Module 1- How the web works? Flashcards

1
Q

What is a Network?

A

A network is formed when two devices connect and communicate via a wired (like Ethernet cables) or wireless (like Wi-Fi) connection.

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2
Q

What’s the complication of multiple devices being connected to a network? How is it solved?

A

You can connect multiple devices to this network. But this becomes very complicated very quickly, as each device needs to connect to every other device to communicate effectively.

If each device needed a direct connection to every other device, it would create a chaotic and inefficient web of connections. This problem is solved by network switches.

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3
Q

What is a Network Switch?

A

A network switch is a critical piece of networking hardware that connects multiple devices (such as computers, printers, servers, and other networked devices) within a local area network (LAN) and enables them to communicate with each other efficiently.

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4
Q

How does a network switch work?

A

1) Connection and Communication:

  • Each device on a network connects to a switch using network cables (in a wired network) or wirelessly (in a wireless network with a wireless access point acting as a switch).
  • The switch uses MAC addresses (unique hardware addresses assigned to each network device) to identify and manage the data traffic coming from and going to each connected device.

2) Data Packet Switching:

  • When a device sends data to another device on the network, the data is broken down into smaller units called packets.
  • Each packet contains information about its origin and destination.
  • The network switch receives these packets and reads the destination address.
  • Using an internal MAC address table, the switch forwards the packet only to the specific port connected to the destination device, rather than broadcasting it to all ports.

3) Efficiency and Performance:

  • By sending data only to the intended recipient, switches significantly reduce the chances of data collisions and network congestion.
  • This selective forwarding of data improves the overall speed and performance of the network.
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5
Q

What is the internet?

A

The Internet is a worldwide network of networks, allowing millions of private, public, academic, business, and government networks to connect and share information. It is built on a variety of technologies and protocols that facilitate the exchange of data.

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6
Q

What are the key components of the Internet?

A
  1. Networks and Connections:
    * Local Area Networks (LANs)
    * Wide Area Networks (WANs)
    * Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
  2. Devices:
    * Clients
    * Servers
  3. Protocols:
    * IP (Internet Protocol)
    * TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)
    * HTTP/HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol / Secure)
  4. Infrastructure:
    * Routers
    * Switches
    * Physical cables (fiber optic and undersea cables).
  5. DNS (Domain Name System)
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7
Q

Local Area Networks

Define LANs

A

Small, localized networks within a single building or group of buildings.

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8
Q

Wide Area Networks

Define WANs

A

Larger networks that cover broader geographical areas, connecting multiple LANs.

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9
Q

Internet Service Providers

What are ISPs?

A

Companies that provide Internet access to users and organizations.

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10
Q

What is the role of clients and servers on the Internet?

A
  • Clients: These are end-user devices that access Internet services, such as computers, smartphones, and tablets.
  • Servers: These are powerful computers that store, process, and deliver data to clients. They host websites, store data, and provide services like email and streaming.
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11
Q

What are the main Internet protocols, and what do they do?

A
  • IP (Internet Protocol): Governs how data is sent and received on the Internet, ensuring each device has a unique IP address.
  • TCP (Transmission Control Protocol): Ensures data packets are sent and received accurately and in the correct order.
  • HTTP/HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol / Secure): Used for transferring web pages securely.
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12
Q

How does the infrastructure of the Internet support data transmission?

A
  • Routers: Direct data packets between networks, ensuring they reach the correct destination.
  • Switches: Connect multiple devices within a network, managing data flow.
  • Cables: Include fiber optic cables and undersea cables that transmit data over long distances, forming the backbone of global connectivity.
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13
Q

What is the DNS (Domain Name System), and why is it important?

A

The DNS translates human-readable domain names (like www.google.com) into IP addresses that computers can understand. This system allows users to access websites using easy-to-remember names instead of numerical IP addresses.

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14
Q

How do devices connect to the Internet?

