Understanding Computer Networks

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Questions and Answers

Explain how a mesh network topology enhances network reliability compared to a star topology. Consider a scenario where a central node fails in a star network.

In a mesh topology, data can be rerouted through alternative paths if one path fails, whereas a failure in the central node of a star topology can cause complete network failure.

Describe the primary difference between symmetric and asymmetric encryption. Provide an example of a use case where asymmetric encryption is preferred.

Symmetric encryption uses the same key for encryption and decryption, while asymmetric encryption uses a pair of keys (public and private). Asymmetric encryption is preferred for securely exchanging keys or digital signatures over the internet.

How does a firewall protect a computer network from unauthorized access? Explain the basic principle behind its operation.

A firewall examines network traffic against a set of rules, blocking any traffic that does not meet the specified criteria. It acts as a barrier between a trusted internal network and an untrusted external network, like the internet.

What is the significance of a VPN (Virtual Private Network) in ensuring secure network communication, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks?

A VPN encrypts the user's internet traffic and routes it through a secure server, masking the IP address and preventing eavesdropping. This is important on public Wi-Fi where networks are less secure. Signup and view all the answers

Compare and contrast circuit switching and packet switching. Focus on their efficiency and suitability for different types of data transmission.

Circuit switching establishes a dedicated path for data transmission, suitable for real-time communication, while packet switching breaks data into packets and sends them independently, which is more efficient for data transmission. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the role of a router in a computer network. What function does it perform to ensure data reaches the correct destination?

A router directs data packets between different networks by analyzing the IP addresses in the packet headers and choosing the most efficient path to the destination network. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of bandwidth in the context of computer networks. How does it affect the performance of network applications?

Bandwidth refers to the amount of data that can be transmitted over a network connection in a given amount of time. Higher bandwidth allows for faster data transfer and better performance of network applications. Signup and view all the answers

Outline the main advantages and disadvantages of using cloud storage compared to traditional local storage.

Cloud storage offers scalability, accessibility, and data redundancy but depends on internet connectivity and raises concerns about data privacy and security. Local storage provides faster access and more control over data but requires physical space and maintenance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a MAC address? How does it differ from an IP address in identifying a device on a network?

A MAC address is a unique hardware identifier assigned to a network interface for device identification within a local network, while an IP address is a logical address used for routing data across different networks. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the role of DNS (Domain Name System) in the context of internet browsing. Why is it essential for accessing websites using domain names?

DNS translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses, which computers use to locate servers on the internet. Without DNS, users would need to remember and enter IP addresses to access websites. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the steps involved in the TCP/IP three-way handshake process. Why is this process important for establishing a reliable connection?

The three-way handshake involves SYN, SYN-ACK, and ACK messages exchanged between client and server to establish a stable and reliable connection before data transfer. It ensures both parties are ready to communicate. Signup and view all the answers

How does network segmentation improve network security? Provide an example of a situation where network segmentation would be beneficial.

Network segmentation divides a network into smaller, isolated segments. If one segment is compromised, it limits the attacker's ability to access other parts of the network. This is beneficial in environments like hospitals, separating patient data from administrative networks. Signup and view all the answers

What are the key differences between IPv4 and IPv6? Why was IPv6 developed, and what advantages does it offer?

IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses, whereas IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses, providing a vastly larger address space. IPv6 was developed to address the limitations of IPv4, offering improved security features and addressing the issue of address exhaustion. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of Quality of Service (QoS) in networking. How does it ensure that certain types of network traffic receive priority over others?

QoS prioritizes certain types of network traffic based on predefined policies, ensuring that critical applications (e.g., video conferencing) receive sufficient bandwidth and low latency, even during network congestion. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the structure of a typical Ethernet frame. What are the main fields, and what purpose does each serve?

An Ethernet frame includes a preamble, destination MAC address, source MAC address, type/length field, data payload, and frame check sequence. These fields facilitate frame synchronization, addressing, protocol identification, data transmission, and error detection. Signup and view all the answers

Distinguish between the roles of a network switch and a network hub. How do their functionalities differ, and how does this affect network performance?

