Networking Questions with Solutions

A computer network connects two or more computers so they can share data and resources. This topic covers types of networks (PAN, LAN, MAN and WAN), network topologies (bus, star, ring, mesh, tree and hybrid), transmission media (twisted pair, coaxial cable, optical fibre and wireless), and networking devices such as hubs, switches, routers, bridges, gateways, repeaters and modems. It also covers the OSI reference model and its seven layers, the TCP/IP model, and basic concepts such as IP addresses, MAC addresses, bandwidth and data transmission modes (simplex, half-duplex and full-duplex). Exam questions often ask which device works at which OSI layer, the advantages of a topology, or the difference between similar devices. A memory aid for the OSI layers from bottom to top is "Please Do Not Throw Sausage Pizza Away" (Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation, Application). Practise the networking questions below. Each answer includes an explanation.