Computer Network MCQ

Computer networks are the backbone of modern communication. As the digital age continues to evolve, understanding the basics of computer networking becomes ever more important.

This quiz is designed to test your knowledge on the fundamental concepts of computer networking. Each question comes with a detailed explanation, ensuring you not only know the answer but understand the rationale behind it.

1. Which device is primarily used to link two or more separate networks?

A. Hub
B. Switch
C. Router
D. Repeater

Answer:

C. Router

Explanation:

Routers are specifically designed to route data packets between different networks, enabling communication between them.

2. What does LAN stand for?

A. Large Area Network
B. Local Area Network
C. Linear Area Network
D. Longitudinal Area Network

Answer:

B. Local Area Network

Explanation:

LAN stands for Local Area Network. It's a network that connects computers within a limited area such as a home, school, or office.

3. Which protocol is used for sending email?

A. HTTP
B. SMTP
C. FTP
D. ICMP

Answer:

B. SMTP

Explanation:

SMTP stands for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol and it's used for sending emails.

4. Which protocol is used to securely access web content?

A. HTTP
B. FTP
C. SFTP
D. HTTPS

Answer:

D. HTTPS

Explanation:

HTTPS stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure and is used to access web content securely, often symbolized by a padlock icon in browsers.

5. Which protocol is used to transfer files between a client and a server on the internet?

A. DNS
B. HTTP
C. FTP
D. SMTP

Answer:

C. FTP

Explanation:

FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, is specifically designed for transferring files over a network.

6. Which layer of the OSI model is responsible for routing?

A. Data Link Layer
B. Network Layer
C. Transport Layer
D. Session Layer

Answer:

B. Network Layer

Explanation:

The Network Layer is responsible for determining the best path to route data from the source to the destination.

7. Which of the following is a type of guided media?

A. Microwaves
B. Satellite
C. Coaxial cable
D. Radio waves

Answer:

C. Coaxial cable

Explanation:

Guided media involves guiding signals along a specific path like wires or cables. Coaxial cable is an example of this.

8. Which device broadcasts data to every device in a network?

A. Router
B. Gateway
C. Hub
D. Switch

Answer:

C. Hub

Explanation:

A hub sends data to every device in a network, irrespective of the intended recipient.

9. What is the main purpose of the OSI model?

A. Data encryption
B. Data compression
C. Providing a standardized framework for network communication
D. Speeding up network transmission

Answer:

C. Providing a standardized framework for network communication

Explanation:

The OSI model provides a standardized framework that describes the functions of a networking or telecommunication system.

10. In which layer of the OSI model does encryption and decryption occur?

A. Presentation Layer
B. Session Layer
C. Transport Layer
D. Application Layer

Answer:

A. Presentation Layer

Explanation:

The Presentation Layer is responsible for translating, encrypting, and compressing data.

11. Which protocol operates at the Transport layer of the OSI model?

A. IP
B. TCP
C. ARP
D. ICMP

Answer:

B. TCP

Explanation:

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) operates at the Transport layer and ensures data is transmitted reliably between devices.

12. Which of the following is not a network topology?

A. Ring
B. Star
C. Array
D. Mesh

Answer:

C. Array

Explanation:

Array isn't a network topology. Common topologies include ring, star, bus, and mesh.

13. What does the term 'ping' mean in the context of networks?

A. Data storage request
B. Data download request
C. Testing network connectivity
D. Initiating a network shutdown

Answer:

C. Testing network connectivity

Explanation:

'Ping' is a network diagnostic tool used to test the connectivity between two nodes in a network.

14. Which technology allows a computer to call another computer over a phone line?

A. Ethernet
B. Fiber optics
C. Modem
D. Coaxial cable

Answer:

C. Modem

Explanation:

A modem modulates and demodulates digital signals, allowing computers to communicate over telephone lines.

15. Which protocol is used for transferring web pages on the internet?

A. FTP
B. SMTP
C. HTTP
D. POP3

Answer:

C. HTTP

Explanation:

HTTP stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol and is used to transfer web pages on the internet.

