Practice Questions
Below is a series of practice questions, for each of these you will need to refer to the notes on this site, as well as do some further research of your own. Rather than just trying to answer each question, please try to understand the question and learn what it is seeing if you know. The purpose of these questions is to try and find gaps in your knowledge so that you can fill them.
Application layer - HTTP, IRC, and DNS:
Transport layer - TCP and UDP:
Network (Internet) layer - Internet Protocol (IP):
Link Layer - Ethernet and WiFi:
ADDITIONAL NOTES
The teachers at PNGHS have been kind enough to lend us their notes. Please have a read of them as supplementary reading, and ask me (in person or email) if you have any questions.
Application layer - HTTP, IRC, and DNS:
- Explain the role of HTTP in the Internet Protocol Suite and its usefulness with the world wide web.
- Describe the step-by-step process of how HTTP connects a user's browser to a web server and retrieves web content.
- What is DNS, and how does it contribute to the functioning of HTTP and web browsing?
- Explain the concept of Internet Relay Chat (IRC) and its role in online communication. Describe the basic structure of an IRC network, including servers, channels, and users.
- Discuss the key features of IRC that make it distinct from other forms of online messaging and social platforms. How does IRC's decentralized nature contribute to its resilience and popularity?
Transport layer - TCP and UDP:
- Compare and contrast TCP and UDP in terms of reliability, handshaking, and use cases. Provide examples of situations where each protocol is suitable.
- Explain the concept of a "three-way handshake" in TCP. Why is it important for establishing a reliable connection?
- What are the main advantages of using UDP for applications like audio/video streaming and online gaming? What are the trade-offs associated with UDP?
Network (Internet) layer - Internet Protocol (IP):
- Differentiate between IPv4 and IPv6 in terms of address format and the number of available addresses. Why was IPv6 introduced, and how does it address the limitations of IPv4?
- Describe the purpose of Network Address Translation (NAT) and how it helps extend the use of IPv4 addresses.
Link Layer - Ethernet and WiFi:
- Explain the primary functions of the Link Layer in the Internet Protocol Suite, including framing, MAC addressing, error detection, and flow control.
- How are MAC addresses assigned to devices? (Short answer)
- Compare and contrast Ethernet and Wi-Fi as networking technologies. Discuss their typical use cases and key characteristics.
- Differentiate between switches and routers in terms of their functions within a network. How do they contribute to efficient data transmission?
- How does the Link Layer serve as a bridge between upper-layer protocols (e.g., IP) and the physical medium in the Internet Protocol Suite?
ADDITIONAL NOTES
The teachers at PNGHS have been kind enough to lend us their notes. Please have a read of them as supplementary reading, and ask me (in person or email) if you have any questions.
pnghs_study_notes.pdf |