What Is Protocol?
What Is Protocol?
What Is Protocol?
1. What is protocol?
A protocol is a set of rules or standards that define how data is transmitted and received
over a network. It ensures that devices communicate effectively and understand each other,
regardless of their differences in hardware or software.
2. What is cladding?
Cladding refers to the outer material or coating that surrounds the core of an optical fiber.
It helps keep the light within the core by reflecting it back through total internal reflection,
preventing signal loss.
6. What is internetwork?
An internetwork is a network of networks, where multiple distinct computer networks are
connected together, allowing communication between them. The internet is the largest
example of an internetwork.
7. Define steganography?
Steganography is the practice of concealing information within other non-suspicious data,
such as embedding a message in an image or audio file, to prevent detection.
8. What is Hub?
A hub is a basic networking device that connects multiple devices in a local area network
(LAN). It broadcasts data to all connected devices, which can lead to collisions and
inefficiency in traffic management.
● Guided Media: Wired media, such as twisted pair cables, coaxial cables, and fiber optics.
● Unguided Media: Wireless media, such as radio waves, microwaves, and infrared.
15 Define HUB.
A hub is a networking device that connects multiple devices in a local area network
(LAN). It broadcasts incoming data to all connected devices, regardless of the intended
recipient, leading to potential data collisions.
16 What is encryption?
Encryption is the process of converting data into a coded format to prevent
unauthorized access. It ensures that only authorized parties can read or understand the
data.
18 Define Intranet.
An intranet is a private network used within an organization, typically based on internet
protocols, that allows employees to share information and resources securely. It is not
accessible from outside the organization.
19 What is a bridge?
A bridge is a network device used to connect and filter traffic between two or more
network segments. It operates at the data link layer and helps reduce traffic by dividing
large networks into smaller segments.
A computer network is a collection of computers and other devices, such as servers, routers, and
printers, that are connected to share data, resources, and services. These connections can be made
using wired (cables) or wireless (radio waves) communication methods. Networks can range in
size from small local area networks (LANs) to vast global networks like the Internet.
1. Resource Sharing: Allows devices to share hardware, software, and data, improving
efficiency and reducing costs.
3. Scalability: Supports the growth of networks, allowing new devices and services to be
added without major disruption.
4. Security: Ensures data and resources are protected from unauthorized access or
malicious attacks.
5. Fault Tolerance and Reliability: Ensures the network continues to operate even if some
components fail, through redundancy and backup systems.
1. Physical Layer (Layer 1): This layer deals with the physical connection between devices. It
transmits raw bit streams over physical media like cables, fiber optics, or wireless signals.
3. Network Layer (Layer 3): Handles routing and forwarding of data packets across different
networks. It ensures data reaches the correct destination by determining the best path.
4. Transport Layer (Layer 4): Manages end-to-end communication and error recovery. It
ensures reliable data transfer by dividing the message into segments and controlling flow
and congestion.
Wireless transmission refers to the transfer of data or signals without the need for physical cables.
It uses electromagnetic waves (such as radio waves, microwaves, or infrared) to transmit data over
the air.
● Radio Waves are electromagnetic waves with a frequency range from 3 Hz to 300 GHz.
They are commonly used in wireless communication for devices like radios, cell phones,
and Wi-Fi networks.
● Characteristics: Radio waves can travel long distances and pass through obstacles like
buildings. Their range depends on factors like transmission power and frequency. They can
be used for various forms of wireless communication, including broadcast TV, FM radio,
and Wi-Fi.
● Usage: In a Wi-Fi network, radio waves are used to transmit data between wireless routers
and devices like laptops and smartphones.
D) Explain IEEE Standard 802.11 (WLAN) in Detail.
IEEE 802.11 is a set of standards developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
(IEEE) for wireless local area networks (WLANs). It specifies how data is transmitted over wireless
connections in a local area network (LAN). The most widely used of these standards is Wi-Fi.
Key features:
1. Frequency Bands: 802.11 standards typically operate in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and more
recently 6 GHz frequency bands, providing options for range and data throughput.
2. Data Rates: The 802.11 standards support various speeds depending on the version:
3. Modulation: It uses techniques like Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) for
efficient data transmission.
4. Security: 802.11 supports various encryption and security methods, such as WEP (Wired
Equivalent Privacy), WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access), and WPA2, to protect the data
transmitted over WLAN.
