Exploring the Data Link Layer

What is the primary function of the Ethernet protocol?

• To connect devices over a wide area network (WAN).

• To facilitate communication over a local area network (LAN).

• To encrypt data for secure transmission.

• To manage data storage in cloud computing.

Explain the difference between half-duplex and full-duplex communication in Ethernet.

• Half-duplex allows one direction at a time; full-duplex allows simultaneous two-way communication.

• Full-duplex only works with wireless connections.

• Half-duplex allows simultaneous communication; full-duplex allows one direction at a time.

• Half-duplex is faster than full-duplex communication.

What is a MAC address and what is its purpose in a network?

• A MAC address is a type of IP address used for internet routing.

• A MAC address is a unique identifier for network interfaces, used to identify devices on a local network.

• A MAC address is a physical cable used to connect devices.

• A MAC address is a password for accessing a network.

How is a MAC address formatted?

• A MAC address is formatted as six pairs of hexadecimal digits, e.g., 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E.

• A MAC address is formatted as three pairs of alphanumeric characters.

• A MAC address is formatted as eight pairs of binary digits.

• A MAC address is formatted as four groups of decimal numbers.

What are the main components of an Ethernet frame structure?

• Preamble, Source Port, Destination Port, Payload Length

• Header, Data Rate, Signal Strength, Checksum

• Preamble, Destination MAC Address, Source MAC Address, EtherType/Length, Payload, Frame Check Sequence (FCS)

• Source IP Address, Destination IP Address, Protocol Type, Data

Describe the role of the preamble in an Ethernet frame.

• The preamble contains the data payload of the Ethernet frame.

• The preamble helps synchronize the receiving device to detect the start of an Ethernet frame.

• The preamble defines the maximum transmission unit size.

• The preamble is used for error detection in the frame.

What is the significance of the Frame Check Sequence (FCS) in error detection?

• The FCS improves data compression rates.

• The FCS is used for data encryption.

• The FCS is crucial for detecting transmission errors in data frames.

• The FCS is a method for data storage optimization.

List and explain two common error detection techniques used in data link layer protocols.

• Data Encryption and Compression

• Flow Control and Acknowledgment

• Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) and Checksum

• Parity Bit and Hamming Code

What is the purpose of flow control in data link layer communication?

• To encrypt data for secure communication.

• To increase the speed of data transmission.

• To establish a physical connection between devices.

• To manage the rate of data transmission and prevent data loss.

Name and describe two flow control methods used in Ethernet networks.

• 1) IEEE 802.3x (Pause Frames), 2) Backpressure

• UDP Congestion Control

• TCP Flow Control

• Frame Relay