Computer Networks Overview: Master the Fundamentals

Question 1

Define a computer network.

Accepted Answer

A collection of interconnected devices sharing resources

Answer

A set of devices connected solely by physical wires

Answer

A system transmitting data across extensive distances

Answer

Software enabling device communication

Question 2

In which network topology are devices connected at a central point?

Accepted Answer

Star topology

Answer

Bus topology

Answer

Ring topology

Answer

Mesh topology

Question 3

What is a protocol's primary function in computer networks?

Accepted Answer

Define rules for data transmission

Answer

Provide data security encryption

Answer

Manage network traffic

Answer

Route data between devices

Question 4

What is the main purpose of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model in computer networking?

Accepted Answer

A framework for network design and implementation, promoting interoperability.

Answer

A set of protocols for data transmission.

Answer

A security system for data protection.

Answer

A hierarchical network topology.

Question 5

Which network device operates at the data link layer of the OSI model, learns MAC addresses, and forwards frames based on these addresses?

Accepted Answer

Switch

Answer

Router

Answer

Gateway

Answer

Modem

Question 6

How do the unique requirements of applications influence the design and optimization of a network?

Accepted Answer

Network topology and protocol selection should align with the characteristics of the applications using the network.

Answer

Applications have no impact on network design.

Answer

Network design should prioritize cost reduction, regardless of application needs.

Answer

Network optimization techniques are not relevant to application-specific requirements.

Question 7

In the OSI model, which layer handles error detection and correction?

Accepted Answer

Data link layer

Answer

Physical layer

Answer

Network layer

Answer

Transport layer

Question 8

Which network topology is highly susceptible to single points of failure?

Accepted Answer

Bus topology

Answer

Star topology

Answer

Ring topology

Answer

Mesh topology

Question 9

What is the primary purpose of the TCP sliding window protocol?

Accepted Answer

Flow control

Answer

Error control

Answer

Congestion control

Answer

Routing

Question 10

In the TCP/IP model, which layer handles addressing and routing?

Accepted Answer

Internet layer

Answer

Application layer

Answer

Transport layer

Answer

Network interface layer

Question 11

How do routers and switches differ in their functionality?

Accepted Answer

Routers connect networks, while switches connect devices within a network

Answer

Routers are faster than switches

Answer

Switches are more secure than routers

Answer

Routers and switches perform the same function

Question 12

In computer networks, how do protocols enable seamless data exchange and ensure reliable, standardized communication?

Accepted Answer

Protocols establish common rules and formats for data transmission, allowing diverse devices and applications to communicate seamlessly.

Answer

Protocols solely provide security measures to protect data during transmission.

Answer

Protocols define the physical layout of networks, determining how devices are connected.

Answer

Protocols are optional guidelines that can be ignored without affecting network functionality.

Question 13

Which protocol suite forms the foundation of the Internet and provides end-to-end communication services?

Accepted Answer

Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)

Answer

Subnet Mask

Answer

Hypertext Markup Language (HTML)

Answer

Local Area Network (LAN)

Question 14

In the OSI model, which layer is responsible for routing packets based on their network addresses?

Accepted Answer

Network Layer

Answer

Physical Layer

Answer

Transport Layer

Answer

Application Layer

Question 15

Which network topology involves devices connected in a closed loop, with data transmitted in one direction around the loop?

Accepted Answer

Ring Topology

Answer

Star Topology

Answer

Bus Topology

Answer

Mesh Topology

Question 16

Which transport layer protocol provides a reliable, connection-oriented service for data transmission?

Accepted Answer

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)

Answer

User Datagram Protocol (UDP)

Answer

Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP)

Answer

Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)

Question 17

What is the role of a subnet mask in IP addressing?

Accepted Answer

To divide a network into smaller subnetworks

Answer

To assign IP addresses to specific devices

Answer

To route traffic between different networks

Answer

To secure a network from unauthorized access

Question 18

In a client-server network model, what is the primary function of a client?

