Computer Networks Overview Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What defines a computer network?

A single computing device that can operate independently.

A group of computing devices solely for data storage.

Two or more computing devices connected to exchange information. (correct)

Multiple devices functioning without any physical connections.

Which of the following is NOT an objective of computer networks?

User isolation from centralized databases. (correct)

Facilitating interprocess communication.

Providing high reliability through alternate routes.

Centralized control for distributed systems.

How can a network maintain reliability?

By using only wired connections for greater stability.

Through constant monitoring without redundancy.

By having multiple processors capable of taking over if one fails. (correct)

By eliminating all backup systems to reduce complexity.

What is called when processing is distributed among multiple nodes in a network?

Distributed processing. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a benefit of using computer networks?

Enhanced access for geographically challenged individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What advantage does a software firm gain by allowing remote login to its program over a network?

Access to the software without physical distribution issues. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of having centralized control in distributed systems?

It facilitates consistent monitoring and management of resources. Signup and view all the answers

Which connection methods can be used in a computer network?

Either wired or wireless technologies. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main advantages of e-commerce for customers?

Ability to shop from anywhere Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of a Local Area Network (LAN)?

Typically owned and managed by a single entity Signup and view all the answers

Which technology allows for remote meetings where participants can see and hear each other?

Videoconferencing Signup and view all the answers

What type of content can be delivered through electronic mail (email)?

Text, audio, and video Signup and view all the answers

Which factor primarily distinguishes a Local Area Network (LAN) from a Wide Area Network (WAN)?

Range of geographical coverage Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a feature of telemedicine?

In-person consultations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a feature of online digital libraries?

Collection of books, journals, and conference proceedings Signup and view all the answers

What function do routers and switches serve in a Local Area Network (LAN)?

Manage the flow of data traffic Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of bus topology?

A failure in one PC can shut down the whole network Signup and view all the answers

Which topology is noted for its ease of troubleshooting?

Star topology Signup and view all the answers

What happens in a ring topology if a single node fails?

The whole network fails Signup and view all the answers

What significant role does the central hub play in a star topology?

It facilitates centralized monitoring and managing. Signup and view all the answers

In which topology is bandwidth shared among all devices?

Ring topology Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant drawback of a central hub failure in a star topology?

Total network failure occurs. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of mesh topology involves every node being connected to every other node?

Full mesh topology Signup and view all the answers

What is required in a bus topology to manage conflicts when multiple machines try to transmit?

An arbitration mechanism Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a WAN?

To connect LANs over large geographical areas. Signup and view all the answers

Which devices are commonly used in a WAN?

Routers and modems Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical diameter range of a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)?

10 to 50 kilometers Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes network topology?

The physical configuration and connectivity of the network. Signup and view all the answers

What type of communication allows data transmission from one device to another without any response from the receiving device?

Simplex Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the major goals of establishing a network topology?

Providing alternative routes in case of node failure. Signup and view all the answers

Which casting method sends data to a single specific recipient?

Unicast Signup and view all the answers

How is a WAN fundamentally different from a LAN?

A WAN covers larger geographical areas than a LAN. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum diameter that a WAN can span?

10,000 kilometers Signup and view all the answers

In a hybrid topology, which two topologies are combined to create a tree topology?

Bus and Mesh Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinguishing feature of Full-Duplex communication?

Simultaneous sending and receiving of data. Signup and view all the answers

What type of network provides communication and data sharing over large distances?

WAN Signup and view all the answers

Which method of casting is designed to send data to a group of subscribed devices?

Multicast Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Half-Duplex communication?

One party transmits while the other party listens, then they switch. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about Limited Broadcast in terms of data transmission?

Sends data only to a specific number of devices. Signup and view all the answers

Which topology features nodes connected only to the ones they interact with most?

Partial Mesh Topology Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Computer Networking

A computer network connects two or more devices to exchange information and share resources. Connections can use copper wire, telephone lines, lasers, radio waves, satellites, or infrared light beams.

