Networking Basics

Question 1

Define TCP/IP

Answer 1

TCP/IP stands for Transport Control Protocol / Internet Protocol. This is the protocol stack that underpins the internet.

Question 2

Define Host

Answer 2

For the purposes of this book, a host is any endpoint or end system device that runs TCP/IP. In most cases, these devices are ordinary desktop and laptop computers. However, in some cases hosts can be cell phones, handheld personal digital assistants (PDAs), and so on. In the past, TCP/IP has been made to run on toasters, coffee machines, and other exotic devices, mainly to prove a point.

Question 3

Define Intermediate System

Answer 3

Hosts that do not communicate directly pass information through one or more intermediate systems. Intermediate systems are often generically called “network nodes” or just “nodes.” Specific devices are labeled “routers,” “bridges,” or “switches,” depending on their precise roles in the network. The intermediate nodes on the Illustrated Network are routers with some switching capabilities.

Question 4

Define System

Answer 4

This is just shorthand for saying the device can be a host, router, switch, node, or almost anything else on a network. Where clarity is important, we’ll always specify “end system” or “intermediate system.”

Question 5

Define LAN

Answer 5

Local Area Network

Question 6

Define DSL

Answer 6

Digital Subscriber Line

Question 7

Define Router

Answer 7

A router is a type of intermediate system (or network node) that forwards IP data units along until they reach their destination.

Question 8

Define Gateway

Answer 8

A router that connects a LAN to an Internet link is technically a gateway.

Question 9

Define CLI

Answer 9

Command Line Interface

Question 10

Define GUI

Answer 10

Graphical User Interface

Question 11

Define Interface

Answer 11

Method that allows two different systems to talk to one another

Question 12

Define protocol

Answer 12

A protocol is a set of rules that determines all aspects of data communication.

A protocol is a standard or convention that enables and controls the connection, communication, and transfer of information between two communications endpoints, or hosts. A protocol defines the rules governing the syntax (what can be communicated), semantics (how it can be communicated), and synchronization (when and at what speed it can be communicated) of the communications procedure. Protocols can be implemented on hardware, software, or a combination of both.

Question 13

Which organization currently publishes standards for TCP/IP?

Answer 13

Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF)

Question 14

Define ASCII

Answer 14

American Standard Code for Information Interchange

Question 15

What are RFCs?

Answer 15

Request for Comments.

Published reccomendations from the Internet Engineering Task Force.

Question 16

What is ICANN

Answer 16

Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers.

This is a private nonprofit corporation that is responsible for the management of all Internet domain names (more on these later) and Internet addresses.