Computer Networking Quiz Questions Answers For IT Candidates

Computer networks are of various types: LAN connects devices in small areas like homes or offices, WAN spans large areas like cities, MAN covers urban regions, PAN links personal devices, and CAN operates within campuses.

A Local Area Network (LAN) connects devices within a limited area like a building, allowing resource sharing such as files, printers, and internet connections.

WAN (Wide Area Network) is a type of network that covers a large geographic area, such as a city, country, or even the entire world. It connects smaller local networks (like LANs) over long distances, often using public or private communication links like the internet.

The OSI model has seven layers. Each layer has a specific role in helping devices communicate over a network. These layers work together to transfer data smoothly between devices.

A hub in networking is a basic device that connects multiple devices in a network. It sends data to all connected devices, even if it’s only meant for one device, which can lead to inefficiency and slower speeds compared to more advanced devices like switches.

A router connects different networks, such as your home network to the Internet, and directs data between them. A switch connects devices within the same network, such as computers or printers, so they can communicate with each other.

Ethernet cables are used to connect devices such as computers, routers, and switches to a network. It allows for a wired, stable, and fast Internet connection, commonly used for local area networks (LANs).

Wi-Fi is a network technology that allows devices such as smartphones, laptops and tablets to connect to the Internet wirelessly using radio waves instead of physical cables. This provides convenient Internet access without the need for wires.

A Network Interface Card (NIC) is a hardware component that allows a device, like a computer or printer, to connect to a network, either through a wired Ethernet cable or wirelessly.

The main difference between FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) is that FTP transfers files without encryption, making it less secure, while SFTP encrypts the data during transfer, ensuring a more secure connection.

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is a connection-oriented protocol in computer networking that ensures reliable data transmission. It breaks data into packets, sends them, and ensures they are received correctly in order.

UDP (User Datagram Protocol) is a connectionless protocol in networking that sends data without establishing a connection or ensuring reliable delivery. It is faster than TCP but does not guarantee data integrity or order.

SSL (Secure Socket Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security) are cryptographic protocols used to secure communications over a network. They encrypt the data exchanged between a web server and a browser, ensuring privacy and preventing tampering or eavesdropping.

BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) is a routing protocol used to exchange routing information between different networks, or Autonomous Systems, on the internet. It helps determine the best path for data to travel across large, interconnected networks.

A load balancer in networking is used to distribute incoming network traffic across multiple servers. This helps ensure that no server is overloaded, thereby improving the performance, reliability, and availability of services or applications.

Subnet masks are used in networking to divide an IP address into two parts: one for the network and the other for the device (host). It helps routers and devices determine which part of the IP address identifies the network and which part identifies individual devices.

Subnetting in networking is the process of dividing a large network into smaller, more manageable sub-networks (subnets). It helps improve network performance, security, and efficient use of IP addresses by organizing them into smaller groups.

In networking, TTL (Time to Live) is a number that controls how long data can travel across networks. Each time the data passes a device (like a router), the number decreases. When it reaches zero, the data is stopped to avoid endless loops.

A repeater is a device in networking that amplifies or regenerates signals to extend the range of a network. It ensures data can travel longer distances without losing quality or becoming weak.

A network adapter is a hardware device or component in a computer that allows it to connect to a network. It enables communication with other devices, either via a wired connection (such as Ethernet) or wirelessly (such as Wi-Fi).

A wireless router connects the local network to the Internet and allows devices to communicate wirelessly using Wi-Fi. It acts as both a router (directing traffic) and a wireless access point for connecting devices without cables

A network card, also known as a network interface card (NIC), is used to connect a computer or device to a network. It enables communication with other devices via a wired Ethernet or wireless connection.

A network tap is a hardware device used to monitor and analyze network traffic. It makes a copy of the data flowing through a network link and sends it to the monitoring system without interrupting the original traffic.

A crossover cable is a type of Ethernet cable used to connect two similar devices directly, like two computers or two switches, without using a hub or switch. It reverses certain wires to enable direct communication.

A crossover cable is a type of Ethernet cable used to directly connect two network devices of the same type, such as two computers or two switches, without the need for a hub or switch in between. It swaps the sending and receiving wires to enable direct communication.

Bus topology is a type of network setup where all devices are connected to a single central cable, known as the “bus.” Data sent by any device travels along the bus and is received by all other devices. It’s simple and cost-effective but can become slow if too many devices are connected.

Star topology is a network setup where all devices are connected to a central device, usually a switch or hub. The central device acts as the main point of communication, and if one device fails, it doesn’t affect the rest of the network. It’s reliable and easy to manage.

Ring topology is a network setup where each device is connected to two other devices, forming a closed loop or ring. Data travels in one direction (or sometimes both) around the ring, passing through each device until it reaches its destination. If one device fails, it can disrupt the entire network.

Mesh topology is a network setup where each device is connected to every other device in the network. This creates multiple paths for data to travel, ensuring high reliability and redundancy.If one connection fails, the data can still reach its destination via another route.

Hybrid topology is a combination of two or more different types of network topologies, such as star, bus, or mesh. It is used to leverage the strengths of each topology and improve the performance, scalability, and reliability of the overall network.

The star topology is the most common network topology in use today. In this setup, all devices are connected to a central device, such as a switch or router. It is easy to manage, reliable, and allows for easy addition or removal of devices without disrupting the network.

A point-to-point connection in networking is a direct link between two devices. This allows them to communicate with each other without any intermediaries or additional devices.

The backbone network is the main, high-speed part of a network that connects different smaller networks. It helps transfer large amounts of data quickly between different parts of the network.

