Routing and DNS in Internet & Networks

What is routing in the context of networks?

Routing is the process of directing data packets between two or more computers on a network.

How do routers determine the best route for data packets?

Routers use routing algorithms that consider factors such as distance, network congestion, and the cost of using certain routes.

What factors determine the cost of a route in routing?

The cost of a route is determined by proximity to the destination IP address, trustworthiness of the router, and speed of the connection.

What is the goal of routing?

The goal of routing is to find the most efficient path with the lowest cost.

How does redundancy improve network reliability?

Redundancy improves reliability by providing multiple paths between two points, allowing data to be rerouted if one path becomes unavailable.

What does fault tolerance mean in a routing context?

Fault tolerance means that if an individual router fails, the system can still function by routing data through another path.

How does having multiple routers contribute to network performance?

Having multiple routers allows for more efficient use of network resources and enhances scalability as the number of users or devices increases.

What is a scalable system in networking?

A scalable system can adapt and grow as the number of users or devices on the network increases without significant performance issues.

What is the Domain Name System (DNS)?

The DNS is a hierarchical and decentralized naming system that translates domain names into numerical IP addresses for network identification.

What role does a DNS resolver play in the DNS process?

A DNS resolver is responsible for resolving domain names to IP addresses and checks its cache for recently looked-up addresses.

What happens if a DNS resolver does not find an IP address in its cache?

If the IP address is not in the cache, the DNS resolver sends a request to a root server.

What is the function of a Root Server in the DNS hierarchy?

The Root Server contains information about all top-level domains (TLDs) and directs DNS resolvers to the appropriate TLD server.

What does a TLD server do in the DNS resolution process?

A TLD server contains information about second-level domains within its TLD and directs the DNS resolver to the appropriate domain name server.

What is an example of a top-level domain (TLD)?

.com, .org, .gov are examples of top-level domains.

What is the purpose of a domain name server?

A domain name server stores information about specific domain names and their corresponding IP addresses.

How does the DNS system benefit users?

The DNS system allows users to access websites using easy-to-remember domain names instead of numerical IP addresses.

What is the relationship between domain names and IP addresses in DNS?

Domain names are translated into numerical IP addresses that computers use to identify and locate each other on a network.

What is the significance of caching in a DNS resolver?

Caching allows a DNS resolver to quickly retrieve previously looked-up domain names and their IP addresses, improving resolution speed.

How does network congestion affect routing decisions?

Network congestion can lead routers to choose alternative routes to avoid delays and ensure efficient data transmission.

What is the impact of router trustworthiness on routing decisions?

The trustworthiness of a router can influence the selection of routes, as less reliable routers may be avoided to ensure data integrity.

Why is scalability important in network design?

Scalability is important because it ensures that a network can accommodate growth in users or devices without degrading performance.

What is the role of multiple paths in improving network reliability?

Multiple paths ensure that if one path fails, data can still reach its destination through alternate routes.

What is the role of a domain name server (DNS)?

The DNS translates domain names into IP addresses, allowing users to access websites by typing in a URL.

What happens after a browser receives the IP address for a requested domain?

The browser sends a request for the web page to the web server associated with that IP address.

What is the process of resolving a domain name to an IP address?

It involves checking the cache, querying the root server, and requesting information from the appropriate domain name server.

What is the internet?

The internet is a global network of connected devices and systems that allows for the transfer and sharing of information between computers.

What are network protocols?

Network protocols are the set of rules and standards that govern communication between computers in a network.

Name three common network protocols.

TCP/IP, HTTP, and FTP.

How can individual computers connect to the internet?

They can connect through wired or wireless connections, typically using a router or modem.

What is a mesh topology?

In a mesh topology, every device on the network is connected to every other device, providing high reliability and fault tolerance.

What is a ring topology?

In a ring topology, devices are connected in a ring formation, with data passing sequentially from one device to the next.

What is a star topology?

