A computer network is a group of computers and devices connected together to share data, resources, and services such as files, printers, and internet access.
2. What is a network protocol?
A network protocol is a set of rules that devices follow to communicate and exchange data over a network. Examples include HTTP, FTP, TCP, IP, and DNS.
3. What is an IP address?
An IP address is a unique logical address assigned to a device on a network. It helps identify the device and allows data to be delivered to the correct destination.
4. What is the difference between LAN and WAN?
LAN (Local Area Network): Covers a small area such as a home, school, or office.
WAN (Wide Area Network): Covers a large geographical area, such as cities, countries, or the entire world. The Internet is the largest example of a WAN.
5. What is a MAC address?
A MAC address is a unique hardware address associated with a network interface. It is mainly used for communication within a local network.
6. What is a router?
A router is a networking device that connects different networks and forwards data packets toward their destination. A home Wi-Fi router, for example, connects your local devices to the internet.
7. What is a switch?
A switch is a networking device used to connect multiple devices within a local network. It forwards data to the appropriate device using MAC addresses.
8. What is DNS?
DNS (Domain Name System) converts easy-to-remember domain names, such as example.com, into IP addresses that computers use to locate servers.
9. What is the OSI model?
The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model is a seven-layer conceptual model used to understand how data travels through a network. Its layers are Application, Presentation, Session, Transport, Network, Data Link, and Physical.
10. What is the difference between TCP and UDP?
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol): Reliable and connection-oriented. It checks that data is delivered correctly and in order.
UDP (User Datagram Protocol): Faster and connectionless, but it does not guarantee delivery or ordering.
11. What are the three types of networks based on geographical area?
LAN (Local Area Network), MAN (Metropolitan Area Network), and WAN (Wide Area Network).
12. Describe Star Topology and its main drawback?
All nodes are connected to a central host node, which controls communication between them. Advantages: low cost, easy to add nodes, failure of one node doesn't affect others. Drawback: if the host/central node fails, the entire network fails.
13. What is Transmission Media? Name its two categories?
The physical medium through which data signals travel between devices. Two categories: Guided Media (wired, e.g., cables) and Unguided Media (wireless, e.g., radio waves, microwaves, infrared).
14. What is a Modem? Expand the term?
Modem = Modulator + Demodulator. It's a device that converts digital signals (from a computer) into analog signals (for transmission over telephone lines) and vice versa.
15. Name and explain the three modes of data transmission?
Simplex (data flows in only one direction, e.g., keyboard-to-computer), Half Duplex (data flows both ways but only one direction at a time, e.g., walkie-talkie/telephone-style), and Full Duplex (data flows both directions simultaneously, e.g., modern internet).
16. Why is Coaxial Cable preferred for high-speed data transfer?
Because of its layered construction (solid wire core surrounded by shielding with plastic insulation), it has strong electrical properties enabling high-speed, high-quality signal transmission — commonly used in television and communication networks.
17. What is Optical Fiber Cable made of, and how does it transmit data?
Thin glass fibers (a core surrounded by cladding and a protective jacket) that carry data as pulses of light at visible-light-spectrum frequencies — offering very high-speed transmission.
18. Differentiate between Digital and Analog signals?
Digital signal is a group of discrete electronic units transmitted in rapid succession (0s and 1s). Analog signal consists of continuous electrical waves.
19. Describe Ring Topology?
Each node is connected to exactly two adjacent nodes, forming a closed loop. There's no central/host node — data passes from node to node until it reaches its destination. More reliable than star since it doesn't depend on one central node.
20. What is a Mesh (Completely Connected) Topology?
Every node has a direct point-to-point link to every other node. It is the most reliable topology (failure of one link affects only that link) but also the most expensive due to the high number of cables required.
About the author
Vinay Bhatt
Vinay Bhatt is the Founder of LearnInCreation, an education and technology platform focused on making computer science and digital learning simple, practical, and accessible. He holds a B.Sc. degree from Kumaun University and has professional certifications in Full Stack Web Development, Digital Marketing, and Ethical Hacking. Passionate about education and technology, he creates beginner-friendly courses, practical learning resources, and projects that help students develop real-world skills and prepare for their careers.
Join LearnInCreation Study Center to learn practical computer and technology skills through simple lessons and hands-on training. Choose from Computer Basics, MS Office, Programming, Web Designing, Digital Marketing, and more. Get guidance, practice your skills, and prepare for your future. Visit our study center and enroll today!
