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Questions and Answers
What distinguishes a computer network from a distributed system?
What distinguishes a computer network from a distributed system?
Which statement about the nature of connection in computer networks is true?
Which statement about the nature of connection in computer networks is true?
How do users interact with machines in a computer network compared to a distributed system?
How do users interact with machines in a computer network compared to a distributed system?
What role does middleware play in a distributed system?
What role does middleware play in a distributed system?
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Which of the following examples best represents a distributed system?
Which of the following examples best represents a distributed system?
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Which network type is likely to utilize a single technology for device connection?
Which network type is likely to utilize a single technology for device connection?
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What can be said about the user experience in a computer network?
What can be said about the user experience in a computer network?
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What feature is NOT typically associated with a distributed system?
What feature is NOT typically associated with a distributed system?
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What primarily differentiates a network from a distributed system?
What primarily differentiates a network from a distributed system?
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Which of the following best describes the client-server model?
Which of the following best describes the client-server model?
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What is one of the primary benefits of setting up a computer network for businesses?
What is one of the primary benefits of setting up a computer network for businesses?
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Which of the following is NOT typically a goal of setting up a computer network?
Which of the following is NOT typically a goal of setting up a computer network?
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Which application can be classified as one of the home applications of computer networks?
Which application can be classified as one of the home applications of computer networks?
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What role does the server play in the client-server communication process?
What role does the server play in the client-server communication process?
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E-Commerce is expected to grow quickly as it provides which advantage to customers?
E-Commerce is expected to grow quickly as it provides which advantage to customers?
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In what context is the client-server model applicable?
In what context is the client-server model applicable?
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What is a significant use of computer networks for mobile users?
What is a significant use of computer networks for mobile users?
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Which type of communication is enhanced by using computer networks in businesses?
Which type of communication is enhanced by using computer networks in businesses?
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Which of the following is NOT a goal of computer networks?
Which of the following is NOT a goal of computer networks?
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What is a distinguishing feature of a 'Star Configuration' in network topology?
What is a distinguishing feature of a 'Star Configuration' in network topology?
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How does implementing a firewall contribute to network security?
How does implementing a firewall contribute to network security?
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Which of the following is a correct description of a 'Mesh Configuration'?
Which of the following is a correct description of a 'Mesh Configuration'?
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What is the purpose of multicasting in a broadcast network?
What is the purpose of multicasting in a broadcast network?
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What action is suggested to avoid unauthorized access to a network when it is not in use?
What action is suggested to avoid unauthorized access to a network when it is not in use?
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Which configuration is described as using a central processor that acts as the root and connects to multiple remote concentrators?
Which configuration is described as using a central processor that acts as the root and connects to multiple remote concentrators?
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What type of technology does a broadcast link utilize?
What type of technology does a broadcast link utilize?
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What characterizes a simplex connection?
What characterizes a simplex connection?
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What is a common method to secure data on a network?
What is a common method to secure data on a network?
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Which topology has interconnections that allow for multiple pathways for data?
Which topology has interconnections that allow for multiple pathways for data?
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Which of the following best describes a half duplex connection?
Which of the following best describes a half duplex connection?
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What is a key characteristic of a distributed network?
What is a key characteristic of a distributed network?
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Which factor is NOT included in network criteria?
Which factor is NOT included in network criteria?
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Why is network flexibility important during design?
Why is network flexibility important during design?
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How is network performance primarily measured?
How is network performance primarily measured?
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What does network reliability mainly depend on?
What does network reliability mainly depend on?
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What role does network management software play in distributed networks?
What role does network management software play in distributed networks?
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What defines a full duplex connection?
What defines a full duplex connection?
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Which is a common challenge faced in maintaining network performance?
Which is a common challenge faced in maintaining network performance?
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What distinguishes peer-to-peer communication from the client-server model?
What distinguishes peer-to-peer communication from the client-server model?
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Which application is considered a 'killer application' in the interactive entertainment sector?
Which application is considered a 'killer application' in the interactive entertainment sector?
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How can electronic commerce enhance home shopping experiences?
How can electronic commerce enhance home shopping experiences?
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What is one benefit of wireless parking meters for city governments?
What is one benefit of wireless parking meters for city governments?
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What technological advancement is transforming utility meter reading?
What technological advancement is transforming utility meter reading?
