UNIT – 2

DIGITAL NETWORKING ESSENTIALS

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Q1. What is Internet? What are its features?
Ans. Internet is a huge network of computer networks that links many different

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types of computers all over the world. Internet shares a common mechanism for
addressing computers and a common set of communication protocols for

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communication between two different computers on the network. Internet is

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simply a worldwide connection of computers and networks that are linked by
various communication media like cables, telephone lines, satellites etc. to make
communication possible. G
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There are about 50 millions of people who are using internet. Internet is open
for everyone who can access it because nobody owns the internet.
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Features of Internet:
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1.​ It is available easily and everywhere.

2.​ It acts as a large storehouse of information with a number of search
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engines available.
3.​ It can be used for shopping the product on line.
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4.​ It is cheaper.
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Q2. Describe the evolution of Internet or Networking?

Ans. The internet is an outgrowth of a network established in 1960’s to meet
the needs of the researchers working in the Defense industry in the USA.

​ ​ The history of Internet is as follows:

1.​ ARPANET: The Advanced Research Projects Agency Network

(ARPANET), Department of Defense, developed in 1966, contains many
 LAN’s connected to ARPANET with TCP/IP. This network shuts down in
1990.
2.​ NSFNET: National Science Foundation Network (NSFNET) was
developed in 1985. It had high speed successor to ARPANET.
3.​ ANSNET: Advanced Network and Services (ANSNET) took over the
NSFNET in 1990. It was formed by MCI, MERIT and IBM for commercial
use.

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Q3. What do you mean by Internet Gateways or Internet

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Routers?

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Ans: Computers that interconnect two networks and pass packets from one to

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other are called Internet Gateways or Internet Routers. A gateway is a device
that connects dissimilar (different) networks, i.e. networks having different
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communication architecture are connected using gateway.
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Q4. What do you mean by Protocol?
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Ans: Protocol means a set of rules. It is formal description of formats and the
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rules that computers must follow to exchange information. Its major objective is
to provide efficient communication among different computers on internet.
Three most popular protocols are:
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1. TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol):

TCP is responsible for transmitting data from one node to another node in the
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network.
IP checks whether the data is reaching the destination node or
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not.
2. HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): HTTP is used to transfer the
data over the web. It is a part of IP suite.
3. FTP (File Transfer Protocol): It is used to send or receive files to or
from remote computers.
Q5. Explain the working of internet?
Ans. Internet is a pipeline that carries data between computers. Anyone with
access to the internet can exchange text, data files, pictures, audio and programs
with any other user on the internet. Each network can be a LAN or WAN and
each may have many hosts attached or a few hosts attached. The internet works
because every computer connected to it uses the same protocol.

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For sending large blocks of text or data from one to

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another machine the following sequence of steps are performed:

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1.​ At the source computer the message is divided into little data packets by
TCP. A packet generally contains up to 1500 characters.

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2.​ Each packet is given a number serially i.e. 1,2,3,……..

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3.​ IP puts the destination addressing information on such packets.
4.​ The destination computer receives the packets in random order. If a
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packet is lost or damaged, then it is demanded again.
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5.​ The packets are assembled in the order of their numbers and the original
message is obtained.
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Q6. What are the advantages and disadvantages of

internet?
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Ans. Advantages of Internet:-

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1.​ Email: Email (Electronic mail) is an online correspondence system. By

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using internet we can send and receive instant electronic messages which
are delivered instantly to people anywhere in the world.
2.​ Access Information: Through internet we can access any kind of
information on any topic in the world.
3.​ Online Shopping: There are many online stores and sites that can be
used to look for products as well as buy them on the internet.
 4.​ Entertainment: Internet offers various entertainment opportunities
like music, movies, news, videos etc.
5.​ Online Services: Many services like banking, reservation, teaching –
learning, jobs guidance are provided online through the internet.
6.​ Downloading Softwares: We can download softwares like games,
videos, music etc. from the internet.

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Disadvantages of Internet:

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1.​ Theft of Personal Information: While using internet there is
always fear of hackers. The personal information can be hacked by these

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hackers.
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2.​ Virus: There are many sites on the internet through which computers
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get virus.
3.​ Privacy and Security Issues: Privacy and security is the biggest
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issue over the internet.

4.​ Cyber Fraud: The cyber fraud may take place over the internet.
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5.​ Garbage: Internet has much garbage than valuable information.

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Q7. What is information technology (IT)?

