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Computer Networks & Cisco Questions

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1. What is a Computer Network in simple terms?

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A computer network is a group of two or more devices, like computers and phones, that are connected so they can share information and resources with each other.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

2. What is the main difference between the Internet and an Intranet?

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The Internet is a large, public, worldwide network. An Intranet is a private network used only by people within a specific organization, like a company or school.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

3. What is a router and what is its basic job?

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A router is a device that connects different networks together. Its basic job is to choose the best path for data to travel from your computer to its destination on the Internet.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

4. What is the purpose of a modem?

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A modem converts the digital signals from your computer into analog signals that can travel over phone lines or cable lines, and vice-versa, allowing you to connect to the Internet.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

5. What is an IP address?

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An IP address is a unique number assigned to every device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol. It is like the mailing address for your computer.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

6. What does the term "bandwidth" mean for your Internet connection?

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Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data that can be sent over a connection in a specific amount of time. Higher bandwidth means faster downloads and streaming.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

7. What is a Protocol in the context of networking?

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A protocol is simply a set of rules and instructions that computers use to communicate with each other, ensuring that data is exchanged in an orderly way.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

8. What is a server?

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A server is a powerful computer or program that provides services, data, resources, or programs to other computers, called clients, over a network.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

9. What is a client?

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A client is a device or program that relies on a server to access resources, data, or services. Your personal computer or smartphone is usually a client.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

10. What is the most common cable used to connect a computer to a home router?

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The most common cable is an Ethernet cable, which looks like a thicker phone cable.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

11. What is Wi-Fi?

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Wi-Fi is a technology that allows electronic devices to connect to a computer network, usually the Internet, using radio waves instead of wires.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

12. What is a LAN (Local Area Network)?

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A LAN is a network that connects computers within a small, specific area, such as a single home, office building, or school campus.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

13. What is a WAN (Wide Area Network)?

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A WAN is a network that covers a large geographic area, connecting multiple LANs together. The Internet is the largest example of a WAN.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

14. What is the job of a Switch in a network?

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A switch connects devices within the same local network (LAN). It learns which devices are on which port and sends data only to the intended recipient.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

15. What is an IP address made up of?

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An IP address is made up of two parts: one part identifies the network, and the other part identifies the specific device on that network.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

16. What does the term "latency" refer to?

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Latency refers to the time delay it takes for a data packet to travel from the source (your computer) to the destination and back. Lower latency is better for things like video calls.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

17. What is HTTP and what is it used for?

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HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the main set of rules used to transfer web pages and other files across the World Wide Web.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

18. What is the difference between HTTP and HTTPS?

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HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP. The extra "S" stands for Secure, meaning the data being sent and received is encrypted to protect it from being read by others.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

19. What is a web browser (like Chrome or Firefox)?

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A web browser is a software application used to access and view websites and other information on the World Wide Web.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

20. What is DNS (Domain Name System) used for?

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DNS is like the phonebook of the Internet. It translates website names (like google.com) into the numerical IP addresses that computers need to find the website.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

21. What is a URL (Uniform Resource Locator)?

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A URL is the complete address used to find a specific resource, like a web page or file, on the Internet. It is what you type in the browser address bar.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

22. What is a Firewall and why is it important?

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A firewall is a network security system that acts as a barrier, checking all data coming into and going out of a network. It blocks suspicious or unauthorized traffic.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

23. What is a VPN (Virtual Private Network)?

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A VPN is a service that creates a secure, encrypted connection (a "tunnel") over a public network like the Internet, allowing you to access a private network safely.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

24. What is the common speed of a Gigabit Ethernet connection?

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The speed is 1 Gigabit per second (1 Gbps), which is 1000 Megabits per second.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

25. In networking, what is a "port"?

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A port is a number that helps a computer sort out traffic. It identifies which application (like a web browser or email program) should receive a certain piece of data.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

26. Which port number is commonly used for standard web traffic (HTTP)?

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The standard port number for HTTP is 80.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

27. Which port number is commonly used for secure web traffic (HTTPS)?

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The standard port number for HTTPS is 443.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

28. What does the abbreviation "TCP" stand for and what is its role?

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TCP stands for Transmission Control Protocol. Its role is to ensure that data is delivered reliably and in the correct order, like sending a registered letter.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

29. What does the abbreviation "UDP" stand for and when is it used?

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UDP stands for User Datagram Protocol. It is used when speed is more important than guaranteed delivery, like for video streaming or online games.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

30. What is a "packet" in networking?

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A packet is a small unit of data sent over a network. When you send an email or visit a website, the data is broken down into many small packets.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

31. What are the three main types of wired networking cables?

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The three main types are Twisted Pair (like Ethernet), Coaxial cable, and Fiber Optic cable.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

32. What is the main advantage of Fiber Optic cable?

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The main advantage is that it can transmit data much faster and over much longer distances than copper wires, using pulses of light instead of electricity.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

33. What is a "MAC Address"?

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A MAC (Media Access Control) address is a unique, physical address built into the network card of every device. It is used for communication within a local network.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

34. What does DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) do?

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DHCP automatically gives out unique IP addresses and other necessary settings to devices when they connect to a network.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

35. What is a "default gateway"?

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The default gateway is the router on a local network that acts as the exit point for all data trying to leave the local network and go to the Internet.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

36. What is the job of the "ping" utility?

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The ping utility is a tool used to check if a computer or server is reachable on the network and to measure the time it takes for a message to travel there and back (latency).