A hub broadcasts data to all connected devices, leading to collisions and reduced efficiency, while a switch forwards data only to the intended recipient, significantly improving network performance and reducing collisions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of subnetting in IP addressing? How does it help in managing and securing a network?

Subnetting divides a network into smaller subnetworks, improving network organization, security, and efficiency. It allows for better allocation of IP addresses and isolates network segments for enhanced security. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of network latency. What factors can contribute to high latency, and how does it impact network applications?

Network latency is the delay in data transfer between two points in a network. Factors like distance, network congestion, and processing delays can increase latency, negatively impacting real-time applications like online gaming. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a proxy server in a network? How can it enhance security and improve web browsing performance?

A proxy server acts as an intermediary between a client and a server, providing security by masking the client's IP address and improving performance by caching frequently accessed web content. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the main functions of the transport layer in the TCP/IP model. How does it ensure reliable data delivery?

The transport layer provides reliable data delivery through mechanisms like error detection, retransmission, and flow control. It also segments data into packets and reassembles them at the destination. Signup and view all the answers

How does wireless interference affect network performance in Wi-Fi networks? Provide examples of common sources of interference.

Wireless interference degrades Wi-Fi performance by corrupting data and reducing signal strength. Common sources include microwave ovens, Bluetooth devices, and other Wi-Fi networks operating on the same channel. Signup and view all the answers

What are the benefits of using fiber optic cables over copper cables in network communications. Consider speed, distance, and interference.

Fiber optic cables offer higher bandwidth, longer transmission distances, and immunity to electromagnetic interference compared to copper cables, making them suitable for high-speed, long-distance communication. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of load balancing in networking. How does it improve the availability and responsiveness of servers?

Load balancing distributes network traffic across multiple servers to prevent overload and ensure high availability. This improves responsiveness, reduces downtime, and provides a better user experience. Signup and view all the answers

How can Network Address Translation (NAT) enhance network security and conserve IP addresses? Describe the basic principle behind NAT.

NAT translates private IP addresses within a local network into a single public IP address for internet communication, hiding the internal network structure and conserving IPv4 addresses. This enhances security by masking internal IPs. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how a demilitarized zone (DMZ) is typically configured in a network. What types of servers are commonly placed in a DMZ, and why?

A DMZ is a network segment that sits between the internal network and the internet, hosting servers that need to be accessible from the outside (e.g., web servers, email servers). This isolates them from the internal network. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the role of an intrusion detection system (IDS) in network security. How does it differ from an intrusion prevention system (IPS)?

An IDS monitors network or system activities for malicious behavior and reports it, while an IPS actively attempts to block or prevent detected intrusions. IDS detects, IPS prevents. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks)? How do they improve network management and security?

VLANs logically segment a network into separate broadcast domains, improving network management by allowing administrators to group devices regardless of physical location and enhancing security by isolating traffic. Signup and view all the answers

How does the use of containers (e.g., Docker) impact network configuration and security in a modern data center environment?

Containers provide lightweight virtualization, allowing applications to run in isolated environments. This impacts network configuration by requiring careful management of network namespaces and security policies to isolate container traffic and prevent breaches between containers or the host system. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the purpose and function of a reverse proxy server, contrasting it with a forward proxy server.

A forward proxy protects clients by acting as an intermediary for requests to external servers, while a reverse proxy protects servers by handling requests from clients, often used for load balancing and security. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is a network?

A group of interconnected computers or devices that can communicate with each other.

What is a stand-alone device?

A device that operates independently, without being connected to a network.

What is Wi-Fi?

Wireless networking technology that uses radio waves to provide internet connectivity.

Study Notes

A network comprises two or more interconnected computers or devices facilitating communication.
Connection occurs through wired mediums like cables or wireless mediums such as Wi-Fi.
A device not connected to a network is termed stand-alone.
Beyond PCs, networks connect devices like smartphones, smartwatches, and even car engine management systems.
Networks facilitate communication, data sharing, and resource access.
E-mail enables message and file exchange.
Larger networks in businesses and schools offer additional advantages.
Firewalls are employed as software or hardware to prevent unauthorized network access.
Networks are arranged in different topologies.
Encryption ensures secure message transmission over a network.

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