Network Terminologies and stuff

Question 1

Protocol

Answer 1

A set of rules and conventions governing communication between devices
in a network. Protocols ensure data exchange occurs efficiently and accurately.

Question 2

IP Adress:

Answer 2

A unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a
network. IP addresses enable devices to identify and communicate with each other.

Question 3

Router

Answer 3

A networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks.
Routers facilitate communication between devices in different networks.

Question 4

LAN (Local Area Network)

Answer 4

A network that connects devices within a limited
geographical area, such as a home, school, or office building. LANs allow for the
sharing of resources and information among connected devices.

Question 5

WAN

Answer 5

(Wide Area Network): A network that spans a large geographical area,
connecting multiple LANs and other networks. The internet is the most prominent
example of a WAN.

Question 6

Ethernet:

Answer 6

Ethernet: A widely used networking technology for connecting devices in a LAN.
Ethernet uses cables to transmit data packets between devices, providing reliable and
high-speed communication.

Question 7

TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol):

Answer 7

A suite of protocols
used for communication over the internet and other networks. TCP/IP ensures data
integrity, routing, and addressing in network communications.

Question 8

DNS (Domain Name System):

Answer 8

A system that translates domain names (e.g.,
www.example.com) into IP addresses, enabling users to access websites using
human-readable names.

Question 9

Firewall:

Answer 9

A security device or software that monitors and controls incoming and
outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Firewalls protect
networks from unauthorized access and malicious threats.

Question 10

Packet

Answer 10

A unit of data transmitted over a network. Data is divided into packets for
efficient transmission, with each packet containing a portion of the original data
along with addressing and control information.

Question 11

Switch

Answer 11

A networking device that connects multiple devices in a LAN and forwards
data packets between them. Switches operate at the data link layer of the OSI model
and improve network performance by directing traffic only to the intended recipient.

Question 12

Wireless Network

Answer 12

A network that allows devices to connect and communicate
without the use of physical cables. Wireless networks use radio waves or infrared
signals for data transmission.

Question 13

MAC Address (Media Access Control Address):

Answer 13

A unique identifier assigned to
network interfaces for communication on a physical network segment. MAC
addresses are hardcoded into network devices and are used for addressing at the
data link layer.

Question 14

VPN

Answer 14

A secure network connection that allows users to
access a private network over a public network, such as the internet. VPNs encrypt
data to ensure confidentiality and privacy.

Question 15

Bandwidth

Answer 15

The maximum rate of data transfer across a network or internet
connection. Bandwidth is typically measured in bits per second (bps) and determines
the speed and capacity of a network connection.

Question 16

What are Networking Protocols

Answer 16

Networking protocols are rules and conventions that govern communication between
devices on a network.

 They define how data is formatted, transmitted, received, and interpreted across the
network.

 Common networking protocols include TCP/IP (Transmission Control
Protocol/Internet Protocol), HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), and FTP (File
Transfer Protocol).

Question 17

Briefly Explain the Ethernet

Answer 17

Ethernet is a widely used networking technology that defines the standards for
wired LANs (Local Area Networks). It operates at the Data Link Layer (Layer 2) of the OSI
model and uses CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection) for
media access control.

Question 18

List two or more advantages of the Ethernet

Answer 18

Widely adopted: Ethernet is one of the most prevalent networking technologies and is
supported by a wide range of devices and vendors.

 Cost-effective: Ethernet hardware is relatively inexpensive, making it a cost-effective
solution for LAN deployments.

 Scalable: Ethernet networks can easily accommodate additional devices and scale to
meet growing bandwidth demands.

 High performance: Ethernet offers high-speed data transmission rates, ranging from
10 Mbps (Ethernet) to 100 Gbps (Ethernet over fiber optic).

Question 19

List at least 2 disadvantages of the Ethernet

Answer 19

Susceptible to collisions: In shared Ethernet networks, collisions can occur when
multiple devices attempt to transmit data simultaneously, leading to degraded
performance.

 Limited distance: Ethernet has distance limitations, with maximum cable lengths
typically ranging from 100 meters (Ethernet over twisted pair) to several kilometers
(Ethernet over fiber optic).

 Security concerns: Ethernet networks may be vulnerable to security threats, such as
unauthorized access and packet sniffing, if adequate security measures are not
implemented.