Types of Attacks:
3. Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks: The attacker floods a system or network with traffic to
make it unavailable to users. A DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack uses multiple
systems to perform the attack.
Example
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol). UDP (User Datagram Protocol).
Protocols
Higher overhead due to connection setup, Lower overhead as there is no need for
Overhead
maintenance, and teardown. connection management.
1. Application Layer: Deals with end-user services and protocols that facilitate
communication between applications (e.g., HTTP, FTP, SMTP).
2. Transport Layer: Ensures reliable data transfer between hosts and provides flow control
and error correction (e.g., TCP, UDP).
● IP: Handles logical addressing and routing. It is a connectionless protocol that sends
packets independently without checking whether they arrive or not.
Key Features:
● Routing: Determines the best path for data to travel across multiple networks.
Unguided media refers to transmission mediums that do not require physical cables or wires to
transmit data. Instead, they use electromagnetic waves that travel through the air or vacuum.
1. Radio Waves
2. Microwaves
3. Infrared Waves
4. Satellite Communication
Radio waves are a type of unguided media used in wireless communication. They have frequencies
between 3 Hz and 300 GHz and are ideal for transmitting data over long distances without the need
for physical cables.
● Characteristics:
o Range: Depending on the frequency and transmission power, radio waves can
cover vast areas, from a few meters to thousands of kilometers.
o Penetration: Radio waves can pass through walls and other obstacles, making
them useful for wireless communication in urban environments.
o Applications: Used in Wi-Fi networks, AM/FM radio broadcasts, mobile phones, and
GPS systems.
● Advantages:
● Disadvantages:
Ethernet frames are the fundamental units of data transmission in an Ethernet network. They
consist of several fields that encapsulate data and are used to ensure successful transmission.
1. Preamble: A 7-byte field used for synchronization. It helps the receiver synchronize its clock
with the sender's transmission.
2. Start of Frame Delimiter (SFD): A 1-byte field indicating the start of the frame (after the
preamble).
3. Destination MAC Address: 6 bytes, specifying the MAC address of the destination device.
4. Source MAC Address: 6 bytes, specifying the MAC address of the source device.
5. EtherType/Length: 2 bytes, indicating the type of protocol being used (e.g., IPv4, IPv6, ARP)
or the length of the data field.
The physical layer defines how data is transmitted over a physical medium. It specifies:
● Cabling: Ethernet uses twisted pair cables (e.g., Cat5, Cat6) or fiber optics for data
transmission.
● Signal Encoding: Data is encoded into electrical or optical signals that travel over the
cables.
● Data Rate: Ethernet supports varying speeds, including 10 Mbps (Ethernet), 100 Mbps (Fast
Ethernet), 1 Gbps (Gigabit Ethernet), and 10 Gbps (10-Gigabit Ethernet).
● Topology: Ethernet traditionally uses a star topology, with devices connected to a central
hub or switch.
Cryptography is the practice of securing communication and information through the use of codes,
algorithms, and ciphers to protect data from unauthorized access. It is used in various applications,
including securing online transactions, protecting sensitive data, and ensuring privacy in
communication.
In symmetric key cryptography, the same key is used for both encryption (converting plaintext to
ciphertext) and decryption (converting ciphertext back to plaintext). This method is fast and
efficient, but both parties must securely share and store the secret key.
Key Features:
● Same Key for Encryption and Decryption: Both sender and receiver use the same secret
key.
● Efficiency: Symmetric algorithms are typically faster than asymmetric ones.
● DES (Data Encryption Standard): An older encryption standard (now considered less
secure).
● 3DES (Triple DES): A stronger variant of DES, which applies the DES algorithm three times
with different keys.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
● Key Distribution: Both parties must securely exchange the secret key beforehand, which
can be a security challenge.
● Scalability: In systems with many users, managing and distributing keys securely can
become complex.
There are several types of security services used in networking to protect data and systems from
unauthorized access, corruption, or attacks:
2. Integrity: Ensures that data is not altered in an unauthorized way. It guarantees that the
data remains accurate and unmodified during transmission or storage.
4. Non-repudiation: Ensures that neither the sender nor the receiver can deny the authenticity
of their communication. This is achieved through digital signatures or logging mechanisms.
5. Access Control: Restricts access to data or systems based on permissions and security
policies, ensuring that only authorized users can access or modify resources.