Ans. Information technology (IT) is the use of computers to store or retrieve
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data and information. IT is considered to be a subset of information and

communications technology (ICT).

An information technology system (IT system) is generally an information

system, a communications system, or, more specifically speaking, a computer
system – including all hardware, software, and peripheral equipment –
operated by a limited group of IT users.
Q8. What do you mean by Web Browser?

Ans. Browser: A browser is a piece of software that acts as an interface

between the user and the inner working of the internet. Browsers are also
referred to as web client or universal clients. The browser acts on behalf of the
user and does the following:

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a) Contact a web server and sends request for information.
b) Receives the information and then displays it on the user’s computer.

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A web browser can also be used to download files,
send and receive email or short messages across the internet. It is used to

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retrieve, present and traverse information resources on the www.

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Some commonly used browsers are:
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Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, Google Chrome,
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Microsoft Edge, Safari etc.
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Q9. What do you mean by multimedia?

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Ans. Multimedia is the use of a computer to present and combine text,

graphics, audio and video with links and tools that let the user navigate,
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interact, create and communicate. Multimedia can be almost anything, we can

hear or see such as pictures, music, sound, videos etc.
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Multimedia on the web generally falls into one of the five main categories:
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i) Text
ii) Images
iii) Audio
iv) Video
v) Animation
Q10. What is search engine? What are the most commonly used
search engines on web?

Ans. A web search engine or internet search engine is a software system that is designed
to carry out web search, which means to search the World Wide Web in a systematic way for
particular information specified in a textual web search query.

The search engine run the search string (words, phrases, date or some

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other criteria) against the database, returns a list of resources that match the criteria and
displays the result for the user.

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The most commonly used search engines are:

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Sr. no. Search Engine URL (Addresses)

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1. Google [Link]
2. Bing [Link]
3. G Altavista [Link]
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4. Yahoo [Link]
5. Khoj [Link]
6 Guruji [Link]
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Q11. How do search engine works?

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Ans. There are three key steps to how most search engines work:
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1.​ Spider or Web Crawler - Search engines use programs, called spiders, bots or
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crawlers, to scour the internet. This process is called web crawling.

Indexing Software or Database: The list of documents and web addresses
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2.​

collected by Spider are sent to the indexing software. It extracts information from the
document and web addresses, prepares an index of it and store in a database.
3.​ Ranking - Search results are ranked based on a number of factors. These may include
keyword density, speed and links. The search engine's aim is to provide the user with
the most relevant result.
Q12. What is Email? Write the steps to send an Email.

Ans. Email: Email means Electronic Mail. Email allows an internet user to send a
message (mail) to another internet user in any part of the world. We can send or receive
personal and business related messages and attachments like pictures, audio, documents etc.
Email is a text based mail consisting of lines of text.

In order to send an email, the user must have sender’s email ID,

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recipient’s email ID and an internet connection.

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Structure of an Email address:

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username@hostname

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Eg. india2026@[Link]

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In the above example india2026 is the username and @[Link] is the hostname.
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The username should always be unique, i.e. the username of two email ID’s cannot be same.
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Steps to send an email:

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1. Go to [Link] or any other email provider’s site. Now Login into your account with
correct email ID and password.
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2. After logging in, click on the Compose button to start creating email.
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3. In the Compose window, enter the email address of the recipient in To text box.
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4. Now enter the title or subject of the email in the Subject.

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5. Enter the body of the message in the box below the subject.

6. After typing the message click Send button to send the email.

Q13. What are the advantages and disadvantages of Email?

Ans. Advantages of Email:
 1.​ Fast: Email is faster than a postal or paper mail.
2.​ Easy to use: It is very easy to use.
3.​ Reliable and Secure: Sending messages through email are
reliable and secure.
4.​ Cheap: Email is cheap. Its cost is just like the cost of a local
phone call.
5.​ Automated Emails: The programs like auto responders are used

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to send automated emails.
6.​ Environment Friendly: Postal mails use paper as a medium to

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send letters. Email, therefore saves a lot of trees.
7.​ Advertising Tool: Many individuals and companies are using

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emails to advertise their products, services etc.

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Disadvantages of Email:
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1) Email may carry virus which can harm our computer system.
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2) Email has created an information overload.
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3) Email can prevent people from doing any productive work.

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4) In order to be updated, one has to check his email account regularly.

5) It needs an internet connection to send and receive an email.

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Q14. What is internet security?