Added: Dec 01, 2025

37. What are the main goals of network security?

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The main goals are to ensure Confidentiality (data privacy), Integrity (data accuracy), and Availability (systems are accessible when needed).

Added: Dec 01, 2025

38. What is a "virus" in network security?

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A virus is a type of harmful software that attaches itself to a clean file and spreads by making copies of itself, usually causing damage to data or systems.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

39. What is a DoS (Denial of Service) attack?

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A DoS attack is an attempt to make a machine or network resource unavailable to its intended users by flooding it with an overwhelming amount of traffic.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

40. What is a "collision" in a network?

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A collision happens when two devices on a shared network cable try to send data at the exact same time, causing the data to be scrambled and unusable.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

41. What is a Hub, and why are switches preferred over hubs today?

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A Hub is a simple device that sends all received data to every connected device. Switches are preferred because they only send data to the intended device, making the network more efficient.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

42. What is the term for a connection where data can travel both ways at the same time?

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This is called Full-Duplex communication.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

43. What is the term for a connection where data can travel both ways, but only one way at a time?

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This is called Half-Duplex communication.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

44. What is the purpose of a Subnet Mask?

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A Subnet Mask is used along with an IP address to divide a large network into smaller, manageable sub-networks.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

45. What are the names of the seven layers in the OSI Model, starting from the bottom (Layer 1)?

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The layers are: Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation, and Application.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

46. Which layer of the OSI model handles the actual electrical signals or radio waves?

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The Physical Layer (Layer 1) handles the physical transmission of raw data as bits.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

47. Which layer of the OSI model handles IP addressing and routing?

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The Network Layer (Layer 3) handles IP addressing and routing packets across different networks.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

48. Which layer of the OSI model deals with TCP and UDP protocols?

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The Transport Layer (Layer 4) deals with TCP and UDP protocols for reliable or fast data transfer between programs.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

49. Which layer of the OSI model interacts directly with the user’s software application (like a web browser)?

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The Application Layer (Layer 7) interacts directly with the user applications.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

50. What is the process of adding protocol information (headers) to data as it moves down the network layers called?

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This process is called Encapsulation.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

51. What is "caching" in networking?

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Caching is the temporary storage of copies of frequently requested data (like web pages) near the user to speed up access and reduce network traffic.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

52. What is the purpose of the TTL (Time to Live) field in a data packet?

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TTL is a counter that limits how long a packet can exist on a network. It is reduced by one at every router and prevents packets from circling forever if a routing error occurs.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

53. What is the difference in address size between IPv4 and IPv6?

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IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses (four number groups). IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses, which offers a massive increase in the number of possible addresses.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

54. What kind of network arrangement is a Star Topology?

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In a Star Topology, all devices are individually connected to a single central device, usually a switch or a hub.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

55. What is the function of ARP (Address Resolution Protocol)?

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ARP translates an IP address (the logical address) into its matching MAC address (the physical address) within a local network.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

56. What is a "gateway" in the network?

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A gateway is a device that allows devices on one network to communicate with devices on a different network, acting as an entrance and exit point.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

57. What is the main task of a network interface card (NIC)?

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The NIC, or network adapter, is the piece of hardware that allows a computer to connect to the network. It holds the unique MAC address.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

58. What is the purpose of FTP (File Transfer Protocol)?

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FTP is a protocol used specifically for transferring computer files from a server to a client or vice-versa over a network.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

59. What is SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) used for?

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SMTP is the protocol used to send email messages from a client device to an email server, or between email servers.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

60. What is the main goal of Quality of Service (QoS)?

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QoS is a way to prioritize certain types of network traffic, like voice calls or video streams, over less urgent traffic, ensuring better performance for critical services.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

61. What is Network Address Translation (NAT)?

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NAT is a method used by routers to translate private IP addresses (used inside a local network) into a single public IP address (used on the Internet).

Added: Dec 01, 2025

62. What is the significance of the IP address 127.0.0.1?

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This address is known as the loopback address or "localhost." It always refers to the device itself and is used for testing network software locally.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

63. What is a collision domain?

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A collision domain is an area of a network where data collisions are possible. Switches reduce the size of collision domains compared to older hubs.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

64. What is a broadcast domain?

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A broadcast domain is a section of a network where a broadcast message sent by one device can be heard by all other devices in that section. Routers separate broadcast domains.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

65. What does the term "topology" mean when talking about a network?

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Topology refers to the physical or logical arrangement of all the nodes (devices) and connections (links) in a network.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

66. What is the key security feature that HTTPS adds over HTTP?

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HTTPS adds encryption (scrambling) of the data using protocols like SSL or TLS, making the connection private and secure.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