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Which of the following is a potential social issue that networks could introduce?
Which of the following is a potential social issue that networks could introduce?
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What distinguishes the interactive entertainment category from other types of communication?
What distinguishes the interactive entertainment category from other types of communication?
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What factor is contributing to the growth of the mobile computer segment?
What factor is contributing to the growth of the mobile computer segment?
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Which of the following describes a feature of peer-to-peer communication?
Which of the following describes a feature of peer-to-peer communication?
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What is a key aspect of future predictions for video on demand?
What is a key aspect of future predictions for video on demand?
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What is the primary purpose of a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)?
What is the primary purpose of a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)?
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Which of the following best describes a Wide Area Network (WAN)?
Which of the following best describes a Wide Area Network (WAN)?
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What is the role of switching elements in a WAN?
What is the role of switching elements in a WAN?
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What distinguishes a store-and-forward subnet in a WAN?
What distinguishes a store-and-forward subnet in a WAN?
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What are the components of the communication subnet of a WAN?
What are the components of the communication subnet of a WAN?
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How is data transferred across a WAN?
How is data transferred across a WAN?
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Which device is commonly used as a connecting element in both MAN and WAN?
Which device is commonly used as a connecting element in both MAN and WAN?
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What is a characteristic of transmission lines in a WAN?
What is a characteristic of transmission lines in a WAN?
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What happens to packets when they reach an intermediate router in a WAN?
What happens to packets when they reach an intermediate router in a WAN?
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What does a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) typically cover?
What does a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) typically cover?
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What characterizes multicasting in network communications?
What characterizes multicasting in network communications?
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Which of the following best describes point-to-point networks?
Which of the following best describes point-to-point networks?
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What primary factors define a Local Area Network (LAN)?
What primary factors define a Local Area Network (LAN)?
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What is a common arbitration mechanism used in bus topology networks?
What is a common arbitration mechanism used in bus topology networks?
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What is the operational speed range for traditional Local Area Networks?
What is the operational speed range for traditional Local Area Networks?
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Which statement accurately describes ring topology in LANs?
Which statement accurately describes ring topology in LANs?
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How does a metropolitan area network (MAN) typically function?
How does a metropolitan area network (MAN) typically function?
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What is the main difference between unicasting and multicasting?
What is the main difference between unicasting and multicasting?
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Which of the following is a feature of FDDI in networking?
Which of the following is a feature of FDDI in networking?
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What common technology does Ethernet use for LANs?
What common technology does Ethernet use for LANs?
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What is the primary function of a router in the Internet?
What is the primary function of a router in the Internet?
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Which protocol is responsible for specifying the packet format sent across the Internet?
Which protocol is responsible for specifying the packet format sent across the Internet?
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What is meant by the term 'bandwidth' in the context of communication links?
What is meant by the term 'bandwidth' in the context of communication links?
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What allows multiple end systems to share communication paths on the Internet?
What allows multiple end systems to share communication paths on the Internet?
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How do end systems access the Internet?
How do end systems access the Internet?
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What term is used to describe the path that a packet takes from one end system to another?
What term is used to describe the path that a packet takes from one end system to another?
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What type of ISPs provide Internet access to end users directly?
What type of ISPs provide Internet access to end users directly?
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What is the role of upper-tier ISPs in the Internet structure?
What is the role of upper-tier ISPs in the Internet structure?
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Which of the following statements is true regarding end systems?
Which of the following statements is true regarding end systems?
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What is the basic concept behind packet switching?
What is the basic concept behind packet switching?
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What is the role of a routing algorithm in a network?
What is the role of a routing algorithm in a network?
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Which individual is recognized for first conceptualizing a networked library system?
Which individual is recognized for first conceptualizing a networked library system?
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What was the significant outcome of the 1956 Dartmouth Artificial Intelligence conference?
What was the significant outcome of the 1956 Dartmouth Artificial Intelligence conference?
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What is the primary function of the Interface Message Processor developed for ARPANET?
What is the primary function of the Interface Message Processor developed for ARPANET?
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When did the ARPANET transition to using TCP/IP protocol?
When did the ARPANET transition to using TCP/IP protocol?
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Which event triggered the formation of the ARPA agency?
Which event triggered the formation of the ARPA agency?