Accepted Answer

Requesting services from servers

Answer

Providing services to servers

Answer

Both requesting and providing services

Answer

There is no distinct difference between a client and a server

Question 19

Which of the following network devices is used to connect multiple computers and devices on a local network?

Accepted Answer

Switch

Answer

Router

Answer

Modem

Answer

Firewall

Question 20

In the design and implementation of a secure network infrastructure, what is a primary consideration?

Accepted Answer

Security threats and vulnerabilities

Answer

Scalability

Answer

Reliability

Answer

Cost

Question 21

As network administrators and data managers, what are our primary ethical responsibilities to protect data integrity and privacy?

Accepted Answer

Ensure data confidentiality, integrity, and availability

Accepted Answer

Respect user privacy and comply with data protection regulations

Answer

Prioritize personal gain over network security

Answer

Ignore potential security vulnerabilities

Question 22

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a computer network?

Accepted Answer

It operates independently.

Answer

It provides communication between devices.

Answer

It enables resource sharing.

Answer

It facilitates data exchange.

Question 23

In the OSI model, which layer is responsible for managing the addressing and routing of network packets?

Accepted Answer

Network Layer

Answer

Transport Layer

Answer

Data Link Layer

Answer

Physical Layer

Question 24

Which network topology connects devices using a central hub that manages and controls data transmission?

Accepted Answer

Star

Answer

Ring

Answer

Bus

Answer

Mesh

Question 25

What is the primary purpose of a protocol in the context of computer networks?

Accepted Answer

To establish standardized rules and procedures for communication.

Answer

To physically connect network components

Answer

To store and retrieve data

Answer

To assign IP addresses to devices on the network

Question 26

What is the key difference between a Local Area Network (LAN) and a Wide Area Network (WAN)?

Accepted Answer

Scope and geographic coverage

Answer

Data transfer speeds

Answer

Type of communication medium

Answer

Network topology

Question 27

What is the primary function of a firewall within a computer network?

Accepted Answer

To monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on defined security rules.

Answer

To enhance network performance and optimize data flow

Answer

To provide secure encryption for sensitive data transmission

Answer

To detect and eliminate viruses and other malicious software

Question 28

When designing a computer network, which key factor should be given high priority?

Accepted Answer

Balancing performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness

Answer

Emphasizing security measures without regard to other factors

Answer

Considering only the initial cost of network implementation

Answer

Solely focusing on achieving maximum network performance

Question 29

Which of the following is an indispensable component of a computer network?

Accepted Answer

Network Interface Card (NIC)

Answer

Operating system

Answer

Antivirus software

Question 30

What is the primary function of a Network Interface Card (NIC)?

Accepted Answer

Provides a physical connection to the network and enables data transmission

Answer

Stores and retrieves network data

Answer

Routes network traffic

Answer

Manages network security protocols

Question 31

Which network topology involves connecting each device to a central hub?

Accepted Answer

Star

Answer

Ring

Answer

Mesh

Answer

Bus

Question 32

What is the fundamental purpose of the OSI model?

Accepted Answer

Describes a standardized layered architecture for network communication

Answer

Routes network traffic

Answer

Defines specific network protocols

Question 33

Which layer of the OSI model is responsible for framing data into packets?

Accepted Answer

Data Link Layer

Answer

Physical Layer

Answer

Transport Layer

Question 34

What is the key distinction between TCP and UDP?

Accepted Answer

TCP offers reliable, connection-oriented service, while UDP provides unreliable, connectionless service

Answer

TCP is used for web browsing, while UDP is used for email

Question 35

Which network protocol is utilized for routing packets across the Internet?

Accepted Answer

IP (Internet Protocol)

Answer

TCP

Answer

UDP

Question 36

What is the primary purpose of a subnet mask?

Accepted Answer

Divides a network into smaller, manageable subnetworks

Answer

Assigns IP addresses to devices

Answer

Protects the network from unauthorized access

Answer

Routes network traffic

Question 37

What is the primary function of a firewall in network security?