67. What is a "cookie" on a website?

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A cookie is a small piece of text data stored by a web browser. It is used to remember information about the user, like their login status or shopping cart items.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

68. What is a Proxy Server?

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A proxy server acts as a middleman between your computer and other servers on the Internet. It can be used for security, filtering, or improving speed through caching.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

69. What is VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)?

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VoIP is a technology that allows you to make voice calls and other communication using an Internet connection instead of a traditional phone line.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

70. What is the role of a Patch Panel?

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A patch panel is a board or frame that houses a group of network ports. It is used to easily organize and connect incoming and outgoing network cables in one location.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

71. What is a "packet sniffer" or "protocol analyzer"?

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It is a tool used to capture and examine the individual data packets passing through a network. It is used for troubleshooting and security analysis.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

72. What does the term "firewall policy" refer to?

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A firewall policy is a set of rules that defines what kind of network traffic is allowed to pass through the firewall and what kind is blocked.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

73. What is the main benefit of creating a VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network)?

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A VLAN lets you logically divide a single physical network switch into multiple separate networks, which improves security and network management.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

74. What is the standard name for the physical connector used for Ethernet cables?

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The standard connector is the RJ-45 connector.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

75. What is a "default route" on a router?

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A default route is the path a router uses when it does not have a specific route listed in its routing table for a data packet to follow.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

76. What is the difference between a "worm" and a "virus"?

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A virus needs a host program to spread and run, but a worm is a standalone program that can replicate itself and spread across a network without any human action.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

77. What is "phishing"?

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Phishing is a type of scam where an attacker tries to trick a person into revealing sensitive information, usually through a fake email or website that looks legitimate.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

78. What is "traceroute" (or "tracert") used for?

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Traceroute is a tool that shows you the path that a data packet takes across the network, listing all the routers (hops) it passes through on the way to a destination.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

79. What is the job of the Session Layer (Layer 5) in the OSI model?

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The Session Layer manages the starting, maintaining, and ending of conversations (sessions) between two communicating applications.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

80. What does the Presentation Layer (Layer 6) do?

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This layer translates data between the format used by the application and the format used for transmission. It also handles encryption and compression.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

81. What is "Attenuation" in network communication?

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Attenuation is the gradual weakening or loss of signal strength as the signal travels over a distance through a cable or wireless medium.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

82. What is the role of a Repeater or Extender in a wireless network?

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A repeater or extender takes an existing weak wireless signal and rebroadcasts it, helping to increase the coverage area of the network.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

83. What is a "host" in networking?

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A host is any device on a network that can send and receive data, such as a computer, server, or printer.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

84. What is the purpose of the private IP address range starting with 192.168?

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This range is reserved for use inside private networks (like your home or office) and is not accessible directly from the public Internet.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

85. What is a "Broadcast Address"?

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The broadcast address is a special address used to send a message to all devices simultaneously on a specific local network segment.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

86. What is the term for breaking down an IP address range into smaller sub-networks?

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This process is called Subnetting.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

87. What is the main goal of Load Balancing?

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Load balancing is the technique of distributing incoming network traffic across a group of backend servers to prevent any single server from getting overwhelmed, improving speed and reliability.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

88. What is "port forwarding"?

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Port forwarding is a configuration in a router that directs incoming traffic from a specific port on the public network to a specific device inside the local private network.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

89. What is SSH (Secure Shell) used for?

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SSH is a secure protocol used for operating network services securely over an unsecured network, most commonly used to remotely log into and manage servers.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

90. What is the standard port number for SSH?

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The standard port number for SSH is 22.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

91. What is ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol)?

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ICMP is a network protocol used to send error messages and operational information, such as when a requested service is unavailable. It is used by the ping tool.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

92. What does the term "Jitter" mean for a network connection?

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Jitter is the variation in the time delay (latency) of packets. Too much jitter can make real-time applications like video calls choppy or broken.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

93. What is "throughput"?

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Throughput is the actual amount of data successfully transferred from one point to another in a specific time, taking into account any delays or overhead.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

94. What is a "routing table"?

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A routing table is a list stored in a router that tells it which path to use to send a data packet to its correct network destination.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

95. What is a "token" in a Token Ring network?

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A token is a special frame that is passed around the ring topology. Only the device that possesses the token is allowed to transmit data.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

96. What is a Wireless Access Point (WAP)?

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A WAP is a networking device that allows Wi-Fi devices to connect to a wired network. It acts as a central hub for wireless communication.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

97. What is the term for a logical grouping of devices that are not restricted by physical location?

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This is a VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network).

Added: Dec 01, 2025

98. What does the term "digital certificate" refer to?

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A digital certificate is an electronic document used to prove the ownership of a public key. It is crucial for securing websites using HTTPS.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

99. What is a "Honeypot" in network security?

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A honeypot is a security system intentionally set up as a trap to attract and divert cyberattackers, allowing administrators to study their methods.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

100. What is the role of a Certificate Authority (CA)?

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A CA is a trusted third-party organization that issues and manages digital certificates used to verify the identity of websites and servers.

Added: Dec 01, 2025

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