A

Devices connect to the Internet through ISPs using either wired connections (like Ethernet or fiber optic cables) or wireless connections (like Wi-Fi). The ISP provides access to the broader Internet infrastructure.

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15
Q

How is data transmitted over the Internet?

A

Data is broken into small packets, each containing information about its origin, destination, and part of the data being transmitted. Routers direct these packets along the most efficient paths to their destination, where they are reassembled into the original data.

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16
Q

How does a web browser retrieve a web page?

A
  1. DNS Request: The browser sends a request to a DNS server to get the IP address of the website.
  2. Server Request: The browser sends a request to the server at that IP address.
  3. Data Transmission: The server processes the request and sends back the data (HTML, images, etc.).
  4. Page Rendering: The browser assembles and displays the web page.
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17
Q

What is the Client-Server Model?

A

The client-server model is a network architecture where client devices or programs request services, resources, or data from server devices or programs, which provide those services, resources, or data.

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18
Q

What are the key components of the client-server model?

A
  • Client: A device or program that initiates requests for services or resources.
  • Server: A device or program that provides services or resources in response to client requests.
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19
Q

How does a typical interaction between a client and a server occur?

A
  1. Client Requests: The client sends a request to the server for a specific service or data.
    Example: A web browser requests a web page by sending an HTTP request to a web server.
  2. Server Responds: The server processes the request and sends back the appropriate response.
    Example: The web server processes the request, retrieves the web page data, and sends it back to the browser as an HTTP response.
  3. Client Processes: The client receives and processes the response.
    Example: The browser receives the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files from the server and renders the web page.
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20
Q

What are the main characteristics of the client-server model?

A
  • Centralization: Servers centralize resources and services.
  • Separation of Roles: Clients initiate requests; servers handle and respond to them.
  • Scalability: Servers can be upgraded or added to handle more clients.
  • Resource Management: Servers efficiently manage resources and provide controlled access.
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21
Q

What are some real-life examples of the client-server model?

A

1) Web Browsing:

  • Client: Web browser
  • Server: Web server
  • Interaction: The browser requests a web page, and the server sends back the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files.

2) Email:

  • Client: Email client (Outlook, Gmail)
  • Server: Email server (SMTP for sending, IMAP/POP3 for receiving)
  • Interaction: The client sends an email to the SMTP server and retrieves emails from the IMAP/POP3 server.

3) Online Gaming:

  • Client: Game application on a user’s device
  • Server: Game server managing game state and interactions
  • Interaction: The game client sends actions to the server, which updates the game state and sends updates to clients.
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22
Q

What challenges does the client-server model face?

A
  • Single Point of Failure: Server downtime can affect all connected clients.
  • Scalability Limits: Scaling servers to handle growing client numbers can be challenging and costly.
  • Network Dependency: Relies on reliable network connections and sufficient bandwidth.
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23
Q

What happens if a server in the client-server model goes down?

A

If a server goes down, all clients depending on that server for services or data will be affected, leading to potential downtime and loss of access to the required services or resources.

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24
Q

What role do protocols play in the client-server model?

A

Protocols define the rules and standards for communication between clients and servers. Common protocols include HTTP for web traffic, SMTP for sending emails, and FTP for file transfers. These protocols ensure that data is transmitted accurately and efficiently.

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25
Q

How does the client-server model ensure security?

A

By centralizing data and services on servers, it is easier to implement security measures such as firewalls, encryption, and access controls. Servers can be closely monitored and managed to protect against unauthorized access and data breaches.

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26
Q

What is the importance of IP addresses in the client-server model?

A

IP addresses uniquely identify each device on the Internet, allowing clients to find and communicate with servers. The Domain Name System (DNS) translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses, facilitating the connection process.

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27
Q

What are undersea cables, and how do they relate to the client-server model?

