Comprehensive computer network question paper with answers

Computer networks form the backbone of modern communication, enabling devices to share information seamlessly. Understanding computer networks is crucial for various fields, including IT, telecommunications, and data management. This guide provides essential questions and answers for learning computer networks, covering diverse topics like protocols, architecture, and security.

Basics of Computer Networks

Question: What is a computer network?

Answer: A computer network is a group of interconnected devices that communicate with each other to share resources like data, hardware, and software.

Question: What are the types of computer networks?

Answer: The main types are LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), MAN (Metropolitan Area Network), PAN (Personal Area Network), and CAN (Campus Area Network).

Question: What is the main purpose of a computer network?

Answer: The primary purpose is to enable devices to share resources, such as files, printers, and internet connections, efficiently.

Question: What is a server in a network?

Answer: A server is a computer or software that provides resources, data, or services to other computers, called clients, on a network.

Question: What is the role of a router in a network?

Answer: A router directs data packets between networks and ensures that information reaches its intended destination.

Question: What is an IP address?

Answer: An IP address is a unique identifier assigned to devices on a network, enabling them to communicate with each other.

Question: What are the differences between IPv4 and IPv6?

Answer: IPv4 uses a 32-bit address format, while IPv6 uses a 128-bit format, allowing for a larger address space and improved routing efficiency.

Question: What is a MAC address?

Answer: A MAC address is a hardware identifier assigned to network devices, ensuring unique identification within a local network.

Question: What is the OSI model?

Answer: The OSI model is a conceptual framework with seven layers that standardize communication in networks: Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation, and Application.

Question: What is a protocol in networking?

Answer: A protocol is a set of rules that govern communication between devices in a network, such as HTTP, FTP, or TCP/IP.

Network Security and Protocols

Question: What is network security?

Answer: Network security refers to measures and practices used to protect a network from unauthorized access, misuse, and attacks.

Question: What is a firewall?

Answer: A firewall is a security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predefined security rules.

Question: What is encryption in networking?

Answer: Encryption converts data into a secure format to prevent unauthorized access during transmission.

Question: What is SSL/TLS?

Answer: SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security) are protocols that encrypt data for secure communication over networks.

Question: What is the difference between TCP and UDP?

Answer: TCP is connection-oriented, ensuring reliable data delivery, while UDP is connectionless, focusing on faster transmission without guarantees.

Question: What is DNS?

Answer: DNS (Domain Name System) translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses used by computers to locate resources.

Question: What is DHCP?

Answer: DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network.

Question: What is a VPN?

Answer: A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure connection over the internet, protecting data and privacy.

Question: What is a man-in-the-middle attack?

Answer: It is a cyberattack where an attacker intercepts and alters communication between two parties without their knowledge.

Question: What is a packet in networking?

Answer: A packet is a unit of data transmitted over a network, containing both payload and control information.

Advanced Topics in Networking

Question: What is subnetting?

Answer: Subnetting divides a network into smaller subnetworks, improving efficiency and security.

Question: What is VLAN?

Answer: A VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) is a logical grouping of devices within a LAN, improving network management and security.

Question: What is MPLS?

Answer: MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) is a technique that improves data flow in networks by labeling packets for efficient routing.

Question: What is QoS?

Answer: QoS (Quality of Service) prioritizes certain types of network traffic to ensure high performance for critical applications.

Question: What is SDN?

Answer: SDN (Software-Defined Networking) is an approach to network management that uses software to control network devices.

Question: What is a network topology?

Answer: Network topology refers to the arrangement of devices and connections in a network, such as star, ring, or mesh.

Question: What is network latency?

Answer: Latency is the delay in data transmission between devices, affecting network performance.

Question: What is a proxy server?

Answer: A proxy server acts as an intermediary between a client and the internet, enhancing security and privacy.

Question: What is load balancing?

Answer: Load balancing distributes network traffic across multiple servers to ensure reliability and performance.

Question: What is a wireless network?

Answer: A wireless network uses radio waves or infrared signals instead of cables to connect devices.

Understanding computer networks is fundamental for anyone pursuing technology-related careers. This set of questions and answers serves as a valuable resource for gaining in-depth knowledge and preparing for exams effectively.