Computer Networks

Question 1

What is a computer network?

Answer 1

A computer network is a collection of computers connected via a tranmission medium that uses one or more protocols to exchange data with each other.

Question 2

What is a protocol?

Answer 2

A protocol is a set of rules, prcedures or specifications employed by each system to exchange data successfully.

Question 3

What are the layers of the OSI model?

Seven layers total

Answer 3

1) Physical
2) Data Link
3) Network
4) Transport
5) Session
6) Presentation
7) Application

Question 4

What is the physical layer responsible for?

Answer 4

Ensuring a stream of bits are transmitted between two nodes sharing a single link.

Defines data representation, transmission media and network types/configurations

Question 5

What is the data link layer responsible for?

Answer 5

Ensuring a frame/packet of data is successfully transmitted between two adjacent nodes in the network.

Access control
Framing
Addressing
Error control
Flow control

Question 6

What is Medium Access Control (MAC)

Answer 6

Used to avoid packet collision by determining which device can transmit data.

Includes:
1) Controlled Access (Bluetooth)
2) Random Access (Ethernet)
3) Channelisation (GPRS, 3G)