A

Undersea cables are large cables laid on the ocean floor that connect different continents, enabling high-speed data transmission. They are part of the global infrastructure that allows servers and clients worldwide to communicate efficiently, supporting the interconnected nature of the Internet.

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28
Q

Why is it called a server?

A

It is called a server because it serves or provides resources and services to other computers (clients).

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29
Q

Where are servers typically stored?

A

Servers are typically stored in facilities known as data centers.

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30
Q

What are data centers?

A

Data centers are facilities that house hundreds or thousands of servers, each running different services and connected to the internet.

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31
Q

What systems are in place in data centers to ensure continuous operation of servers?

A

Data centers have systems to ensure:

  • Continuous power supply (using redundant power systems, backup generators, and uninterruptible power supplies)
  • Continuous internet connection (with multiple internet connections and network redundancies)
  • Effective cooling systems to keep the servers cool 24/7
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32
Q

Why are data centers globally distributed?

A

Global distribution reduces latency, allowing users to access content quickly from the nearest data center. This is achieved through content delivery network (CDN) optimization.

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33
Q

How are data center servers built?

A

Servers in data centers are built based on their specific service purposes.

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34
Q

Can you give an example of a purpose-specific server?

A

Yes, for example:

  • A server for storing images would have a lot of hard drive space.
  • A server for computing complex calculations would need a fast processor and a lot of memory.
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35
Q

What is server hardware?

A

Server hardware refers to the physical components that make up a server, such as CPUs, hard drives, and memory.

36
Q

What happens after server hardware is installed in a data center?

A

After the hardware is installed, software is run on it.

37
Q

What is software?

A

Software refers to the programs and applications that perform various tasks on the server.

38
Q

How can you differentiate between hardware and software?

A
  • Hardware is tangible and includes physical components you can touch, such as CPUs, hard drives, and memory. It is difficult to change as it requires physically replacing components.
  • Software is intangible and consists of code and programs. It is easier to change, as you can simply update or replace the code running on the server.
39
Q

What are the functions of a web server?

A

A web server’s functions include:

  • Website storage and administration
  • Data storage
  • Security
  • Managing email
40
Q

What is another primary function of a web server?

A

A primary function of a web server is to handle web requests.

41
Q

What happens when you open a browser and type in a website’s URL? What is this process called?

A

The browser sends a request to the web server hosting the site. The web server processes the request and sends back the website’s content to the user’s browser.This process is known as the request-response cycle.

42
Q

How many requests can a web server handle?

A

Web servers are designed to respond to thousands of requests from clients per second.

43
Q

What is a webpage?

A

A webpage is a document that displays images, texts, videos, and other content in a web browser. It can be as simple as a single article, an image gallery, or a video page.

44
Q

What is a website?

A

A website is a collection of interconnected webpages.

45
Q

What are the core technologies used to create webpages?

A

The core technologies are:

  • HTML (HyperText Markup Language): Structures the content.
  • CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): Controls the presentation and styling.
  • JavaScript: Adds interactivity and dynamic content.
46
Q

What is HTML and how does it work?

A

HTML stands for HyperText Markup Language and structures the content using markup tags. These tags define elements like headings, paragraphs, images, and multimedia. For example, < h1 > for headings, < p > for paragraphs, < img > for images, and < video > for multimedia content.

47
Q

What does CSS do for a webpage?

A

CSS, or Cascading Style Sheets, controls the visual style of the webpage. It enhances HTML elements by adding styles such as colors, fonts, and layouts. It’s like changing the color and style of someone’s hair.

48
Q

What role does JavaScript play on a webpage?

A

JavaScript is a programming language that adds interactivity and dynamic content to a webpage. It handles user interactions, data processing, and real-time updates. For example, form validation or live sports score updates.

49
Q

How does a webpage get from the server to the browser?

A

The web server sends a copy of the webpage to the browser. The browser processes the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript sequentially to construct the visual representation, a process known as page rendering.

50
Q

What is page rendering?

