IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses, allowing around 4.3 billion unique addresses. However, IPv6, with 128-bit addresses, offers a significantly larger address space to accommodate the growing number of internet-connected devices.
1. What is the OSI model and what are its seven layers?
The OSI model (Open Systems Interconnection) is a framework that standardizes communication functions in seven layers: Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation, and Application. These layers help guide network protocols and facilitate communication between systems.
2. What is the difference between TCP and UDP?
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is connection-oriented, ensuring reliable, ordered data transmission with error correction. UDP (User Datagram Protocol) is connectionless, offering faster transmission without guarantees of reliability, order, or error correction, making it suitable for real-time applications.
3. What is an IP address and what is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?
IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses, allowing around 4.3 billion unique addresses. However, IPv6, with 128-bit addresses, offers a significantly larger address space to accommodate the growing number of internet-connected devices.
An IP address identifies devices on a network.
4. What is the purpose of a subnet mask in a network?
A subnet mask helps divide an IP address into network and host parts. Therefore, it enables devices to determine whether another device is on the same local network or a different one, ensuring efficient routing and network management.
5. What is a router and how does it differ from a switch?
A router connects different networks and directs data between them. In contrast, a switch connects devices within the same network and forwards data to the correct device. Thus, routers manage traffic between networks, while switches manage traffic within networks.
6. What is DHCP and how does it work?
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) automatically gives devices an IP address when they join a network. First, a device asks for an IP, and then the DHCP server provides one. This makes setting up and managing networks easier.
7. What is a VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) and how does it enhance network efficiency?
A VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) groups devices into different networks, even if they’re physically on the same one. By doing this, it improves security, reduces traffic, and makes network management easier, thus enhancing overall network efficiency and performance.
8. What is DNS (Domain Name System) and how does it work?
DNS (Domain Name System) is a system that translates human-readable domain names, like into IP addresses that computers use to identify each other on the network. It acts as a directory, enabling easier navigation across the internet.
9. What is NAT (Network Address Translation) and how does it function in a network?
NAT (Network Address Translation) changes private IP addresses to public ones when devices access the internet. This allows multiple devices to share a single public IP, improving security and conserving IP addresses, while making internet access efficient for all devices.
10. What is a firewall and what are the different types of firewalls used in networking?
A firewall protects a network by filtering incoming and outgoing traffic based on security rules. There are different types: packet-filtering, stateful, proxy, and next-gen firewalls. Each type provides varying levels of protection depending on the network’s needs and complexity.