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Ans. Security is "freedom from risk or danger". Security can be defined as

the ability of a system to protect information and system resources with respect
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to confidentiality and integrity.

In computer science, Internet Security is the prevention of or protection

against-

a) Access to information by unauthorized recipients.

b) Unauthorized destruction or alteration of information.

Components of Internet Security:
Internet security is usually represented by the initials CIA i.e.

C- Confidentiality

I- Integrity

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A- Authentication or Availability

1) Confidentiality- It means that information cannot be accessed unauthorized

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person.

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2) Integrity- It means that information is protected against unauthorized
changes that are not detectable and to integrate the database and other

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resources.
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3) Authentication or Availability- It means that resources are accessible by
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authorized person.
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Q15. What do you mean by computer network? What are the

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components of computer network?

Ans. A computer network is an interconnection of geographically distributed multiple
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computers in such a way that meaningful transmission and exchange of information become
possible among them.
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​ ​ The major objectives of computer network are:

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i)​ Sharing of Information

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ii)​ Sharing of Resources i.e. hardware and software.

iii)​ Sharing of Processing Load

Components of computer network:

​ ​ The various components of a computer network are:-

1.)​ Host(PC, Laptops)

2.)​ Network Interface Card(NIC)
 3.)​ Ethernet cable
4.)​ Hub, Switch or Router
5.)​ Internet Connection

1.)​ Host: - The first requirement in establishing a network is the computer or laptop on
the side of both; sender and receiver.

2.)​ Network Interface card (NIC):- NIC or Network Adaptor is a piece of

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computer hardware designed to allow computers to communicate over a computer
network. Each NIC has its unique ID.

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3.)​ Ethernet cable: - Ethernet cable connects network devices such as modems,
routers and adaptors. They transmit data using the Ethernet protocol. It runs from

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each NIC to the central switch or hub.

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4.)​ Hub, Switch or Router: - They are devices with several RJ-45 ports for
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Ethernet cables. They link all the network’s Ethernet cables at a central location and
direct traffic to other devices on the network like DSL modem, printer, servers etc.
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5.)​ Internet Connection: - To connect to the internet, a network needs an

internet connection like dial up, Broad band, 3G, 4G, cable or leased line internet
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connection.
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Q16. What is the need or advantages of computer network?

Ans. There are following important points that describe the need of a computer network:
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1.​ Communication or Exchange of information: The computer

network helps to communicate or exchange information easily between computers
that are located far from each other.

2.​ Sharing of resources: A computer network permits the users to share

resources.
 3.​ Load sharing: Load sharing means sharing of processing load between
computers in order to prevent a computer to do too much work.

4.​ Reliability: A computer network supports critical function of backup. That’s why
it is reliable.
5.​ Flexible: Computer networking provides a very flexible working environment.

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6.​ Cost factor: Computer networking gives a better price/performance ratio.

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Q17. What do you mean by communication?

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Ans. Communication is the process of transferring message from one point to another.

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​ ​ The communication process has three main components. These are:

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1.​ Sender: It creates the message which is to be transmitted. It is also called source or
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transmitter.
2.​ Medium: It carries the message.
3.​ Receiver: It receives the message. It is also known as sink.
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​
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(Creates the message) (Carries the message)​ (Receives the message)

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Q18. What is data communication?

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Ans. Data communication means transporting data from one point to another. In this case
sender and receiver are machines and the medium may be telephone lines, satellite etc.

An electronic system that transfers data from one point to another is called data
communication.

The data that is transmitted can be analog or digital.

1.) Analog Data Signal: It refers to information that is continuous. It has infinitely many
levels of intensity over a period of time.

2.) Digital Data Signal: It refers to information that has discrete states. It can have only
a limited number of defined values.

Q19. What do you mean by Transmission Media? What are its

different types?

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Ans. Transmission Media is that which carries a signal from one point to another. It is
described as a path that forms the physical channel between sender and receiver.

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Transmission media can be categorized as:

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Q20. What do you mean by bounded or guided media?

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Ans. A media that physically contains signal is called bounded media, such as a copper
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wiring is referred as bounded media because it holds electronic signals.

The various bounded or guided media can be categorized as:

1. Twisted Pair Cable

2. Coaxial Cable

3. Fiber Optic Cable

1. Twisted Pair Cable: It consists of two conductors, each with its own plastic insulation,
twisted together. One of the wires is used to carry signals to the receiver and the other is used
as ground reference. These are used in local telephone communication and for digital data
transmission over short distances upto 1km.

