Understanding Computer Networks Basics

Front

What is the term used to describe the time it takes for a message to transfer over a network?

Back

Latency

Front

Which technology, developed in the early 1970s at Xerox PARC, is still widely used for local area networks today?

Back

Ethernet

Front

Explain why exponential backoff is used in Ethernet networks.

Back

To reduce the likelihood of data collisions

Front

What is the primary purpose of a network switch in a computer network?

Back

To reduce the collision domain by managing data traffic

Front

Describe the difference between circuit switching and message switching.

Back

Circuit switching uses a dedicated path, while message switching uses multiple stops.

Front

Why is it important for each computer on an Ethernet network to have a unique MAC address?

Back

To ensure data is sent to the correct device

Front

What problem arises when network traffic increases, and how is it detected?

Back

Data collisions, detected by garbled signals

Front

In what way does a network switch improve the efficiency of a network?

Back

By reducing the number of collisions in the network

Front

What is the main advantage of using fiber optic cables for global telecommunications?

Back

They have a higher bandwidth and lower latency

Front

What is the primary purpose of a firewall in a network?

Back

To protect the network from unauthorised access