Internet Fundamentals Quiz & Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the Internet composed of?

Small local networks only

One large global network

Millions of interconnected networks (correct)

Computer networks only

What does the Internet Service Provider (ISP) provide when you buy an internet connection?

A free trial period

A specific internet connection speed (correct)

A one-time setup fee

A fixed amount of data to use

What does bandwidth refer to in an internet connection?

The actual speed you get in your everyday use

The average speed you get in ideal conditions

The speed guaranteed by your ISP

The maximum capacity of an internet connection (correct)

Why is the actual speed (throughput) often lower than the maximum bandwidth?

Due to internet traffic Signup and view all the answers

What is latency in the context of internet networks?

The time it takes for data to travel from its source to its destination Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of lower latency on communication?

It indicates faster data transmission and more responsive communication. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Wi-Fi have more latency compared to a wired Ethernet connection?

Due to the susceptibility to radio interference Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of having too many applications open at the same time while surfing the internet?

It makes the internet surfing experience slower Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of compressing data in improving internet connection?

It allows an internet connection to send more information in the same time Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of Fiber Optics internet?

It's known for its exceptionally high-speed capabilities and reliability Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of cable networks in terms of data distribution?

Efficient data distribution to a large number of customers Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a splitter in a cable connection?

To route the signal to the television or cable box and the cable modem simultaneously Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of repeaters in fiber-optic cables?

To propel the light pulses farther down the fiber Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between single-mode and multi-mode fibers?

Single-mode fibers have a smaller core, while multi-mode fibers have a larger bandwidth Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a cellular network?

To transmit and receive voice signals using radio waves Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a SIM card in a mobile network?

To store identification information and connect to a specific mobile network Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between 1G and 2G networks?

2G improved security and enabled transmission of text messages Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the MTSO in a mobile network?

To store data for mobile SIM cards and connect to many mobile towers Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of the 4G network over the 3G network?

4G is five times faster than 3G Signup and view all the answers

How do mobile phones connect to a mobile network?

By using a SIM card to connect to the mobile network Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the physical layer in the sending node?

Encodes the packets into a suitable medium Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the session layer in the receiving node?

Holds the parts of the message until it is complete and sends it to the next layer Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of DSL internet connections?

An 'always-on' connection that allows simultaneous internet access and phone use Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of a DSL splitter?

To separate voice and data signals on a telephone line Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a router in the Internet?

To inspect the request and determine the best path to the destination Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of VDSL over traditional ADSL?

Higher data transfer rates Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a repeater in networking?

To receive weak or low-power signals, amplify them, and retransmit them Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the data-link layer in the receiving node?

Recalculates the checksum, confirms arrival, and logs in the packets Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between downstream and upstream speeds in cable connections?

Downstream speeds are faster for receiving data Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a cable modem in a cable connection?

To modulate and demodulate signals for digital data transmission Signup and view all the answers

What is the sequence of events when a request is sent over the Internet?

Packets are created, then routed, then sent to the destination, then received and reassembled Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a bridge in networking?

To link LANs so that data from one network can pass through another network Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the network layer in the receiving node?

Recounts incoming packets for security Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a hub in networking?

To link groups of networks so that devices can talk to each other Signup and view all the answers

What is the final step in the process of receiving a message over the Internet?

The message is handed over to the recipient in its original form Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Application Layer?

To provide network services directly to end-user applications. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the checksum tests in the Transport Layer?

To determine whether the data was scrambled during transmission. Signup and view all the answers

Which layer is responsible for selecting a route for the message?

Network Layer Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the Session Layer?

To establish, manage, and terminate the connections between the local and remote application. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the Data Link Layer?

To supervise the transmission of the data and confirm the checksum. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Internet Overview

The Internet is a vast global network of interconnected computers, allowing for data exchange among millions of networks.
Internet connections may vary in speed, typically measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps).

Internet Speed, Bandwidth, and Throughput

Bandwidth is the maximum speed of an internet connection, affecting data transmission time.
Throughput represents the actual speed experienced during use, often impacted by network congestion.
Latency, the delay in data travel, is vital for real-time applications and can be influenced by distance, network congestion, and technology used.

Factors Affecting Internet Performance

Wireless connections typically have higher latency compared to wired connections.
Malware can hinder network performance and steal data processing time.
Application overload occurs when too many applications compete for system resources.
Weather, interference, and traffic loads can contribute to data delays and slow connections.