A man-in-the-middle attack happens when a hacker secretly intercepts and possibly alters the communication between two people or devices, without them knowing. It’s like someone listening to or changing messages between two people.

A DoS (Denial of Service) attack is when a hacker sends so much traffic to a website or server that it becomes too slow or crashes, preventing real users from accessing it.

Packet sniffing is when someone captures and observes the data being sent over a network. It’s like listening in on messages between devices, and if done maliciously it can be used to steal information.

Encryption in networking is the process of converting data into a secret code to prevent unauthorized access. This ensures that only the intended recipient can read the information, keeping it secure as it travels across the network.

A digital certificate is like an online ID card that proves that a website or person is who it claims to be. It helps ensure secure communication by verifying identity and encrypting data during online transactions

Answer: WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) is a security standard for Wi-Fi networks that helps protect your connection. It encrypts data to keep it safe from hackers and ensures only authorized users can access the network.

Network monitoring tools are used to keep an eye on a network’s performance. They help detect problems, track traffic, and ensure everything is working properly, making it easier to fix issues before they affect users.

An IPv4 address is a unique number assigned to devices on a network, like computers or phones. It helps devices communicate and share data. Written as four numbers separated by dots (e.g., 192.168.1.1), IPv4 ensures data reaches the right destination on the internet or within a local network.

IPv6 is the most recent version of the Internet Protocol (IP) used to assign unique addresses to devices on a network. It was developed to replace IPv4 because there were not enough IPv4 addresses for all the devices connected to the Internet. IPv6 uses longer addresses made up of numbers and letters, allowing an almost unlimited number of unique IP addresses to be obtained.

Network cabling uses physical wires to connect devices such as computers, routers, and switches, allowing them to share data and communicate. Common types include Ethernet cable for everyday use and fiber optic cable for faster connections.

In computer networking, attenuation is a reduction in the strength of a signal as it travels, which can cause data to be lost or unclear. Distortion occurs when the signal is altered, causing inaccuracies in the transmitted data. Noise refers to unwanted interference, such as electrical signals, that can cause errors and make communications less reliable. All of these factors can affect the quality and speed of a network connection.

An IP address is a unique number assigned to each device connected to a network, such as a computer or phone. It helps identify and locate the device, allowing it to send and receive data over the Internet. IP addresses can look like a series of numbers separated by dots (IPv4) or letters and numbers (IPv6)

In cybersecurity, a Trojan horse is a type of malicious software that pretends to be something harmless, like a legitimate program or file, to trick users into installing it. Once inside a system, it can steal information, damage files, or give hackers control of the device.

Ransomware is a type of malicious software or Ransomware is a serious cybersecurity threat that locks or encrypts a user’s files, making them inaccessible. The attacker then demands a ransom (payment) in exchange for unlocking the files or providing a decryption key. It can be spread via email, websites, or infected software.

A rootkit is a type of malicious software designed to gain unauthorized access to a computer or network while concealing its presence. Once installed, it allows cybercriminals to control a system without the user’s knowledge. A rootkit can modify system files, processes, and settings, making it difficult to detect or remove.

A brute force attack is a method used by hackers to guess passwords or encryption keys in which they try every possible combination until they find the right password. This is like trying every possible key to open a door. Although it can eventually crack the password, it can take a long time, especially if the password is strong and complex.

A network sniffer is a tool that captures and analyzes data being transmitted over a network. It allows users to view information passing through the network, such as emails, passwords, or web traffic. While network administrators use sniffers for troubleshooting and monitoring, hackers can also use them to steal sensitive data if they have unauthorized access

In cybersecurity, a honeypot is a fake, vulnerable system or network designed to attract and trap hackers. It appears to be a legitimate target, but its main purpose is to deceive attackers and gather information about their methods. By monitoring how hackers interact with the honeypot, security experts can learn about new threats and strengthen defenses without putting real systems at risk.

A port scanner is a tool used in cybersecurity to check for open ports in a computer or network. Ports are like doors that allow data to enter or exit a device. A port scanner sends requests to these ports to see if they are open, closed, or vulnerable to attacks.

A routing table is a database used by routers to determine the best route to send data across a network. It contains information about various network destinations and how to reach them. When data is sent, the router checks the table to decide which route the data should take to reach its destination efficiently. The routing table helps ensure that data travels quickly and accurately through the network.

Tracert (short for ‘trace route’) is a command-line tool used to track the path of data from your computer to a destination on the Internet. It shows each step, or “hop”, that data passes through, including routers and servers. Tracert helps diagnose network problems by identifying slow or failed connections along the route.

A peer-to-peer (P2P) network is a type of network where all devices (or “peers”) can communicate directly with each other, without the need for a central server. Each device acts as both a client and a server, sharing resources such as files, printers, or Internet connections.

Fiber optics can carry data over long distances without losing signal quality, making them ideal for high-speed Internet and large networks. Fiber optics also have very high bandwidth, allowing for faster transmission of data.

Ipconfig is a command-line tool used to view and manage network settings in a computer. By typing ipconfig in the Command Prompt, you can see important information such as your device’s IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway.

Client/server is a network model where one device (the server) provides services or resources, and other devices (clients) access those services. For example, in a website setup, your computer is the client, and the web server provides the website’s content.

The IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) plays a key role in computer networking by creating and maintaining standards that ensure different devices and technologies can work together smoothly. For example, the IEEE developed standards for Wi-Fi (802.11) and Ethernet (802.3), which are widely used in networking. These standards define how data is transmitted, ensuring compatibility and reliability across different devices and networks.