In a star topology, all devices are connected to a central hub, which acts as the main point of communication.

What is a tree topology?

In a tree topology, devices are connected in a hierarchical structure with a central hub connecting to multiple sub-hubs.

What is a bus topology?

In a bus topology, devices are connected to a single cable or bus, with data passing along the bus to all devices.

What is Ethernet?

Ethernet is a method of data transmission that uses copper cables to transmit data between computers.

What are the advantages of Ethernet cables?

Ethernet cables are inexpensive, widely available, and can transmit data at high speeds.

What is a disadvantage of Ethernet cables?

The signal strength decreases over long distances.

What is the significance of a router in connecting to the internet?

A router acts as a bridge between the computer and the network, enabling internet connectivity.

What is the impact of a hub failure in a star topology?

If the hub fails, the entire network can be affected.

What is the efficiency of resource use in a ring topology?

A ring topology can be a more efficient use of resources, but a single device failure can affect the entire network.

What is the scalability of a tree topology?

A tree topology can be more scalable but can also be more complex to manage.

What is a potential drawback of a bus topology?

A bus topology can be less reliable and less scalable.

What is the function of a DNS resolver?

The DNS resolver sends back the IP address for the requested domain to the browser.

What does the DNS allow users to do?

It allows users to easily access websites by typing in a URL rather than an IP address.

What are the typical uses of Ethernet cables?

Ethernet cables are typically used for short distance communications, such as within a building or on a campus.

What are the pros of using Ethernet cables?

They are inexpensive, widely available, and provide high speed data transmission.

What are the cons of using Ethernet cables?

Signal strength decreases over long distances and they are limited to short distance communications.

What is fiber optics and how does it transmit data?

Fiber optics is a method of data transmission that uses light to transmit data through thin glass or plastic fibers.

What are the advantages of fiber optic cables?

They offer high speed data transmission and long distance data transmission without loss of signal strength.

What is a disadvantage of fiber optic cables?

They are more expensive than Ethernet cables.

What is wireless data transmission?

Wireless data transmission uses radio waves to transmit data between computers without the need for cables.

What are the advantages of wireless networks?

They provide greater mobility and flexibility and do not require cables.

What are the disadvantages of wireless networks?

They are subject to interference and can be less secure than wired networks.

What medium does Ethernet use for data transmission?

Ethernet uses electricity (low and high voltages).

What medium does fiber optics use for data transmission?

Fiber optics uses light (dim and bright).

What medium does wireless use for data transmission?

Wireless uses radio waves (high and low frequency waves).

What is bandwidth in the context of data transfer?

Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transferred in a system, measured by the bitrate.

Why is high bandwidth important?

High bandwidth allows for smooth and efficient communication and data transfer, supporting more users and devices.

What is bitrate?

Bitrate is the number of bits a system can send per second, indicating the speed of data transfer in a network.

How does a higher bitrate affect data transfer?

A higher bitrate allows more data to be sent and received in a shorter amount of time.

What is latency in network performance?

Latency is the time it takes for a bit to travel from sender to receiver, affecting the responsiveness of a network.

What does low latency indicate?

Low latency means that data is transferred quickly, resulting in less delay.

How do bandwidth, bitrate, and latency interact in a network?

Bandwidth is the maximum data transfer capacity, bitrate is the actual data being transferred, and latency affects responsiveness.

Why is it important to minimize latency in a network?

Minimizing latency is important for improving the overall performance and responsiveness of the network.

What does high bandwidth but low bitrate indicate in a network?

It means the network can transfer a large amount of data but is not currently utilizing its full capacity.

What does high bitrate but low bandwidth indicate in a network?

It means the network is utilizing its full capacity but has a limited ability to transfer large amounts of data.

How can bandwidth be metaphorically compared in terms of a highway?

Bandwidth can be compared to the number of lanes on a highway; more lanes allow more cars (data) to travel at the same time.

