WAN Concepts and Protocols Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is a major advantage of using a Wide Area Network (WAN)?

Ability to communicate globally (correct)

High setup cost

Increased security measures

Limited data transfer rate

Which of the following is a disadvantage of a Wide Area Network?

Ease of troubleshooting

Low installation cost

High bandwidth availability

Security issues (correct)

What is the primary function of a firewall in a WAN?

To reduce installation costs

To improve communication speed

To increase bandwidth

To prevent unauthorized access (correct)

What does internetworking involve?

Connecting multiple types of networks Signup and view all the answers

Which of these best describes an extranet?

A network restricted to users with credentials Signup and view all the answers

What protocol is commonly associated with internetworking?

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

What is a major drawback of TCP protocol?

It is less cost-effective than UDP. Signup and view all the answers

Why does a WAN generally incur high setup costs?

It operates with more advanced technology Signup and view all the answers

Which protocol is preferred for secure terminal emulation?

SSH Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of high bandwidth in a WAN?

Faster data transmission Signup and view all the answers

What does NTP primarily help synchronize?

Clocks on computers Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the OSI model does the Application Layer encompass?

Application, Presentation, and Session Layers Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following protocols is NOT typically associated with the Application Layer?

TCP Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of UDP?

Connectionless protocol Signup and view all the answers

What happens if NTP is unavailable in a transaction scenario?

The server may crash due to time discrepancies. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does NOT describe a characteristic of the switching in computer networks?

It ensures connection-oriented communication. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of an intranet in an organization?

To enable information sharing and resource access among employees Signup and view all the answers

Which topology connects multiple nodes through a single backbone cable?

Bus topology Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the communication advantage of an intranet?

It allows for real-time information sharing among employees Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic feature of physical topology in networking?

It describes the geometric arrangement of nodes Signup and view all the answers

Which access method is commonly used in bus topology?

Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA) Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant advantage of an intranet regarding cost?

It reduces operational costs by minimizing document distribution needs Signup and view all the answers

In a bus topology, what happens when a node transmits a message?

All nodes receive the message regardless of address Signup and view all the answers

What does platform independency refer to in the context of an intranet?

Compatibility across different operating systems and devices Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of packet switching?

Packets can be rerouted if a link fails. Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of message switching?

No dedicated path is established between sender and receiver. Signup and view all the answers

In message switching, how is a message forwarded through the network?

By storing the message at each node before forwarding. Signup and view all the answers

Which switching technique is best suited for handling high traffic?

Packet Switching Signup and view all the answers

Which statement describes a characteristic of circuit switching?

It establishes a physical connection for the duration of the communication. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to packets in packet switching when congestion occurs?

Congestion is managed per minute. Signup and view all the answers

How does message switching impact network traffic?

It reduces network traffic through shared channels. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of packet switching?

Packets are stored before transmission. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of static channel allocation?

Channels are divided using frequency division multiplexing. Signup and view all the answers

Which allocation scheme is better suited for a large number of users with variable bandwidth requirements?

Dynamic Channel Allocation Signup and view all the answers

What is the main benefit of dynamic channel allocation?

It minimizes transmission interference. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Data Link Control play in data transmission?

It ensures reliable message transmission. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a disadvantage of static channel allocation?

It does not efficiently utilize available bandwidth. Signup and view all the answers

How are channels allotted in the dynamic channel allocation scheme?

Users request channels as per their need from a central pool. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of multiple access protocols?

To manage how multiple stations access a channel simultaneously. Signup and view all the answers

Which kind of allocation does NOT involve assigning channels permanently to users?

Dynamic allocation Signup and view all the answers

What primary benefit does Software-Defined Networking (SDN) provide for cloud applications?

Facilitates easy movement of data between distributed locations Signup and view all the answers

What is a key distinction between Software-Defined Networking and traditional networking?

SDN is software-based while traditional networking is hardware-based Signup and view all the answers

How does SDN enhance security compared to traditional networking?