Question 20

Briefly Explain FDDI (Fibre Distributed Data Interface )

Answer 20

FDDI is a high-speed networking technology designed for fiber optic LANs. It
operates at the Physical Layer (Layer 1) and Data Link Layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model and
provides a ring topology for data transmission.

Question 21

List at least 2 advantages of FDDI

Answer 21

 High bandwidth: FDDI supports high-speed data transmission rates, typically up to
100 Mbps, making it suitable for bandwidth-intensive applications.

 Fault tolerance: FDDI networks utilize a dual-ring topology with counter-rotating
rings, providing redundancy and fault tolerance. If one ring fails, data can still be
transmitted via the secondary ring.

 Long-distance connectivity: FDDI supports longer cable distances compared to
Ethernet, with maximum cable lengths extending up to several kilometers.

 Secure: FDDI offers built-in security features, such as token passing and encryption,
to ensure data confidentiality and integrity.

Question 22

List atleast 2 disadvantages of FDDI

Answer 22

Complexity: FDDI networks require specialized hardware and configuration, which
can be more complex and costly to deploy and maintain compared to Ethernet.

 Limited adoption: FDDI has seen limited adoption compared to Ethernet, primarily
due to its higher cost and the widespread availability of alternative technologies.

 Single point of failure: While FDDI’s dual-ring topology provides redundancy, the
central concentrator (MAU - Multi-Station Access Unit) acts as a single point of
failure for the entire network.

Question 23

Define the term ‘Network Topology’

Answer 23

Network topology refers to the physical or logical arrangement of devices and connections in
a computer network. It defines how devices are interconnected and how data flows between
them. Different network topologies have distinct characteristics, advantages, and
disadvantages, which influence their suitability for specific applications.

Question 24

Briefly Explain the Star Topology

Answer 24

In a star topology, all devices are connected to a central hub or switch. Each
device communicates directly with the central hub, which acts as a mediator for data
transmission.

Question 25

List atleast two advantages of the star Topology

Answer 25

Centralized management: The central hub simplifies network management and troubleshooting.  Fault isolation: If one device fails, it does not affect the operation of other devices in the network.  Scalability: It's easy to add or remove devices without disrupting the rest of the network.

Question 26

List atleast two disadvantages of the star topology

Answer 26

Dependency on central hub: The entire network relies on the central hub, making it a single point of failure.  Cost: Requires additional cabling and equipment for each connection to the central hub.

Question 27

Briefly Explain the ring topology

Answer 27

In a ring topology, each device is connected to two neighboring devices, forming a closed loop or ring. Data travels around the ring in one direction, passing through each device until it reaches its destination.

Question 28

List two advantages of the ring topology

Answer 28

Equal access: Each device has equal access to the network and can transmit data without contention.  Simple structure: Ring topologies are straightforward to implement and require minimal cabling.  Efficient data transmission: Data travels directly from one device to another without passing through a central hub.

Question 29

List atleast 2 disadvantages of the star topology

Answer 29

Single point of failure: If one device or connection fails, it can disrupt the entire network.  Limited scalability: Adding or removing devices can disrupt the ring topology and require reconfiguration.

Question 30

Briefly explain the Bus Topology

Answer 30

In a bus topology, all devices are connected to a single cable called the bus. Data is transmitted along the bus, and each device receives the data but only processes information intended for it.

Question 31

Outline 2 or more advantages of the bus topology

Answer 31

Simple implementation: Bus topology requires minimal cabling and is easy to set up.  Cost-effective: It's cost-effective for small networks with few devices.  Flexibility: Devices can be added or removed without disrupting the entire network.

Question 32

Outline 2 or more disadvantages of the bus topology

Answer 32

Limited scalability: As the network grows, the bus can become a bottleneck, leading to performance issues.  Single point of failure: If the main cable (bus) fails, the entire network goes down.  Security concerns: Data transmitted on the bus can be intercepted by any device connected to it.

Question 33

Briefly define the Hybrid Topology

Answer 33

A hybrid topology combines two or more different network topologies, such as star, ring, or bus, to form a single network. Hybrid topologies offer flexibility and can be customized to meet specific requirements.

Question 34

List atleast 2 advantages of hybrid technology

Answer 34

Flexibility: Hybrid topologies can be tailored to suit the needs of the network, combining the advantages of different topologies.  Scalability: They can accommodate a large number of devices and support growth over time.  Fault tolerance: By combining multiple topologies, hybrid networks can mitigate the risks associated with single points of failure.