16. Which of the following network devices operates only at Layer 1 (Physical layer) of the OSI model?

A. Hub
B. Switch
C. Router
D. Bridge

Answer:

A. Hub

Explanation:

A hub operates at the Physical layer (Layer 1) of the OSI model and simply broadcasts data to all devices in the network.

17. What does NAT stand for in networking?

A. Network Address Translator
B. Network Application Terminal
C. Natural Address Tracker
D. Network Address Tracking

Answer:

A. Network Address Translator

Explanation:

NAT stands for Network Address Translator. It allows a single device, such as a router, to act as an agent between the public network and a local network, which means it can help multiple devices in a local network use a single public IP address.

18. Which network topology is best suited for a scenario where system availability is critical?

A. Bus
B. Star
C. Ring
D. Mesh

Answer:

D. Mesh

Explanation:

In a mesh topology, every device is connected to every other device, providing multiple paths for data transmission. This redundancy means it's highly available and fault-tolerant.

19. Which layer of the OSI model deals with the creation, management, and termination of sessions?

A. Session Layer
B. Presentation Layer
C. Transport Layer
D. Network Layer

Answer:

A. Session Layer

Explanation:

The Session Layer is responsible for setting up, maintaining, and terminating sessions between applications at both ends.

20. What kind of network attack attempts to make a machine or network resource unavailable?

A. Phishing
B. Spoofing
C. Man-in-the-middle
D. Denial of Service

Answer:

D. Denial of Service

Explanation:

A Denial of Service (DoS) attack is an attempt to render a machine or network resource unavailable to users.

21. How many types of personal area networks (PANs) are there?

A. One
B. Two
C. Three
D. Four

Answer:

B. Two

Explanation:

There are two main types of PANs: Wired PAN and Wireless PAN (WPAN). Within WPAN, there are various technologies like Bluetooth, ZigBee, UWB, and IrDA, but they all fall under the wireless category.

22. What is the primary purpose of a subnet mask in IP addressing?

A. Error correction
B. Data compression
C. Dividing IP addresses into network and host portions
D. Encrypting data for security

Answer:

C. Dividing IP addresses into network and host portions

Explanation:

A subnet mask is used to specify which portion of an IP address is the network and which part can be used for hosts.

23. Which protocol ensures reliable data delivery by establishing a connection?

A. UDP
B. HTTP
C. ICMP
D. TCP

Answer:

D. TCP

Explanation:

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) ensures reliable data delivery by establishing a connection and using acknowledgments to confirm data receipt.

24. Which device operates at the Data Link Layer of the OSI model to forward data based on MAC addresses?

A. Router
B. Hub
C. Switch
D. Modem

Answer:

C. Switch

Explanation:

Switches operate at the Data Link Layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model and use MAC addresses to forward data to the correct destination.

25. Which of the following is used to convert domain names into IP addresses?

A. DHCP
B. ARP
C. DNS
D. RARP

Answer:

C. DNS

Explanation:

DNS (Domain Name System) is used to resolve domain names into IP addresses.

26. Which wireless networking protocol is limited in range but offers high transfer speeds?

A. Bluetooth
B. LTE
C. WiMAX
D. Wi-Fi

Answer:

A. Bluetooth

Explanation:

Bluetooth has a shorter range compared to other wireless protocols, but it can offer high transfer speeds, especially in its recent versions.

27. Which of the following topologies uses a centralized hub or switch to connect all devices?

A. Ring
B. Mesh
C. Star
D. Bus

Answer:

C. Star

Explanation:

In a star topology, all devices are connected to a central hub or switch.

28. What is the standard port number for HTTP?

A. 21
B. 80
C. 25
D. 110

Answer:

B. 80

Explanation:

The standard port number for HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) is 80.

29. Which of the following is NOT a type of network cabling?

A. Coaxial
B. Optical fiber
C. RJ45
D. Twisted pair

Answer:

C. RJ45

Explanation:

RJ45 is a type of connector commonly used with twisted pair cables, not a type of cabling itself.

30. Which network architecture uses a peer model without dedicated servers?

A. Client-server
B. Peer-to-peer
C. Master-slave
D. Hub and spoke

Answer:

B. Peer-to-peer

Explanation:

In a peer-to-peer network, all devices function as both clients and servers, sharing resources directly without the need for a dedicated server.


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