By providing centralized control and better visibility Signup and view all the answers

What does the technique of Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) enable in SDN?

It enables the quick movement of workloads within a network Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a potential vulnerability of SDN?

The centralized controller serving as a single point of failure Signup and view all the answers

Which emerging technologies does SDN support due to its flexibility?

Edge computing and the Internet of Things Signup and view all the answers

How does SDN affect the provisioning of network resources?

It allows resource provisioning from a centralized interface Signup and view all the answers

What protocol do network administrators often use in Open SDN models?

Open Flow Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Computer Network Components

Computer network components are the major parts needed to install software.
Important components include NIC, switch, cable, hub, router, and modem.
Component selection depends on the type of network (e.g., wireless networks might not require cables).

NIC (Network Interface Card)

NIC is a hardware component used to connect a computer to a network.
It connects a computer to another computer on a network.
It supports transfer rates from 10, 100 to 1000 Mb/s.
Each NIC has a unique MAC address assigned by IEEE.
The MAC address is stored in Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM).
There are two types of NICs: wired and wireless.

Wired NIC

Wired NICs are installed inside the motherboard.
Cables and connectors are used for data transfer.

Wireless NIC

Wireless NICs are used in devices like laptops.
Wireless NICs use antennas for wireless network connections.

Hub

A hub is a hardware device that divides the network connection among multiple devices.
When a computer requests information, the hub broadcasts the request to all devices on the network.
All devices check if the request is for them; otherwise, the request is dropped.
The process of using the hub consumes more bandwidth.
Hub use is obsolete.

Switch

A switch is a hardware device that connects multiple devices on a computer network.
Switches have more advanced features than hubs.
It contains an updated table to determine where to transmit the data.
A switch delivers messages directly to the correct destination, rather than broadcasting to all devices like a hub.
It increases network speed.

Router

A router is a hardware device connecting a Local Area Network (LAN) to an internet connection.
It receives, analyzes, and forwards incoming packets to another network.
It works at Layer 3 (Network Layer) of the OSI model.
It forwards packets based on the routing table.
It determines the best path for packet transmission.
Advantages include: security, reliability, and performance enhancement.

Modem

A modem allows a computer to connect to the internet over existing telephone lines.
It is not integrated on the motherboard.
It modulates and demodulates signals.
Modems vary in speed and transmission rates, classifying them into categories like standard PC modems, cellular modems, and cable modems.

Cables and Connectors

Cables are transmission media for signals.
Twisted pair cable is a common type of transmission cable.

Computer Network Types

A computer network connects computers to share data, resources, and applications.
Networks are categorized by size:
- LAN (Local Area Network): Connects devices in a small area like a building or office.
- MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): Connects devices over a larger geographical area (city).
- WAN (Wide Area Network): Connects devices over very large geographical areas (e.g., countries).
- PAN (Personal Area Network): Connects devices around a person (e.g., Bluetooth devices).

Personal Area Networks (PANs)

Personal Area Network connects devices around a person, usually within a 10-meter range.
There are two types of PANs: Wireless and Wired.
Wireless PANs use wireless technologies like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Wired PANs use USB connections for connecting devices.

Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs)

A MAN network spans a larger geographical area than a LAN, typically encompassing a city or a metropolitan area.
It uses communication infrastructure like telephone exchange lines and other options.
It interconnects various LANs geographically and operates at higher speed than LANs.

Wide Area Networks (WANs)

A WAN covers a large geographical area, like a state, country or globally and often uses multiple interconnected networks.
It can be used for business, government, and education purposes.
It interconnects different LANs using communication technologies.
WAN's have widely varying speed and other operational standards.

Extranet

An extranet is a communication network using internet protocols for sharing information.
Access is restricted to specific users.
An extranet can be a MAN or WAN.