A

Page rendering is the process by which the browser interprets the code (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript) and constructs the visual representation of the webpage that you see on your screen.

51
Q

What is a web browser?

A

A web browser, often referred to simply as a browser, is a software application designed for accessing and navigating the World Wide Web.

52
Q

How does a web browser work?

A

A web browser operates by sending requests to web servers and receiving responses containing the content to be displayed on the user’s device.

53
Q

What components make up a URL?

A

A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) typically consists of:

  • The protocol (such as HTTP or HTTPS)
  • The domain name (e.g., google.com)
  • The file path or specific page location (e.g., /search)
54
Q

What role does the HTTP protocol play in web browsing?

A

The HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) facilitates communication between web browsers and servers, allowing for the transmission of web pages over the internet.

55
Q

How does the request-response cycle function in web browsing?

A

The request-response cycle involves the browser sending a request to the server, the server processing the request and sending back a response, and the browser displaying the received content to the user.

56
Q

What is the role of a web server in the browsing process?

A

A web server hosts websites and responds to requests from web browsers by sending back the requested web pages or data.

57
Q

How does a web browser render a webpage?

A

The browser receives HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files from the server, processes them, and displays the webpage visually to the user.

58
Q

Can you explain the significance of databases in web browsing?

A

Databases store and organize data used by web servers to respond to user requests. For example, in a search engine, the database holds indexed web pages that match search queries.

59
Q

What is web hosting, and why is it important?

A

Web hosting is a service where you place your website and files on the hosting company’s web server. It’s essential because it provides stable and secure storage for your website, making it accessible to users on the internet.

60
Q

Do I need my own data center to create a website?

A

No, you don’t. Web hosting eliminates the need for your own data center with specialized hardware and software. Instead, you can rent space on a web server from a hosting company.

61
Q

What are the different types of web hosting services available?

A

There are several types of web hosting services, including:

  • Shared hosting
  • Virtual private hosting (VPS)
  • Dedicated hosting
  • Cloud hosting
62
Q

What is shared hosting, and when is it suitable?

A

Shared hosting is the cheapest form of web hosting where you share a web server with multiple other websites. It’s suitable for small websites with a limited number of visitors or for developers practicing deploying or hosting personal websites.

63
Q

How does virtual private hosting (VPS) differ from shared hosting?

A

In VPS hosting, you still share a physical server with other websites, but you have dedicated CPU, memory, and bandwidth resources within a virtual server. This minimizes the impact of other websites’ performance on yours, making it more suitable for websites with higher demands.

64
Q

What is dedicated hosting, and who is it for?

A

Dedicated hosting involves renting an entire hardware server exclusively for your website. All hardware resources are dedicated to your use, making it ideal for websites with high traffic or specific performance requirements.

65
Q

What is cloud hosting, and what are its advantages?

A

Cloud hosting utilizes a network of multiple physical and virtual servers to host websites. If one server fails, your website automatically switches to another server, ensuring maximum uptime. It offers scalability, allowing you to use as many resources as needed without hardware limitations.

66
Q

What are the costs associated with cloud hosting?

A

With cloud hosting, you pay based on resource usage. While it offers scalability, costs can quickly add up depending on your website’s resource consumption.

67
Q

What is Bandwidth?

A

Bandwidth refers to the capacity of a network connection to transmit data. It’s essentially a measure of how much data can be transferred from one point to another within a given period, usually measured in bits per second (bps) or megabits per second (Mbps).

68
Q

Does increasing bandwidth always lead to better network performance?

A

No, while additional bandwidth initially improves performance by allowing more data to be transmitted, its effectiveness diminishes over time.

69
Q

What are some alternative approaches to improving network performance besides increasing bandwidth?

A

Optimizing data transmission through techniques like compression and reducing redundant transmissions can enhance throughput and mitigate latency. Additionally, technologies like WAN acceleration can improve performance by optimizing data transfer over wide area networks.

