Computer Networks Basics

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What is a computer network?

A computer network is a system of interconnected computers that share resources and information.

Name the four basic types of networks.

Personal Area Network (PAN), Local Area Network (LAN), Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), and Wide Area Network (WAN).

What is LAN?

LAN, or Local Area Network, is a network that connects computers within a small geographic area like a home, school, or office building.

What is the main purpose of a router in a network?

A router directs data packets between networks, determining the best path for data transmission.

What is a network topology?

Network topology refers to the physical or logical arrangement of computers and devices in a network.

What is the function of a switch in networking?

A switch connects devices within a LAN and uses MAC addresses to forward data to the correct destination.

What distinguishes a WAN from a LAN?

A WAN covers a large geographic area, such as cities or countries, while a LAN covers a smaller area like a single building.

What is Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi is a technology that allows devices to connect to the internet wirelessly using radio waves.

What does the term 'bandwidth' refer to in networking?

Bandwidth refers to the maximum rate of data transfer across a network path.

What is an IP address?

An IP address is a unique string of numbers separated by periods that identifies each computer using the Internet Protocol to communicate over a network.

Explain the significance of a protocol in networking.

A protocol is a set of rules for data transfer between devices on a network, ensuring proper communication.

What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?

IPv4 uses a 32-bit address scheme allowing for 4.3 billion addresses, while IPv6 uses 128-bit addressing for a vastly larger number of unique addresses.

What role does a modem play in networking?

A modem modulates and demodulates signals for data transmission over phone lines, cables, or satellites, connecting networks to the internet.

What is Ethernet?

Ethernet is a common method for connecting devices in a LAN, using cables and protocols to enable communication.

Define 'firewall' in the context of computer networks.

A firewall is a security device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined rules.





Test Your Knowledge

Select the correct option


1. What is a computer network?

A group of software applications that manage storage systems.

A system where servers maintain updates for each device.

A system of interconnected computers that share resources and information.

A collection of independent networks managed by a single organization.

2. Name the four basic types of networks.

Intranet, Extranet, Internet, Cybernet.

Personal Area Network (PAN), Local Area Network (LAN), Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), and Wide Area Network (WAN).

Single Network, Cluster Network, Group Network, Common Network.

Home Area Network, Neighborhood Network, City Network, Global Network.

3. What is LAN?

A network that provides connection over a suite of Internet services.

A network technology that uses radio waves for short distances.

A network that connects computers within a small geographic area like a home, school, or office building.

A large-scale network used in city-wide arrangements.

4. What is the main purpose of a router in a network?

To direct data packets between networks, determining the best path for data transmission.

To amplify signals for long-distance data travel.

To store data backups for network security.

To manage cloud services effectively within a network.

5. What is a network topology?

The framework for internet search engines.

A database schema used for managing user data.

The physical or logical arrangement of computers and devices in a network.

The software design of network operating systems.

6. What is the function of a switch in networking?

To connect devices within a LAN and uses MAC addresses to forward data to the correct destination.

To encrypt and protect data within the network perimeter.

To control traffic lights based on real-time traffic data.

To manage audio and visual data in conference setups.

7. What distinguishes a WAN from a LAN?

A WAN covers a large geographic area, such as cities or countries, while a LAN covers a smaller area like a single building.

A WAN allows wireless communication, but a LAN is always wired.

A WAN is faster and uses fibre optics, while a LAN uses copper wires.

A WAN supports only high-security connections, while a LAN is more open.

8. What is Wi-Fi?

A protocol for secure data storage in cloud services.

A digital space reserved for public relations management.

A financial service over the network.

A technology that allows devices to connect to the internet wirelessly using radio waves.

9. What does the term 'bandwidth' refer to in networking?

The range of frequencies available for a communication channel.

The width of a signal's amplitude used for broadcasting.

The total number of users a network can support simultaneously.

The maximum rate of data transfer across a network path.

10. What is an IP address?

A unique string of numbers separated by periods that identifies each computer using the Internet Protocol to communicate over a network.

The identifier for an email account associated with a server.

A public key used in encryption and security protocols.

A unique name for each device's internal applications.

11. Explain the significance of a protocol in networking.

Protocols are APIs that control database access.

A protocol is a set of rules for data transfer between devices on a network, ensuring proper communication.

Protocols are hardware components that authenticate users.

It is a formula used for calculating response times in servers.

12. What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?

IPv4 is used for cloud databases, while IPv6 is for security protocols.

IPv4 standards require manual configuration, while IPv6 automates this.

IPv4 uses a 32-bit address scheme allowing for 4.3 billion addresses, while IPv6 uses 128-bit addressing for a vastly larger number of unique addresses.

IPv4 addresses are for wired networks, and IPv6 for wireless.

13. What role does a modem play in networking?

A modem modulates and demodulates signals for data transmission over phone lines, cables, or satellites, connecting networks to the internet.

A modem is used exclusively for local server backups and restores.

A modem enhances sound quality over VOIP connections.

A modem disables network firewalls for unrestricted access.

14. What is Ethernet?

Ethernet is a common method for connecting devices in a LAN, using cables and protocols to enable communication.

A cloud service platform for deploying applications across networks.

A wireless technology allowing devices connectivity via satellites.

A digital encryption method for securing user data.

15. Define 'firewall' in the context of computer networks.

A service offered by online payment gateways to prevent fraud.

A security device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined rules.

A setup utility used for creating virtual machines efficiently.

A program that organizes files on physical storage devices.