correct single-bit errors?

Hamming Code Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of Cyclic Codes?

They are suitable for hardware implementations Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of Block Coding?

It is suitable for applications where errors are likely to occur in bursts Signup and view all the answers

What is a link in a network?

A physical or logical connection between two nodes Signup and view all the answers

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

To provide a pathway for data transmission Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the capacity of a link to transmit data?

Bandwidth Signup and view all the answers

What type of link uses electromagnetic signals to transmit data?

Wireless Link Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Logical Link Control (LLC) sub-layer?

To establish, maintain, and terminate logical links Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Media Access Control (MAC) sub-layer?

To control access to the physical network medium Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the time it takes for data to travel from the source node to the destination node?

Latency Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of error detection and correction in data communication?

To ensure the integrity and reliability of transmitted or stored information Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of physical links?

They provide a direct and tangible connection between nodes Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the IEEE 802.2 standard?

To define the Logical Link Control (LLC) sub-layer Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Data Link Layer protocol?

To ensure efficient use of the medium by preventing collisions Signup and view all the answers

Which protocol is a bit-oriented protocol used for communication over point-to-point and multipoint links?

High-Level Data Link Control (HDLC) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the flag in HDLC frames?

Frame synchronization Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the control field in HDLC frames?

Flow control, error control, and frame type specification Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the protocol type field in HDLC frames?

Indicating the type of network layer protocol carried in the payload Signup and view all the answers

What is the type of communication scenario where data is exchanged directly between two endpoints?

Point-to-point communication Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of point-to-point connections?

Dedicated communication link Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of point-to-point communication?

Dedicated path and predictable performance Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Frame Check Sequence (FCS) in HDLC frames?

Error detection Signup and view all the answers

What is the sub-layer of the Data Link Layer responsible for managing access to the physical network medium?

Media Access Control (MAC) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the MAC sub-layer?

Addressing, framing, and media access control Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a MAC address?

To assign a unique identifier to a network interface card or network adapter Signup and view all the answers

What is the frame structure composed of?

Source and destination MAC addresses, data payload, and error-checking information Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of access control mechanisms in the MAC sub-layer?

To manage how devices on a shared network medium access and transmit data Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of flow control mechanisms in some network technologies?

To prevent data overflow and ensure orderly communication Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Frame Check Sequence (FCS) in the MAC sub-layer?

To detect errors in transmitted data Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) and Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA)?

CSMA/CD is used in Ethernet networks, while CSMA/CA is used in wireless networks Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of controlled access over random access?

Controlled access provides more predictable access to the channel, reducing contention Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of channelization in multiple access protocols?

To divide a communication medium into multiple logical channels, allowing simultaneous communication Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of random access over controlled access?

Random access is simpler to implement and more flexible Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Data Link Layer

The Data Link Layer is the second layer in the OSI model and ensures error-free communication between directly connected devices over a specific link.
Key functions include:
- Providing reliable transmission of data frames between devices on the same network segment
- Ensuring error-free transfer of data frames between devices

Nodes and Links

Node: a device or point in a network where data can be generated, processed, or received
- Types of nodes:
  - End Devices: devices that are the source or destination of data in a network (e.g., computers, smartphones, printers, servers)
  - Intermediate Devices: devices that facilitate communication between end devices (e.g., routers, switches, bridges)
  - Networking Equipment: devices designed for networking tasks (e.g., hubs, repeaters, access points)
Link: a physical or logical connection between two nodes in a network
- Types of links:
  - Physical Links: actual physical connections (e.g., Ethernet cables, fiber-optic cables) or wireless connections (e.g., Wi-Fi, radio waves)
  - Logical Links: virtual connections established over a physical medium (e.g., networking protocols)

Data Link Layer Sub-Layers

Logical Link Control (LLC) Sub-Layer:
- Functionality: establishes, maintains, and terminates logical links between devices
- Handles flow control, error checking, and synchronization
- Provides a common interface to the Network Layer
Media Access Control (MAC) Sub-Layer:
- Functionality: controls access to the physical network medium and manages addressing of frames
- Assigns unique Media Access Control (MAC) addresses to each network interface card (NIC)

Error Detection and Correction

Error detection and correction are crucial in data communication and storage systems
Techniques used:
- Block Coding: dividing data into fixed-size blocks and adding redundant bits (parity bits) to each block
- Cyclic Codes: a type of linear block code with a circular structure
- Checksum: a simple error-detection technique that adds a value (checksum) to the data being transmitted
- Forward Error Correction (FEC): adds redundancy to transmitted data to enable error correction without retransmission

Data Link Control (DLC)

Services and protocols provided by the Data Link Layer
Includes framing, addressing, flow control, error detection, and access control

Data-Link Layer Protocol

Examples of Data-Link Layer protocols:
- High-Level Data Link Control (HDLC): a bit-oriented protocol for communication over point-to-point and multipoint links
- Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP): a protocol for establishing and managing point-to-point connections

Point-to-Point (P2P)

Definition: a communication scenario where data is exchanged directly between two endpoints without intermediate devices
Characteristics:
- Dedicated Link: point-to-point connections often involve a dedicated communication link between the sender and receiver
- Bi-Directional or Uni-Directional: communication link may support data transmission in both directions or only one direction
Applications:
- Dial-up Connections: establishing a direct link between a user's computer and an internet service provider (ISP) using a modem and a phone line
- Leased Lines: dedicated communication links leased from a service provider for secure and reliable data transfer
- Backhaul Connections: connecting remote sites or cell towers to a central network hub for data transmission

Media Access Control (MAC)

Definition: a sub-layer of the Data Link Layer responsible for managing access to the physical network medium and controlling the addressing of frames
Functions:
- Addressing: every network interface card (NIC) or network adapter has a unique MAC address
- Framing: the MAC sub-layer frames data received from the Network Layer into frames that can be transmitted over the network medium
- Media Access Control: implements access control mechanisms to manage how devices on a shared network medium access and transmit data

Random Access and Controlled Access

Random Access: a type of multiple access protocol where devices contend for access to the communication medium without a predefined order
Controlled Access: a method where devices follow a predetermined order or obtain permission before transmitting data
Examples:
- Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) used in Ethernet networks
- Polling and Token Passing

Channelization

Definition: dividing a communication medium into multiple logical channels, allowing different devices or signals to use separate frequencies, time slots, or code sequences
Examples:
- Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA)
- Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA)
- Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)

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Description

Learn about the Data Link Layer, the second layer in the OSI model, and its role in providing error-free communication between devices on the same network segment. Understand the key functions of this layer.

Computer Networks: Data Link Layer

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