Intranet

An intranet is a private network for organizational communication. It's used to share information and resources internally, for employees specifically.
It is based on internet protocols.

Network Topology

Topology shows how network components are interconnected.
Types of topology include:
- Bus topology
- Ring topology
- Star topology
- Tree topology
- Mesh topology
- Hybrid topology

Bus Topology

All devices are connected to a single cable (backbone).
Data sent by one device is received by all other devices.
Signal interference if devices send simultaneously.
Easy to install, but difficult to troubleshoot.
Less efficient for heavy traffic.

Ring Topology

Devices are connected in a circular loop.
Data flows in one direction.
All devices in the network can receive the packet.
Uses token passing, to avoid collision.
Failure in one node affects the entire network.

Star Topology

All devices connect to a central hub or switch.
Data flows through the central device to the intended recipient.
Easy to install and troubleshoot.
Failure of one device does not affect the entire network.
Central point of failure, the hub or switch goes down.
More cables required, and the cost can increase.

Tree Topology

Combining star and bus topology characteristics, forming a hierarchical structure.
Easy to manage and expand.
Error detection and correction are comparatively easy.
Failure of one device does not always affect the entire network.

Mesh Topology

Each device is interconnected with all other devices, creating redundant paths.
Multiple paths provide high reliability.
Complex to set up and manage, especially with many devices.

Hybrid Topology

Combining various topologies.

OSI Model

This model describes internet communications, a 7-layer architecture.
The layers are: Application, Presentation, Session, Transport, Network, Data Link, Physical.
Application, presentation, and session layers manage data representation, connections, and formatting.
The transport layer provides reliable transmission across networks.
The network layer manages logical addressing and routing.
Data link manages physical addressing and frames.
The physical layer manages physical transmission media.

TCP/IP Model

This model describes internet communications, a 4-layer architecture.
The layers are: Application, Transport, Internet, Network Access.
Simpler, combines some OSI layers.
Application, transport, and network layers manage data representation, connections, and formatting.
The internet layer manages logical addressing and routing.
Network access manages physical addressing and frames to connect to the physical hardware.

Switching Techniques (Circuit, Packet, and Message)

Circuit switching establishes a dedicated path between sender and receiver, suitable for voice.
With packet switching, messages are broken into packets independently, suitable for data and better for handling high traffic.
Message switching: uses node storage and forwarding, with no dedicated path, suitable for bursty data and large messages.

Data Link Protocols

Protocols for noiseless/noisy channels are different (e.g., Simplex, Stop-and-Wait, Go-Back-N, Selective Repeat ARQs).
Stop-and-Wait, a simplistic protocol, where each packet transmits only after sending an acknowledgement from the receiver.
Go-Back-N and Selective-Repeat ARQ deal with errors and acknowledgements to compensate for losses or changes.

Channel Allocation

In multi-user environments, techniques are used to share a channel.
Static allocation assigns fixed channels to users, good for predictable, consistent/ low user activity scenarios.
Dynamic allocation (e.g., CSMA, CSMA/CD, CSMA/CA, TDMA, FDMA, CDMA) is used when users need flexibility.

Network Layer

The network layer in the OSI model (layer 3) is to deliver messages between end-to-end hosts.
It is concerned with addressing, routing, and overall end-to-end delivery.
Protocols like IP, TCP, and UDP form the bulk of the network layer.

Network Services

Networks provide several services, including directory services for managing user accounts and authentication, file services for sharing files, and communication services like email and social media.
Network layer services like routing and addressing facilitate inter-network communication.

Software-Defined Networking (SDN)

SDN uses software to manage networking devices instead of solely relying on those devices.
SDN creates flexibility in managing the network structure and resources.

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Description

Test your knowledge on Wide Area Networks (WAN) and related protocols with this quiz. It covers advantages, disadvantages, key functions of firewalls, and specific protocols relevant to WAN technology. Perfect for students looking to enhance their understanding of networking concepts.