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What concept did Marshall McLuhan popularize regarding technology and society?
What concept did Marshall McLuhan popularize regarding technology and society?
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What event marked the beginning of the Internet as a global network in the 1990s?
What event marked the beginning of the Internet as a global network in the 1990s?
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What was the first networking protocol used on the ARPANET?
What was the first networking protocol used on the ARPANET?
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How did the NSF contribute to the popularization of the Internet?
How did the NSF contribute to the popularization of the Internet?
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What defines how communication occurs between layers in a network?
What defines how communication occurs between layers in a network?
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What is the role of an interface in the context of network layers?
What is the role of an interface in the context of network layers?
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How does layer 3 manage message sizes in network communication?
How does layer 3 manage message sizes in network communication?
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What is meant by 'clean interfaces' between network layers?
What is meant by 'clean interfaces' between network layers?
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What does a protocol stack consist of?
What does a protocol stack consist of?
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What happens to headers as a message moves upward through the network layers?
What happens to headers as a message moves upward through the network layers?
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What is the main function of layer 2 in the data communication process?
What is the main function of layer 2 in the data communication process?
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Why is it necessary for network architectures to have defined specifications?
Why is it necessary for network architectures to have defined specifications?
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What is a significant advantage of having different implementations for the same layer protocol?
What is a significant advantage of having different implementations for the same layer protocol?
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Which layer is responsible for determining the routes packets take within the network?
Which layer is responsible for determining the routes packets take within the network?
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What is the primary purpose of addressing in computer networks?
What is the primary purpose of addressing in computer networks?
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Which design issue in networking addresses the problem of maintaining the order of messages?
Which design issue in networking addresses the problem of maintaining the order of messages?
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Flow control in network communication aims to achieve which of the following?
Flow control in network communication aims to achieve which of the following?
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What is multiplexing in the context of computer networks?
What is multiplexing in the context of computer networks?
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In a connection-oriented service, what is the first action a user must take?
In a connection-oriented service, what is the first action a user must take?
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When a network has multiple paths available, what is the process of choosing a specific route called?
When a network has multiple paths available, what is the process of choosing a specific route called?
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Which of the following best describes a challenge associated with error control in networking?
Which of the following best describes a challenge associated with error control in networking?
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Which aspect is NOT typically a focus of flow control mechanisms in networking?
Which aspect is NOT typically a focus of flow control mechanisms in networking?
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What determines the logical channels in data transfer within a network?
What determines the logical channels in data transfer within a network?
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Which statement is true regarding connectionless services?
Which statement is true regarding connectionless services?
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What is the primary function of firewalls in private networks?
What is the primary function of firewalls in private networks?
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Which of the following best describes the connection-oriented reliable service provided by the Internet?
Which of the following best describes the connection-oriented reliable service provided by the Internet?
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How many different RFCs are currently available as standards for the Internet?
How many different RFCs are currently available as standards for the Internet?
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What is the role of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF)?
What is the role of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF)?
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What is the significance of protocol hierarchies in network design?
What is the significance of protocol hierarchies in network design?
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What does the term 'intranet' refer to?
What does the term 'intranet' refer to?
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Which of the following statements is true about connectionless unreliable service?
Which of the following statements is true about connectionless unreliable service?
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Which approach was historically taken in designing computer networks?
Which approach was historically taken in designing computer networks?
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Which service does the Internet currently lack in terms of data delivery?
Which service does the Internet currently lack in terms of data delivery?
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What does each layer of a network's protocol hierarchy provide to the layer above it?
What does each layer of a network's protocol hierarchy provide to the layer above it?
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What is a key characteristic of connection-oriented service?
What is a key characteristic of connection-oriented service?
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Which of the following best describes connectionless service?
Which of the following best describes connectionless service?
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What typically distinguishes reliable connection-oriented service from unreliable services?
What typically distinguishes reliable connection-oriented service from unreliable services?
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Which scenario is most appropriate for using a reliable connection-oriented service?
Which scenario is most appropriate for using a reliable connection-oriented service?
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What is one downside of incorporating acknowledgment in message delivery?
What is one downside of incorporating acknowledgment in message delivery?
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In what scenario is connectionless service generally preferred?
In what scenario is connectionless service generally preferred?
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Which type of service is often termed as 'datagram service'?