Boosting Internet Bandwidth

Data compression (e.g., zipping files) maximizes the amount of information transmitted.
Reducing data size (e.g., using lower-resolution images) can optimize bandwidth use.
Increasing frequency and reducing latency can enhance network performance.
Caching frequently used data allows quicker access when needed.
Upgrading hardware such as routers or optimizing their placement can improve performance.

Types of Internet Connections

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line): Utilizes traditional copper phone lines, offering simultaneous internet use and voice communication.
Cable: Uses existing cable TV infrastructure, commonly providing higher speeds than DSL.
Fiber Optics: Employs glass or plastic strands to transmit data as light pulses, leading to higher reliability and speed.

Cable Internet Dynamics

Cable networks operate on a shared bandwidth model, where multiple users access the same signal, potentially leading to congestion.
Splitters route the internet signal from the cable modem while allowing access to TV content.
Cache memory in cable systems speeds up access to commonly visited websites.

Fiber Optics Explained

Optical fibers transmit data as light pulses, with encoding and transmission handled by specialized components.
Signal quality over long distances is maintained through the use of repeaters.
Types include single-mode fibers, for longer distances with less interference, and multi-mode fibers for shorter distances.

Cellular Networks and Communication

Cellular networks utilize radio signals divided into hexagonal cells, equipped with base stations for coverage.
SIM cards store identification information for connecting devices to mobile networks.
The Mobile Switching Center controls and manages data for cellular communications.

Generational Evolution of Cellular Technology

1G: Analog systems limited to voice calls, first introduced in the late 1970s.
2G: Introduced in the late 1980s, enhancing voice quality and enabling SMS.
3G: Marked by faster data transmission, allowing for multimedia services and internet browsing.
4G: Offers significantly faster speeds than 3G, improving latency and enabling extensive online services.
5G: Represents the latest generation, supporting ultra-fast internet connections suitable for various high-demand applications.

DSL Technology Insights

DSL enables high-speed internet via existing telephone lines, offering an "always-on" experience without dialing in.
ADSL allows for higher download speeds compared to uploads, making it ideal for most user needs.
Variants like VDSL and RADSL cater to different bandwidth and stability requirements.### Seven Layers of Network Communication
The communication between networks involves a layered model ensuring data integrity and accurate delivery.
Physical Layer: Encodes packets into a suitable format for the transmission medium, similar to putting a letter in an envelope for postal delivery.
At the receiving end, the physical layer reconverts the received signals back into bits.

Layer Process at Receiving Node

Data-link Layer: Validates data integrity by recalculating checksums and confirming the arrival of packets.
Network Layer: Monitors incoming packets for security purposes and counts them.
Transport Layer: Reassembles message segments and recalculates the checksum for data verification.
Session Layer: Manages ongoing communication sessions, ensuring parts of the message are held until complete.
Presentation Layer: Decrypts, expands, and converts data into a readable format.
Application Layer: Identifies the recipient application and converts bits to a user-readable format.

Internet Connectivity

Devices connect to the Internet via a local area network (LAN), typically through cable or DSL modem connections.
Requests for data travel through a hierarchy of networks and may require routing through routers, devices that determine optimal paths for data transmission.

Packet Transmission Process

Packets encompass not only the data but also addresses, error-checking, and additional information to ensure successful delivery.
Along transmission paths, requests can pass through repeaters, hubs, bridges, and gateways.

Network Devices

Repeaters: Strengthen weak signals, allowing longer transmission distances.
Hubs: Connect multiple networks enabling communication between devices on different networks.
Bridges: Facilitate data transfer across different LANs.
Gateways: Translate data between various network types, similar to bridges but more versatile.

Importance of Network Layers

Each layer in the network communication process has specific functions to enhance reliability and security:
- Application Layer: Interfaces with software applications and provides essential network services.
- Presentation Layer: Ensures compatible data formatting and may involve data compression and encryption.
- Session Layer: Manages sessions and handles authentication to verify devices involved in communication.
- Transport Layer: Segments and checks data, creating backups to ensure no loss during transmission.
- Network Layer: Determines routing and packet formation for effective delivery.
- Data-link Layer: Oversees the transmission of packets, retaining copies until confirmation of successful delivery is obtained.

Impact of Network Improvements

Enhanced network speed, low latency, and vast capacity have fueled trends like smart cities, healthcare innovations, IoT applications in homes, offices, and connected vehicles.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the basics of the internet, including its definition, speed, and service providers. Learn how the internet is structured and how ISPs provide connectivity. Assess your understanding of the global network of interconnected computers and computer networks.

Internet Fundamentals