The seven layers of the OSI model, from top to bottom, are:
1. Application Layer
2. Presentation Layer
3. Session Layer
4. Transport Layer
5. Network Layer
7. Physical Layer
Transport Layer (Layer 4): This layer is responsible for end-to-end communication and error
recovery. It ensures that data is delivered error-free, in sequence, and without losses. Two common
protocols used in this layer are:
● TCP (Transmission Control Protocol): Provides reliable communication with error checking
and flow control.
● UDP (User Datagram Protocol): Provides faster but unreliable communication without error
correction.
Lower bandwidth, suitable for shorter Higher bandwidth, suitable for longer
Bandwidth
distances. distances and faster data transfer.
Network Topology refers to the physical or logical arrangement of the elements (nodes, links, etc.)
in a computer network. It defines how different devices and components in the network are
connected and how data flows between them.
1. Bus Topology:
o In a bus topology, all devices are connected to a single central cable (the bus). Data
sent by a device is available to all other devices on the network, but only the
intended recipient accepts and processes the data.
o Disadvantages: If the bus cable fails, the entire network can be disrupted.
Wireless Transmission refers to the transfer of data without the use of physical cables, utilizing
electromagnetic waves (radio waves, microwaves, infrared, etc.) to communicate over distances.
1. Radio Waves:
o Radio waves are a type of electromagnetic wave that can travel through the air and
are widely used for wireless communication.
2. Microwaves:
A bridge is a networking device that connects two or more network segments (usually within the
same network) to form a single larger network. It operates at the Data Link Layer (Layer 2) of the
OSI model and helps in managing traffic between segments, forwarding data frames, and reducing
collisions in a network.
Types of Bridges:
1. Transparent Bridge:
o This type of bridge learns the MAC addresses of the devices in each network
segment and uses them to forward data frames between the segments. It does not
require any manual configuration and works automatically by learning the
addresses.
o It is used primarily in Token Ring networks. The source routing bridge adds
information to the data frames about the route they should take across the network,
which is useful in complex network topologies.
o A bridge that uses the Spanning Tree Protocol to prevent loops in the network. It
dynamically determines the most efficient path between two devices and blocks
redundant paths that might cause data loops.
1. Unicast:
Diagram:
2. Broadcast:
o Definition: Broadcast communication sends data from a single sender to all
devices on the network.
Diagram:
3. Multicast:
Diagram:
1. Application Layer:
o This is where high-level protocols like HTTP, FTP, SMTP, and DNS operate. It is
responsible for end-user applications and the communication between them.
2. Transport Layer:
3. Internet Layer:
o The internet layer is responsible for routing data across different networks. The
main protocol used is IP (Internet Protocol), which handles addressing and routing.
4. Link Layer:
o The link layer deals with the physical transmission of data over various media, such
as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and other data link technologies.
Guided Media refers to transmission media that use physical pathways to guide data signals. It
requires the use of cables or wires that direct the transmission of data over specific routes.
Common types of guided media include twisted pair cables, coaxial cables, and fiber-optic cables.
● Structure: A fiber-optic cable consists of a core made of glass or plastic fibers that
transmit data using light signals. The core is surrounded by cladding that reflects light
signals back into the core, keeping the signal contained and minimizing losses.
● Advantages:
Fast Ethernet refers to Ethernet technology that supports data transfer speeds of 100 Mbps, a
significant upgrade over the original Ethernet speed of 10 Mbps (10Base-T). Fast Ethernet uses the
IEEE 802.3u standard and is commonly used in local area networks (LANs).
1. 100Base-TX:
o Common Use: Most common form of Fast Ethernet for network connectivity in
offices and homes.
2. 100Base-FX:
o Connector: SC or ST connectors.
o Common Use: Used for high-speed networking over long distances, especially in
large enterprises and between buildings.
o Common Use: Designed for older network infrastructure, but less common now due
to advancements in Cat 5 and Cat 6 cabling.
a) What are the network connectivity devices? Explain any one in detail.
Network Connectivity Devices are hardware components used to establish, maintain, and manage
communication between devices in a network. These devices include:
1. Hub: A basic networking device that broadcasts incoming data packets to all connected
devices.
2. Switch: A more advanced version of a hub, forwarding data only to the specific device that
needs it.