How can bitrate be metaphorically compared in terms of a street?

Bitrate can be compared to the speed limit on a street; a higher speed limit allows cars (data) to travel faster.

What is the relationship between bandwidth and bitrate in a network?

More lanes (bandwidth) increase the likelihood that traffic is moving at the posted speed limit (high bitrate).

What happens to bitrate when more devices are added to a network?

The bitrate will slow down for each device as they share the available bandwidth.

What is latency in terms of network performance?

Latency refers to the delay in data transfer, comparable to traffic slowing down travel times on a highway.

How does network traffic affect latency?

Higher network traffic can increase latency, causing longer delays in data transfer.

What is the effect of adding bandwidth on network traffic and latency?

Adding bandwidth decreases network traffic and lowers latency.

What is an IP address?

An IP address is a unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a network using the Internet Protocol.

How do two computers find each other on the internet?

They use internet addresses (IP addresses) to locate and identify one another.

What role does the Domain Name System (DNS) play in internet communication?

DNS resolves domain names (like www.google.com) to their corresponding IP addresses.

What is the hierarchical layout of IP addresses?

IP addresses are divided into different levels, or octets, to make them identifiable and scalable.

In the IP address 192.168.34.7, what does each octet represent?

The first octet (192) identifies the network, the second (168) identifies the sub-network, and the last two (34 and 7) identify the device on that sub-network.

What is the Internet Protocol (IP)?

The set of rules that govern how data is sent and received over the internet, defining how devices on a network address and route data packets.

What are the two versions of the Internet Protocol?

IPv4 and IPv6.

What is IPv4 and how does it work?

IPv4 is the original version of the Internet Protocol, using 32-bit addresses, allowing for about 4 billion unique addresses.

Give an example of an IPv4 address.

192.168.1.1.

What is the range of numbers that can be used in IPv4 addresses?

Whole numbers from 0 to 255.

What are valid IPv4 addresses?

255.255.255.255 and 0.0.0.0.

How are IPv4 addresses represented in binary?

For example, 93.184.216.34 is represented as 01011101.10111000.11011000.00100010.

What is the limitation of IPv4 addresses?

The number of available IPv4 addresses is quickly running out due to the increasing number of internet-enabled devices.

What is IPv6 and why was it developed?

IPv6 is a 128-bit version of the Internet Protocol developed to allow for about 340 trillion trillion unique addresses.

Provide an example of an IPv6 address.

2031:1DC8:CD23:FE10:3543:2323:FD31:FF44.

What is a hexadecimal value?

A way of representing numbers using a base-16 numeral system, using digits 0-9 and letters A-F.

How are hexadecimal values used in IPv6 addresses?

Each part of the IPv6 address is represented by a 4-digit hexadecimal value.

What is the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF)?

An open community of engineers, designers, vendors, and researchers responsible for developing and maintaining internet standards and protocols.

What role do protocols play in the internet?

Protocols standardize communication between machines, ensuring different devices and networks can communicate seamlessly.

What are the fundamental protocols that make the internet work?

The Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and Internet Protocol (IP).

What is the impact of the internet on communication?

It allows for instant sending of information and documents through e-mail, video calls, and social media, breaking down barriers of time and distance.

What is the definition of the internet?

A global network of interconnected computers and servers that make information available and knowledge accessible to all.

How has the internet changed access to educational resources?

It has allowed access to vast amounts of educational resources, such as online courses and research articles, previously available only in libraries or through paid subscriptions.

What is the significance of open protocols in the internet?

They enable the development of a truly global network by standardizing communication between different devices and networks.

What does the internet allow for in terms of information dissemination?

It facilitates the sharing and dissemination of information on a global scale, breaking down traditional barriers to access.

What are some examples of social media platforms that allow for real-time communication?

Facebook and Twitter.

What tools have made it possible to conduct meetings and classes remotely?

Video conferencing tools like Zoom and Skype.