70
Q

What is compression?

A

Compressing data reduces its size before transmission, resulting in faster transfer speeds and reduced bandwidth usage. This is particularly effective for large files or data streams.

71
Q

What are redundant transmissions?

A

Redundant transmissions refer to the unnecessary duplication of data being sent across a network. In networking, redundant transmissions occur when the same data is transmitted multiple times, leading to inefficient use of network resources.

72
Q

What is WAN acceleration?

A

WAN (Wide Area Network) acceleration is a set of techniques and technologies designed to optimize the performance of data transfers over wide area networks. It addresses the challenges associated with transmitting data over long distances, where factors like latency, packet loss, and bandwidth limitations can degrade network performance.

73
Q

What is the distinction between the internet and the World Wide Web?

A

The internet is defined as a network of interconnected computers, while the World Wide Web refers to a system for sharing information across these networks.

74
Q

What key concepts were developed in Britain and France in relation to networking?

A

Britain contributed the idea of packet switching to mitigate network congestion, while France focused on direct computer connections through projects like CYCLADES.

75
Q

What significance do TCP/IP protocols hold in the history of the internet?

A

TCP/IP protocols revolutionized internet communication by providing a standardized method for labeling and routing data packets, enabling seamless communication across diverse networks.

76
Q

When was email developed, and what impact did it have on early internet usage?

A

Email was developed for ARPANET in 1972, initially dominating internet traffic as a convenient means of communication among academics.

77
Q

Who is Timothy Berners-Lee, and what role did he play in internet development?

A

Timothy Berners-Lee, a British scientist, invented the World Wide Web while working at CERN. He developed essential protocols like HTTP, HTML, and URLs, revolutionizing web browsing.

78
Q

What is cloud computing?

A

Cloud computing refers to the delivery of IT resources over the internet on an on-demand basis. It allows users to access computing services such as storage, databases, and computing power without the need for physical infrastructure.

79
Q

How does cloud computing differ from traditional IT infrastructure?

A

In traditional IT infrastructure, organizations are responsible for purchasing, owning, and maintaining physical data centers and servers. In contrast, cloud computing eliminates the need for these physical assets by providing access to technology services remotely via the internet.

80
Q

What is the pay-as-you-go pricing model in cloud computing?

A

The pay-as-you-go pricing model means that users only pay for the computing resources they consume. Similar to utility bills, users are charged based on their usage, which can help in cost optimization and budget management.

81
Q

What are some common use cases of cloud computing?

A

Cloud computing is utilized across various industries for purposes such as data backup, disaster recovery, email services, virtual desktops, software development and testing, big data analytics, and customer-facing web applications.

82
Q

Can you provide examples of how specific industries leverage cloud computing?

A

Healthcare companies use the cloud to develop personalized treatments for patients, while financial services companies utilize it for real-time fraud detection and prevention. Video game makers also rely on the cloud to deliver online games to millions of players worldwide.

83
Q

What are the key benefits of cloud computing for businesses?

A

Cloud computing offers several benefits, including agility, cost reduction, scalability, global deployment capabilities, and faster innovation. It allows businesses to adapt quickly to changing demands, optimize costs, and innovate at a rapid pace.

84
Q

How does cloud computing facilitate innovation?

A

Cloud computing provides instant access to a wide range of technologies, including compute, storage, databases, IoT, machine learning, and data analytics. This enables businesses to innovate faster by experimenting with new ideas and implementing them rapidly.

85
Q

What financial advantages does cloud computing offer?

A

Cloud computing eliminates the need for large upfront investments in hardware. Instead, users can adopt a variable expense model, where they only pay for the IT resources they consume, thus avoiding overpaying for unused capacity.

86
Q

What does cloud computing offer in terms of infrastructure management?

A

Cloud computing frees businesses from the burden of managing physical infrastructure and data centers. This allows them to focus more on their core business activities, such as innovation and customer experience enhancement.