Accepted Answer

Monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predefined security rules

Answer

Detects and removes malware

Answer

Encrypts network data

Question 38

Which of the following is NOT a commonly used network topology?

Accepted Answer

Hierarchy

Answer

Bus

Answer

Star

Answer

Ring

Question 39

In the OSI model, what is the primary role of the Network Layer?

Accepted Answer

Routing packets between networks

Answer

Providing error detection and correction

Answer

Establishing and maintaining connections

Answer

Encapsulating data into packets

Question 40

Which TCP/IP protocol is used to translate domain names into IP addresses?

Accepted Answer

DNS

Answer

HTTP

Answer

TCP

Answer

SMTP

Question 41

What is the primary purpose of IP fragmentation?

Accepted Answer

To break large packets into smaller ones for transmission

Answer

To encrypt packets for security

Answer

To prioritize packets based on their importance

Answer

To combine multiple packets into a single larger packet

Question 42

Which of the following is a characteristic of a connectionless protocol?

Accepted Answer

Packets are sent independently without establishing a prior connection

Answer

Connections are established before data transfer

Answer

Packets are sent in a reliable manner, ensuring delivery

Answer

Data is encrypted for added security

Question 43

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

Accepted Answer

To forward packets based on their destination IP addresses

Answer

To provide security measures for network protection

Answer

To store data and files

Answer

To establish and maintain network connections

Question 44

What is the primary difference between a Wide Area Network (WAN) and a Local Area Network (LAN)?

Accepted Answer

Geographical coverage

Answer

Network topology

Answer

Data transmission speed

Answer

Purpose and usage

Question 45

What is a key advantage of using a structured cabling system in a network infrastructure?

Accepted Answer

Improved network performance, reliability, and maintainability

Answer

Simplified installation process

Answer

Enhanced flexibility and scalability

Answer

Reduced cost of network implementation

Question 46

In which network topology does a central device connect all other devices, making it vulnerable to single points of failure?

Accepted Answer

Star Topology

Answer

Ring Topology

Answer

Mesh Topology

Answer

Bus Topology

Question 47

Which layer of the OSI model is primarily responsible for error detection and correction during data transmission?

Accepted Answer

Data Link Layer

Answer

Network Layer

Answer

Physical Layer

Answer

Application Layer

Question 48

Which protocol is responsible for managing the transmission of data packets across the internet, providing reliable and ordered delivery?

Accepted Answer

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)

Answer

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)

Answer

FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

Answer

IP (Internet Protocol)

Question 49

To connect two buildings located several miles apart, which type of network would be the most appropriate choice?

Accepted Answer

WAN (Wide Area Network)

Answer

PAN (Personal Area Network)

Answer

MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)

Answer

LAN (Local Area Network)

Question 50

Which addressing scheme is used to uniquely identify devices at the physical layer of a network?

Accepted Answer

MAC (Media Access Control) Address

Answer

DNS (Domain Name System) Address

Answer

IP (Internet Protocol) Address

Answer

URL (Uniform Resource Locator)

Question 51

To establish a secure connection between two remote servers, which protocol offers strong encryption and authentication?

Accepted Answer

SSH (Secure Shell)

Answer

HTTP

Answer

Telnet

Question 52

What is the primary function of a firewall in a network security context?

Accepted Answer

To block unauthorized access to the network

Answer

To enhance network performance

Answer

To provide data encryption

Answer

To manage network traffic flow

Question 53

Which layer of the OSI model is responsible for establishing, managing, and terminating communication sessions between applications?

Accepted Answer

Session Layer

Answer

Presentation Layer

Answer

Transport Layer

Answer

Application Layer

Question 54

A company wants to provide secure remote access to company resources for employees working from anywhere in the world. Which type of network solution would be most suitable?

Accepted Answer

VPN (Virtual Private Network)

Answer

MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)

Answer

WAN (Wide Area Network)

Answer

LAN (Local Area Network)

Question 55

What is the primary purpose of network protocols in computer communication?

Accepted Answer

To ensure standardized communication between devices

Answer

To enhance network security

Answer

To manage network traffic flow