Checkpoint 212: Internet Data Transmission

The primary function of a data packet header is to

• compress the data for faster transmission.

• store the actual data being transmitted.

• encrypt the data for security.

• provide routing information for the packet.

Answer explanation

The primary function of a data packet header is to provide routing information for the packet. This information helps network devices determine the best path for the packet to reach its destination.

What is packet switching?

• A method of compressing data to save bandwidth

• A method of encrypting data for secure transmission

• A method of transmitting data by breaking it into smaller packets

• A method of transmitting data in a single, continuous stream

Answer explanation

Packet switching is a method of transmitting data by breaking it into smaller packets, allowing for more efficient use of network resources compared to continuous stream transmission.

What role do routers play in data transmission?

• They encrypt data packets for security

• They compress data packets to save bandwidth

• They store data packets temporarily

• They direct data packets by examining their headers

Answer explanation

Routers play a crucial role in data transmission by directing data packets across networks. They examine the headers of packets to determine the best path for forwarding them to their destination.

What is the purpose of a routing table?

• To store data packets temporarily

• To decide the next hop for packets

• To compress data packets

• To encrypt data packets

Answer explanation

The purpose of a routing table is to decide the next hop for packets. It contains information about the paths to various network destinations, enabling efficient data transmission across networks.

What is latency in the context of data transmission?

• The time taken for a packet to be encrypted

• The delay caused by packet loss

• The delay introduced when packets are queued for routing

• The time taken for a packet to be compressed

Answer explanation

Latency in data transmission refers to the delay introduced when packets are queued for routing. This delay affects the overall speed of data transfer, making it the correct choice among the options provided.

What is the function of the time-to-live (TTL) counter in a packet?

• To compress the packet

• To encrypt the packet

• To prioritize the packet

• To prevent infinite routing loops

Answer explanation

The time-to-live (TTL) counter in a packet is used to prevent infinite routing loops by limiting the packet's lifespan in the network. Each router decrements the TTL, and when it reaches zero, the packet is discarded.

What does the Type of Service (ToS) field in a packet header do?

• It assigns priority levels to packets

• It determines the packet's destination

• It encrypts the packet

• It compresses the packet

Answer explanation

The Type of Service (ToS) field in a packet header is used to assign priority levels to packets, helping to manage network traffic and ensure that important packets are transmitted with higher priority.

What happens when a router receives packets faster than it can route them?

• The packets are encrypted

• The packets are compressed

• The packets are buffered in memory

• The packets are discarded immediately

Answer explanation

When a router receives packets faster than it can process them, it buffers the packets in memory to manage the flow. This prevents data loss and allows the router to handle bursts of traffic efficiently.

What is the maximum size limit of an internet packet intended to prevent?

• Data encryption

• Monopolizing bandwidth by a single transmission

• Packet prioritization

• Data compression

Answer explanation

The maximum size limit of an internet packet is designed to prevent monopolizing bandwidth by a single transmission, ensuring fair usage and efficient data flow across the network.

What is the end-to-end principle in internet communication?

• Data is compressed at both ends

• Data is prioritized at both ends

• Data is encrypted at both ends

• The source and destination ensure all data is correctly received

Answer explanation

The end-to-end principle states that the source and destination should ensure all data is correctly received, rather than relying on intermediate nodes. This emphasizes the importance of integrity in data transmission.