3. Router: A device that forwards data between different networks, such as between a local
network and the internet.
4. Bridge: A device that connects two or more network segments and filters traffic between
them.
● Function: A router forwards data packets between different networks. It determines the
best path for data to travel across interconnected networks, like from a home network to
the internet.
● Operation: Routers use routing tables and protocols (like RIP, OSPF) to forward packets.
They also provide functions like Network Address Translation (NAT) to map private IP
addresses to a public address and DHCP for assigning IP addresses to devices.
● Example: A home router connects your local network (e.g., laptops, smartphones) to the
internet service provider (ISP).
1. Unicast:
o Definition: Unicast is the communication mode where data is sent from one sender
to one specific receiver.
Diagram:
2. Broadcast:
o Definition: Broadcast involves sending data from one sender to all devices in the
network.
Diagram:
3. Multicast:
o Definition: Multicast is a communication mode where data is sent from one sender
to a specific group of receivers.
Diagram:
Centralized Yes, the server manages resources and No, each device has equal control over
Control security. resources.
Easily scalable with additional servers and Difficult to scale due to lack of
Scalability
resources. centralized management.
High security with centralized user Less secure, as each device manages
Security
authentication and access control. its own security settings.
Higher initial cost due to the need for a Lower cost as no dedicated server is
Cost
dedicated server. needed.
Can handle large volumes of traffic with Performance may degrade as more
Performance
high performance. devices are added.
Copyright is a legal right granted to the creator or author of an original work, giving them exclusive
rights to use, distribute, and reproduce the work. It protects a variety of works such as literature,
music, art, films, software, and more.
Application of Copyright:
1. Protection of Creative Works: Copyright ensures that creators have control over how their
works are used and distributed. This includes the right to reproduce, distribute, and display
the work.
2. Digital Content: In the digital age, copyright applies to software, websites, music, videos,
and other digital media.
3. Fair Use: Copyright allows for limited use of the work by others under the doctrine of "fair
use" for purposes like criticism, education.
4. Duration: Copyright generally lasts for the life of the author plus a set number of years (e.g.,
70 years in many countries).
Classful Addressing is an older method of IP address allocation that divides the available IP
address space into five distinct classes: A, B, C, D, and E. It is primarily used for IPv4 addressing.
1. Class A:
2. Class B:
o Use: Used for medium-sized networks. The first two octets (16 bits) define the
network.
3. Class C:
o Use: Suitable for smaller networks. The first three octets (24 bits) define the
network.
o Number of Networks: Over 2 million networks with up to 256 hosts per network.
4. Class D (Multicast):
o Use: Reserved for multicast communication, where data is sent from one source to
multiple receivers.
5. Class E (Experimental):
o Use: Reserved for experimental purposes and not typically used in public networks.
Network Topology refers to the physical or logical arrangement of devices (such as computers,
routers, switches, etc.) and their interconnections within a network. It defines how the network
devices communicate and share information.
Types of Topology:
1. Bus Topology:
o Definition: In a bus topology, all devices are connected to a single central cable
(the bus). Data is broadcasted across the network, and each device checks if the
message is addressed to it.
2. Star Topology:
o Definition: All devices are connected to a central device (usually a switch or hub).
The central device manages data traffic between devices.
3. Ring Topology:
o Definition: Devices are connected in a circular manner, with each device having two
connections: one to the previous device and one to the next.
o Disadvantages: A failure in any single device or connection can disrupt the entire
network.
4. Mesh Topology:
o Definition: Every device is connected to every other device, providing multiple paths
for data transmission.
Addressing refers to assigning identifiers to network devices so that data can be sent to the
correct destination.
Types of Addresses:
o Types:
4. Broadcast Address:
o Definition: A special address used to send data to all devices on a network. For
IPv4, the broadcast address is usually the last address in a subnet .
Propagation refers to the way signals travel through a medium from one point to another. The
speed and effectiveness of propagation depend on the type of medium (e.g., cable, air) and the
environment.
Propagation Methods:
1. Guided Propagation:
o Examples:
■ Fiber Optic Cables: Light signals propagate through the core of the cable,
reflecting off the cladding.
2. Unguided Propagation:
o Definition: In unguided propagation, the signal travels through the air or vacuum
without being confined to a physical medium.
o Examples:
● Distance: The farther the signal must travel, the more attenuation occurs.