Lecture Outline

What is a computer network?
Objectives of networks
Uses of computer networks
Network types: LAN, MAN, WAN
Network topology
Casting
Transmission modes

Objectives of Networks

Sharing resources (databases, CPUs)
Interprocess communication (between users and processors)
Interactive sessions between geographically separated users
High reliability through alternative sources of supply (if one processor fails, another can take over, etc.). If one link fails, another route can be used.
Distributing processing functions (e.g., one node translates, another processes and formats data).
Centralized control for geographically distributed systems (e.g., inventory management, handling accounts in finance).

Uses of Computer Networks

Software firms can provide access to their programs over a network (important if program is large, machine-dependent, or embedded in libraries).
Networks provide equal access to services, regardless of geographic location.
Networks allow for national or international access to services, such as universities and telemedicine.
E-commerce (online shopping, ordering, etc.).
Access to financial institutions (online banking, bill pay, investment management).
Personalized online newspapers (picking specific topics, storing articles locally).
Online libraries for journals, books, and conference proceedings.
Electronic mail (email).
Videoconferencing for communication across distances (shared virtual blackboards).

Network Types: LAN – MAN – WAN

LAN (Local Area Network)

Connects devices within a limited geographical area (e.g., home, school, office).
No central computer needed; each computer plays a similar role.
Can span up to 1 km in radius.
Uses devices like routers, switches, hubs, repeaters, and bridges.
High-bandwidth media and multi-access are used.
Enables communication, file transfer, etc.
Can connect to other LANs or WANs.

MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)

Connects two or more LANs in a geographic area like a city or group of buildings.
Can span from 5 to 50 kilometers.
Not usually owned by a single organization, but associations of users or a single network provider.
Users share resources in a larger area compared to LAN.

WAN (Wide Area Network)

connects larger geographical areas (states, countries, continents).
Often used to span long distances, and the internet is a WAN.
Ownership and management is distributed over several locations.
Uses routers, communication servers, and modems.
Allows full-time and part-time connectivity over different interfaces.
Provides access to computers or file servers outside the network's immediate area.

Network Topology

Network configuration; how devices connect to each other in a network.
Three main goals of a network topology:
- Maximum reliability
- Least cost path routing for network traffic.
- Best possible response time and throughput for users.

Bus Topology

Each device connects directly to a common cable.
One machine acts as the master at a time for transmission.
Conflicts may arise if two machines transmit simultaneously.
Troubleshooting can be difficult if one device fails because the entire network can shut down.

Ring Topology

Devices are connected in a circular pattern.
Packets travel until they reach their destination.
Easily modified by adding or removing devices.
Bandwidth must be shared amongst all devices.
Entire network may go down if a single node fails.

Star Topology

Each device has dedicated wires connecting to the central hub.
Hub is the central point of all traffic.
Enables network troubleshooting, and gathers network statistics from the central point.
Network failure may occur if the central hub fails.
Costly to cable as all cable runs must be connected to a single hub or central point.

Mesh Topology

Two types: full mesh (every device connects to every other device) and partial mesh (only connections exist to other devices it commonly interacts with).
Used in hybrid topologies.
Example is the Tree topology combining a bus and a mesh topology.

Casting

Data transmission from a source to a destination.
Three types:
- Unicast (one-to-one): data to a single recipient
- Broadcast (one-to-all): data to all devices in a network.
- Multicast (one-to-many): data to a specific group of subscribers.

Transmission Modes

Simplex

One-way communication.
Information is sent from one device to another but the receiver cannot send back information. (e.g., TV, Radio Broadcast.)

Half-Duplex

Two-way but only one device can send at a time (e.g., walkie-talkie).
Devices take turns transmitting.

Full-Duplex

Two-way communication where both devices can send and receive simultaneously. (e.g., phone call, video conferencing).

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Description

Test your knowledge on the fundamental concepts of computer networks. This quiz covers topics such as network objectives, reliability, communication methods, and the advantages of LANs and WANs. Evaluate your understanding of how computer networks function and their significance in modern technology.