AP CSP Unit 2 Multiple-Choice Review

What is a packet and why does the Internet break messages into packets?

• A packet is any e-mail attachment; smaller pieces bypass censorship filters.

• A packet is a small chunk of data tagged with addressing info so it can be routed independently and reassembled, improving reliability and efficiency.

• A packet is an error signal; splitting data lets routers detect hackers.

• A packet is a video frame; dividing frames saves hard-drive space.

Which statement correctly contrasts IP and TCP?

• IP guarantees perfect delivery; TCP is “best effort.”

• IP handles addressing/routing, while TCP adds reliable, ordered delivery with error recovery.

• IP encrypts data; TCP assigns domain names.

• IP compresses packets; TCP splits them into bits.

What problem does the Domain Name System (DNS) solve?

• It authenticates users before login.

• It measures network latency.

• It translates human-readable web names into numeric IP addresses.

• It prevents duplicate packets on a network.

The primary purpose of an IP address is to …

• uniquely identify the source and destination of every packet on the Internet.

• assign usernames to e-mail servers.

• detect malware in transit.

• store encrypted website passwords.

Which ordered list best describes what happens when you visit `www.code.org`?

• TCP handshake → HTTP request → DNS lookup.

• HTTP request → TCP handshake → DNS lookup.

• DNS lookup → TCP handshake → HTTP request.

• DNS lookup → HTTP request → TCP handshake.

Why does redundancy among routers increase Internet reliability?

• Extra routers lower ISP bills.

• If one path fails, packets can automatically reroute through alternate paths.

• Redundancy keeps DNS servers synchronized.

• Routers remove malicious code from duplicate packets.

Which metric is usually more critical for fast-paced online gaming and why?

• Bandwidth, because it measures total data per month.

• Bandwidth, because it shortens packet size.

• Latency, because even small delays cause noticeable lag in real-time interaction.

• Latency, because it increases maximum download speed.

HTTPS differs from HTTP because HTTPS …

• uses TLS/SSL to encrypt traffic, adding a security layer beneath the application protocol.

• bypasses DNS entirely.

• compresses webpages for faster load times only on mobile.

• requires IPv6 addresses instead of IPv4.

Why is the statement “every packet from my laptop to YouTube takes the same route” usually false?

• DNS forces packets through Europe.

• Routers block video traffic.

• Each router independently chooses the next hop, so paths can vary with congestion or outages.

• TCP always randomizes IP addresses.

A website feels sluggish but `ping` times remain normal. Which network metric most likely worsened?

• Latency, due to satellite routing.

• Bandwidth, perhaps throttled by your ISP or heavy local traffic.

• IP addressing, due to DHCP renewal.

• DNS resolution time, caused by spoofing.