Computer Networks Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of a computer network?

To facilitate data exchange and communication. (correct)

To create isolated systems.

To connect computers for gaming.

To increase the speed of computers.

Which type of network is described as connecting computers within a small area such as an office?

Local Area Network (LAN) (correct)

Personal Area Network (PAN)

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

Wide Area Network (WAN)

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a Wide Area Network (WAN)?

Primarily connects devices in a single building. (correct)

Can span cities or countries.

Often uses leased telecommunications lines.

Covers large geographic areas.

What is the role of a router in a computer network?

Direct data between different networks. Signup and view all the answers

Which protocol ensures the reliable delivery of data packets across the internet?

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) Signup and view all the answers

What is an IP address primarily used for?

As a unique identifier for devices on a network. Signup and view all the answers

Which networking device acts as a security barrier that controls network traffic?

Firewall Signup and view all the answers

What key function does the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) serve?

To govern web communication. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) from other types of networks?

It connects networks within a city. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a wireless networking technology?

Bluetooth Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the Domain Name System (DNS)?

To translate human-friendly domain names into IP addresses Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes an IPv4 address?

32-bit address composed of four octets separated by periods Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common cyber threat?

DDoS attacks Signup and view all the answers

What security measure involves confirming a user's identity through two different methods?

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary disadvantage of using IPv4 over IPv6?

IPv4 is limited in availability due to its 32-bit structure Signup and view all the answers

What do malware and phishing have in common?

Both are intended to exploit or harm users Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of IPv6?

Limited to 256 possible addresses Signup and view all the answers

What best describes cloud computing?

Accessing and storing data online rather than locally Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following services is primarily used for digital communication?

Email Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of firewalls in network security?

To block unauthorized access while allowing legitimate traffic Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Computer Networks

A computer network is a group of interconnected computers and devices that communicate to share resources and data.
The purpose of computer networks is to facilitate data exchange and communication.
They enable resource sharing of items like printers, files, and internet connections.

Types of Computer Networks

Local Area Network (LAN): Connects computers within a small area, like an office, and is typically private.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): Connects networks within a city, often used by businesses or government.
Wide Area Network (WAN): Covers large geographical areas, using leased telecommunication lines. The internet is the largest WAN.
Wireless Networks: Networks like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are essential for mobile connectivity.

Networking Devices

Router: Directs data between networks, enabling internet access.
Switch: Connects devices within a network and filters data to the correct destination.
Modem: Converts digital data to analog signals for transmission over phone lines.
Access Point: Provides wireless connectivity within a network.
Firewall: A security device that controls network traffic to prevent unauthorized access.

Introduction to the Internet

The internet is a vast network connecting millions of private, public, academic, and business networks globally.
It originated from ARPANET in the 1960s and became commercialized in the 1990s.
Data is broken into packets and transmitted over networks, then reassembled on arrival.

Internet Protocols

Internet Protocol (IP): Manages addressing and routing of packets across networks.
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP): Ensures reliable delivery of packets across networks.
Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP/HTTPS): Governs web communication and security (HTTPS).
File Transfer Protocol (FTP): Used for transferring files over the internet.
Email Protocols (SMTP, POP3, IMAP): Manage sending and receiving emails.

IP Addresses and Domain Names

IP Address: A unique identifier assigned to each device on a network (e.g., 192.168.1.1).
Domain Name System (DNS): Translates human-friendly domain names (e.g., google.com) into IP addresses.
IPv4: 32-bit address, limited in availability, uses four octets separated by periods.
IPv6: 128-bit address, created to handle the expansion of internet-connected devices, uses hexadecimal characters.

Internet Services and Applications

World Wide Web (WWW): A collection of websites and web pages accessible via the internet.
Email: Digital communication via electronic mail services.
Cloud Computing: Accessing and storing data online rather than locally.
Social Media and Streaming Services: Platforms for interaction, entertainment, and sharing content.

Cybersecurity in Networking

Network Security: Protects data and resources from cyber threats.
Malware: Malicious software designed to damage or exploit devices.
Phishing: Fraudulent attempts to gather sensitive information.
Ransomware: Malware that encrypts data and demands a ransom.
DDoS: Overloads servers with traffic, causing a shutdown.
Security Measures: Use of firewalls, antivirus software, encryption, and two-factor authentication (2FA).

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamentals of computer networks, including their purpose and various types such as LAN, MAN, WAN, and wireless networks. It also discusses essential networking devices like routers and switches that facilitate data exchange and resource sharing. Test your knowledge of how different networks operate and their components.