Which type of service is often termed as 'datagram service'?
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How does a reliable connection-oriented service manage message boundaries?
How does a reliable connection-oriented service manage message boundaries?
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What is a key requirement for connection-oriented services?
What is a key requirement for connection-oriented services?
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Which application might not require a reliable service?
Which application might not require a reliable service?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Computer Networks
- A computer network is a collection of interconnected computing hardware devices facilitating communication and resource sharing.
- Interconnections can occur through various mediums: copper wires, fiber optics, microwaves, infrared, or communication satellites.
- Networks are categorized by size and scope: Local Area Network (LAN), Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), and Wide Area Network (WAN).
- Key difference between a computer network and a distributed system: a distributed system presents itself as a single coherent system to users, while a computer network exposes actual machines.
Uses of Computer Networks
- Business Applications: Focus on resource sharing, like accessing databases remotely from client machines to servers, forming the client-server model.
- Home Applications: Include accessing remote information, person-to-person communication, and e-commerce.
- Mobile Users: Wireless technology enables connection for mobile devices, enhancing functionalities like wireless parking meters and smart utility meters.
- Social Issues: Networking can raise ethical and social concerns, particularly around communication platforms like newsgroups and bulletin boards.
Direction of Data Flow
- Simplex: One-way communication, e.g., an optical fiber where data flows in a single direction.
- Half Duplex: Two-way communication, but one direction at a time, e.g., a single railroad track.
- Full Duplex: Simultaneous two-way communication, e.g., a two-lane road.
Networks
Distributed Processing
- A distributed network comprises various networks that can be managed jointly or separately, distributing processing and data communication.
- Operates under a client/server architecture where a central server provides resources for multiple remote users.
Network Criteria
- Network Performance: Important for achieving desired functionality; affected by the number of users and type of transmission medium.
- Network Reliability: Measured by failure frequency, recovery time from failures, and protection from disasters.
- Network Security: Essential for safeguarding against viruses and unauthorized access; measures include antivirus software and firewalls.
Goals of Computer Network
- Resource Sharing: Ensures data and equipment are available regardless of location.
- High Reliability: Enables replication of files on multiple machines to ensure availability.
- Cost Savings: Allows centralized data storage on shared file server machines leading to economic efficiencies.
- Increased System Performance: Can improve by adding processors as workloads grow.
Different Types of Network Topologies
- Star Configuration: Central processor connected to multiple terminals.
- Tree Configuration: Hierarchical structure with central and remote concentrators.
- Ring Configuration: Connects terminals in a loop, allowing data to travel in either direction.
- Mesh Configuration: Fully interconnected remote concentrators with a central processor.
- Bus Configuration: Linear connection where only one machine can send data at a time.
Categories of Network Hardware
- Broadcast Links: Single communication channel shared by all machines; allows messages to be sent to all or a subgroup (multicasting).
- Point-to-Point Links: Direct connections between individual pairs of machines; often more common in larger networks.
Local Area Networks (LANs)
- LANs are privately owned networks restricted in size, typically within a building or campus, mainly for sharing resources and information exchange.
- Characterized by their transmission technology, architecture, and size, with speeds ranging from 10 Mbps to 10 Gbps in newer models.### Network Types and Topologies
- Line speeds measured in megabits/sec (1 Mbps = 1,000,000 bits/sec) and gigabits/sec (1 Gbps = 1,000,000,000 bits/sec).
- Bus topology allows only one machine to transmit at a time; requires an arbitration mechanism to resolve conflicts.
- IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet) operates at speeds of 10 Mbps to 10 Gbps and features decentralized control, allowing computers to retransmit after collisions.
- Ring topology has each bit traveling independently, with methods like token passing to manage access.
- IEEE 802.5 (IBM token ring) operates at 4 and 16 Mbps.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
- Covers city-wide areas, connecting multiple LANs for shared resources and services.
- MANs may be privately owned or provided by public companies.
- Typical examples include cable television networks that evolved from community antenna systems.
- Geographical coverage can range from several blocks to entire cities (up to 50 km).
Wide Area Network (WAN)
- Spans large geographical areas like countries or continents, composed of hosts connected by a communication subnet.
- Hosts owned by customers; subnet typically owned by phone companies or ISPs.
- Subnet comprises transmission lines (copper wire, fiber optics) and switching elements (routers).