● Interference: External factors like noise, weather, or obstacles can distort or weaken the
signal.
Application of Copyright:
1. Protection of Original Works: Copyright protects a wide range of works, including books,
software, music, films, and artworks, from unauthorized copying and distribution.
2. Economic Rights: The creator can control the reproduction, distribution, public
performance, and adaptation of the work.
3. Moral Rights: Copyright also provides the creator with the right to object to derogatory
treatment of their work, such as alteration or distortion that could harm their reputation.
4. Duration: Copyright generally lasts for the life of the author plus a certain number of years
(typically 70 years in many jurisdictions).
Bluetooth is a wireless communication technology used to exchange data over short distances,
typically within a range of 10 meters. It is commonly used for connecting devices like smartphones,
headphones, keyboards, and other peripherals.
Bluetooth Architecture: Bluetooth uses a piconet architecture, where one device acts as the master,
and others serve as slaves. A piconet consists of up to eight devices, but a master can
communicate with many more devices in a scatternet.
1. Bluetooth Devices:
o Master: The device that controls the communication link and coordinates the
devices in a piconet.
o Slave: Devices that are connected to the master in the piconet. They follow the
master's lead in communication.
2. Bluetooth Radio:
o Bluetooth operates in the 2.4 GHz ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) band,
allowing devices to communicate wirelessly.
o It uses frequency hopping to avoid interference from other devices that may
operate in the same frequency band.
3. Bluetooth Profiles:
Advantages of Bluetooth:
Applications:
A) Switch
A Switch is a network device that operates at the Data Link Layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model. It
connects devices within a local area network (LAN) and forwards data based on MAC addresses.
Unlike a hub, which broadcasts data to all connected devices, a switch intelligently sends data only
to the device it is intended for, improving network efficiency. Some switches also operate at Layer 3,
providing routing capabilities and thus known as Layer 3 switches.
● Function: Learns MAC addresses and uses them to forward data frames.
A Virtual LAN (VLAN) is a logical grouping of devices within a network, irrespective of their physical
location. VLANs are used to segment a larger physical network into smaller, isolated networks. This
is done by configuring switches to treat certain devices as part of the same VLAN, even if they are
on different physical switches.
● Advantages: Improved traffic management, security (by isolating groups of devices), and
flexibility in network management.
● Example: Devices in the HR department and Marketing can be on separate VLANs for
security, even if they share the same physical infrastructure.
C) Types of Network
There are different types of networks based on their geographic scope, size, and connectivity:
o Definition: A network that connects devices within a small geographical area, like a
home, office, or building.
o Definition: A network that spans a large geographic area, often covering cities,
countries, or even continents.
o Definition: A network that covers a city or a large campus. Larger than a LAN but
smaller than a WAN.
o Definition: A small network typically around a single person, covering a short range,
such as a Bluetooth-connected network.
D) Propagation Modes
Propagation refers to how signals travel across a medium. There are three primary propagation
modes:
1. Guided Propagation:
o Signals travel through a physical medium, such as twisted pair cables, coaxial
cables, or fiber optics.
o Signals travel through the air (wireless transmission), such as radio waves or
microwaves.
3. Surface Propagation:
o Signals travel along the surface of the Earth, often seen in technologies like
ground-based microwave communication.
● Intranet: A private network that is used internally within an organization. It uses internet
protocols and is restricted to authorized users, providing access to internal resources such
as documents, applications, and databases.
o Example: A corporate intranet that employees access to share files, access internal
websites, or communicate via internal messaging systems.
● Extranet: A network that allows external users, such as business partners or customers,
limited access to certain parts of an organization's intranet. It is essentially an extension of
an intranet that is accessible to authorized external parties.
F) Firewall
A Firewall is a security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic
based on predetermined security rules. Firewalls can be implemented in hardware or software, and
their primary function is to prevent unauthorized access while permitting legitimate communication.
● Types:
1. Packet Filtering Firewall: Inspects packets and blocks or allows them based on
predefined rules (e.g., IP address, port number).
2. Stateful Inspection Firewall: Keeps track of the state of active connections and
ensures that incoming packets are part of a valid session.
3. Proxy Firewall: Acts as an intermediary between the internal network and external
sources, filtering requests and masking the internal network.
● Function: Prevents unauthorized access, protects against cyberattacks (e.g., DDoS), and
enforces security policies.