1. Can you explain what VLANs are and why they are used in networking?
VLANs, or Virtual Local Area Networks, are a method of segmenting a physical network into multiple logical networks. They are used to improve network performance, security, and manageability by grouping devices logically rather than physically. VLANs allow network administrators to isolate traffic, control broadcast domains, and implement security policies more effectively. They also enable more efficient use of network resources and facilitate easier network management and troubleshooting.
2. What is the purpose of subnetting, and how does it work?
Subnetting divides a large network into smaller segments, enhancing efficiency, security, and management. It works by partitioning a network's host portion into smaller subnetworks, each with its own unique network address and range of host addresses.
3. Describe the difference between a router and a switch.
A router is a networking device that connects multiple networks and routes data between them based on IP addresses, while a switch is a device that connects devices within the same network and forwards data based on MAC addresses.
4. What is the role of a default gateway in a network, and how is it determined?
The default gateway is the entry and exit point for data packets leaving or entering a network, facilitating communication between devices on different networks. It's determined by configuring the router's IP address to which all outgoing traffic is directed if there is no specific route defined for a destination IP address.
5. Can you explain the process of TCP three-way handshake?
The TCP three-way handshake is a method used to establish a connection between a client and a server by exchanging three packets: SYN (synchronize), SYN-ACK (synchronize-acknowledgment), and ACK (acknowledgment).
6. What is ARP (Address Resolution Protocol), and how does it work?
ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) is a protocol used to map IP addresses to MAC addresses on a local network. It works by broadcasting an ARP request containing the IP address of the intended recipient, and the device with that IP address responds with its MAC address, allowing communication to occur at the data link layer.
7. What is the purpose of NAT (Network Address Translation) in networking?
The purpose of NAT (Network Address Translation) is to allow multiple devices within a private network to share a single public IP address when connecting to the internet, providing security and conserving IPv4 addresses.
8. Explain the concept of DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) and its role in IP address assignment.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network, simplifying network configuration. It dynamically allocates IP addresses, subnet masks, gateway addresses, and other parameters, ensuring efficient use of available addresses and easing network administration
9. How does OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) routing protocol work?
: OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) is a link-state routing protocol that works by routers exchanging information about the networks they are connected to. Each router constructs a map of the network topology, calculates the shortest path to each destination network using the Dijkstra algorithm, and then builds the routing table based on this information.
10. What is the difference between static routing and dynamic routing?
Static routing involves manually configuring routing tables on network devices, specifying the paths to specific destinations. Dynamic routing, on the other hand, automatically updates routing tables based on real-time information exchanged between routers, adapting to changes in the network topology.