Question 35

List two disadvantages of of hybrid topology

Answer 35

Complexity: Hybrid topologies can be more complex to design, implement, and manage compared to single-topology networks.  Cost: The additional equipment and cabling required for a hybrid topology may increase the overall cost of the network.

Question 36

What is a fire wall and what are its real world uses?

Answer 36

Definition: A firewall is a network security device or software that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. It acts as a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks (such as the internet). Real-world use: Firewalls are used to protect networks from unauthorized access, malicious attacks, and unwanted traffic. They are essential for maintaining network security and safeguarding sensitive data.

Question 37

Define wired transmission media

Answer 37

Definition: Wired transmission media use physical cables or wires to transmit data signals between network devices. Examples of wired transmission media include twisted pair cables, coaxial cables, and fiber optic cables.

Question 38

List two or more advantages of Wired Transmission media

Answer 38

1. Reliability: Wired transmission media typically offer a more reliable connection compared to wireless media, as they are less susceptible to interference and signal degradation. 2. Security: Wired networks are generally more secure as they are harder to intercept compared to wireless signals, making them suitable for transmitting sensitive data. 3. Higher bandwidth: Wired transmission media can support higher data transfer rates, making them ideal for applications that require high-speed communication, such as streaming video or large file transfers. 4. Consistency: Wired connections provide consistent performance and are not affected by environmental factors like signal attenuation or obstacles.

Question 39

List two or more disadvantages of Wired Transmission Media

Answer 39

1. Limited mobility: Devices connected via wired media are constrained by the physical cables, limiting mobility and flexibility compared to wireless networks. 2. Installation complexity: Installing wired networks can be more complex and time- consuming, especially in existing buildings where cables need to be routed through walls and ceilings. 3. Maintenance: Wired networks require regular maintenance to ensure cables are properly installed and maintained, which can add to the overall cost of ownership.

Question 40

Define Wireless Transmission media

Answer 40

Wireless transmission media use electromagnetic waves to transmit data signals between network devices without the need for physical cables. Examples of wireless transmission media include radio waves, microwave, and infrared.

Question 41

List atleast 2 advantages of Wireless transmission media

Answer 41

Mobility: Wireless networks offer greater mobility and flexibility as devices can connect to the network without being tethered to physical cables, allowing for increased freedom of movement. 2. Easy installation: Setting up wireless networks is generally easier and faster compared to wired networks, as there is no need to route cables or drill holes in walls. 3. Scalability: Wireless networks can easily scale to accommodate additional devices or expand coverage areas without the need for additional cabling infrastructure. 4. Convenience: Wireless networks eliminate the need for physical connections, allowing users to connect devices seamlessly and conveniently, which is particularly useful in mobile and IoT (Internet of Things) applications.

Question 42

List atleast 2 disadvantages of Wireless transmission media

Answer 42

1. Interference: Wireless networks are susceptible to interference from other electronic devices, physical obstacles, and environmental factors, which can degrade signal quality and impact performance. 2. Security concerns: Wireless networks are more vulnerable to security threats such as eavesdropping, unauthorized access, and signal jamming compared to wired networks, requiring robust security measures to mitigate risks. 3. Limited bandwidth: Wireless networks generally have lower data transfer rates compared to wired networks, making them less suitable for bandwidth-intensive applications such as video streaming or large file transfers. 4. Range limitations: Wireless networks have limited range compared to wired networks, especially in environments with obstacles or interference, requiring additional access points to extend coverage.

Question 43

What is expandability? give examples

Answer 43

Considerations: A scalable network should be able to accommodate growth in terms of the number of devices, users, and data traffic. Factors to consider include network architecture, hardware capacity, and future-proofing strategies. o Examples: Deploying modular switches and routers that can be easily upgraded, and using technologies like VLANs and subnetting to segment the network and optimize performance.

Question 44

What is interconnectivity? give examples

Answer 44

Inter-connectivity involves seamless communication between different network segments, devices, and protocols. Compatibility and interoperability between various networking technologies are essential. o Examples: Implementing protocols like TCP/IP for internet connectivity, and using routing protocols like OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) or BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) for interconnecting multiple networks.