- Packets transmitted between hosts follow a store-and-forward method, which involves stopping and routing at intermediate routers.
- Packet-switching technology allows multiple communications to share routes non-dedicated paths.
History of the Internet
- Conceptual development driven by individuals like Vannevar Bush, Norbert Wiener, and events like the 1956 Dartmouth conference.
- ARPANET launched in 1969 with the first protocols established for communication.
- TCP/IP protocol replaced early protocols in 1983, becoming the global standard for networking.
- Growth accelerated in the 1990s, leading to the transfer of management from government to independent organizations in 1995.
Current State of the Internet
- The Internet is a global network enabling communication and access to resources via different types of devices (PCs, mobile devices, appliances).
- Access through Internet Service Providers (ISPs) who connect end systems using various bandwidth methods (dial-up, broadband, etc.).
- Routers play a crucial role, forwarding packets across the network based on routing algorithms.
- The Internet employs packet-switching to efficiently manage multiple communications over shared paths.
Internet Protocol Standards
- The Internet operates using protocols like TCP and IP, which define packet formats and manage data transmission.
- Standards are maintained by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) via RFCs (Request for Comments), establishing protocols for data handling.
- The Internet provides connection-oriented reliable service and connectionless unreliable service for application communications.
- Private networks (intranets) utilize similar protocols and structures as the public Internet but are restricted in communication with external hosts.
Network Software Structure
- Network software is organized hierarchically in layers, each offering different services and abstraction from implementation details.
- Protocols define how communication proceeds between layers and devices, ensuring data is passed correctly through the network stack.
- Clear interfaces between layers facilitate the implementation and modification of network systems without altering services provided to higher layers.
- A network architecture comprises the arrangement and protocols of layers, crucial for building or programming each layer effectively.### Architecture and Protocols
- Implementation details and interface specifications are not included in system architecture; they are hidden within machines.
- Machines in a network can utilize different interfaces, as long as they adhere to the required protocols.
- A protocol stack consists of a list of protocols used by a system, one per layer of the network architecture.
- Layer 3 protocol limits message sizes, often requiring Layer 3 to divide larger messages into smaller packets with headers.
- At Layer 2, each packet receives additional headers and trailers before reaching Layer 1 for physical transmission.
- Received messages move upward through layers, stripping off headers without passing lower layers' headers to the higher ones.
Key Design Issues in Layers
- Addressing: Each layer requires a method for identifying senders and receivers; essential in networks with many computers and processes.
- Data Transfer: Protocols determine data directionality (one-way or two-way) and manage multiple logical channels for different data types.
- Error Control: Essential for communication accuracy; both ends must agree on error-detection/correction methods and maintain message order.
- Flow Control: Prevents fast senders from overwhelming slow receivers through feedback mechanisms or transmission rate limits.
- Multiplexing and Demultiplexing: Enables the handling of long messages by breaking them into smaller parts and combining smaller messages for efficiency.
- Routing: Involves selecting the best path for data across multiple options, influenced by high-level and low-level decisions.
Connection-Oriented vs Connectionless Services
-
Connection-Oriented Service:
- Modeled after telephone systems; requires a pre-established connection.
- Maintains the sequence of packets; messages are consistently delivered in the order sent.
- Often includes parameter negotiation regarding message size and quality of service.
-
Connectionless Service:
- Modeled after postal systems; each message has a complete address and operates independently.
- Does not guarantee the order of packet delivery; efficiency emphasized over reliability.
- Acknowledgements for reliable delivery increase overhead; suitable for applications like file transfer that require accuracy.
- Variants include message sequences (preserving message boundaries) and byte streams (no message boundaries).
- More appropriate for applications such as voice or video conferencing where delays are undesirable, but some data loss is acceptable.
Applications and Reliability Considerations
- Reliable connection-oriented services cater to applications requiring data integrity, like file transfers, while managing message boundaries.
- Connectionless services benefit users who need to send short messages without establishing a connection, trading off complete reliability.
- Datagram service refers to unreliable connectionless service, likening it to telegrams which do not require sender acknowledgements.
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Description
This quiz covers the basics of computer networks, focusing on the definition and functionality of networked systems. Explore the significance of interconnecting computers and the channels that facilitate communication and resource-sharing among users.