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2. Coaxial Cable: It is most commonly used transmission media for Local Area Network
(LAN). It provides stable transmission. It can carry data farther and faster than twisted pair
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cable.
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3. Fiber Optic Cable: It consists of a bundle of glass threads, each of which is capable of
transmitting messages onto light waves.
It is of two types:

i) Single Mode Fiber

ii) Multi mode Fiber

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Q21. What do you mean by unbounded or unguided media?

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Ans. Unbounded or unguided or wireless communication media transports electromagnetic
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waves without using a physical conductor. Air is the media through which electromagnetic
energy can flow easily.
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There are several Medias which are used to send electromagnetic energy through air. Some of
these Medias are as follows:
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1. Radio wave communication: Radio waves are easy to generate. They can travel long
distances and can penetrate buildings easily. They can travel in all directions from the source.
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They are widely used for indoors and outdoors communication.

2. Microwave Communication: Microwave is a popular way of transmitting data since

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it does not incur the expenses of laying cables. It uses very high frequency radio signals to
transmit data through space. The microwave transmission consists of transmitter, receiver
and atmosphere. But in this communication the electromagnetic waves cannot bend or pass
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obstacles like hills.

3. Satellite communication: A satellite communication is a microwave relay station

placed in outer space to overcome the problems of microwave communication. These
satellites are launched either by rockets or by space shuttles and are positioned 36,000km
above the equator with an orbit speed that exactly matches the earth’s rotation speed.
4. Bluetooth: It is wireless LAN technology designed to connect devices of different
functions such as telephones, notebooks, computers, cameras, printers etc. It uses open
wireless protocol for exchanging data over short distances from fixed and mobile devices, by
creating Personal Area Network (PAN).

5. Infrared: Infrared waves are directional waves in which the transmitter and receiver

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have to be aligned, otherwise communication is not possible. These waves cannot pass

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through solid objects. These are used to create wireless LAN, to transfer data between mobile
devices, to print from mobile devices etc.

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6. Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi stands for Wireless Fidelity. It enables connection between two or more

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devices wirelessly for data sharing. It is a simple and cost effective way to connect to the
internet, to other computers and to other Wi-Fi enabled devices like Mobile phones. A
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wireless network uses radio waves just like cellphones, TV, radio etc.
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There are three most important items which make Wi-Fi working in our laptop or computer.
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These are:
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i) Radio signals

ii) Wi-Fi card which fits in laptop or computer

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iii) Hotspots, which create Wi-Fi network

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7. Wi-Max: Wi-Max stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access. It is an IP

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based wireless broadband that provides performance similar to Wi-Fi networks with the
coverage and quality of service of cellular networks.

It can provide broadband wireless access upto 50km for fixed and upto 15km for mobile
stations.
Q22. Differentiate Twisted Pair cable, Coaxial cable and Fiber
optic Cable.
Ans.

Sr. Twisted Pair Cable Coaxial Cable Fiber Optic Cable

No.

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1. Transmission of signals Transmission of signals Transmission of signals

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takes place in the electrical takes place in the electrical takes place in an optical
form over the metallic form over the inner form over a glass fiber.

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conducting wires. conductor of the cable.
2. In this medium the noise It has higher noise It has highest noise

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immunity is low. immunity than twisted pair immunity.
cable.

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3. Twisted pair cable can be Coaxial cable is less affected Not affected by external
affected due to external due to external magnetic magnetic field.
magnetic field.
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4. It is cheapest medium. It is moderately expensive. It is expensive.
5. It has low bandwidth. It has moderately high It has very high
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bandwidth. bandwidth.
6. Attenuation is very high. Attenuation is low. Attenuation is very low.
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7. Installation is easy. Installation is fairly easy. Installation is difficult.

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Q23. What are the different types of computer network?

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Ans. A computer network can be classified on the basis of location of computers. There are
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following four types of networks:

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1.​ Local Area Network (LAN)

2.​ Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
3.​ Wide Area Network (WAN)
4.​ Personal Area Network (PAN)

1.​ Local Area Network (LAN): A LAN covers a limited geographical area. It is
limited to a geographical area less than 2km like writing lab, school, or buildings.
 In LAN configuration, one computer is designated as the
file server. It stores all of the software that controls the network and softwares that
can be shared by the computers attached to the network. Computers connected to the
file server are called workstations. LAN cables are used to connect the NIC in each
computer.

Advantages of LAN:

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i)​ Easy to design and troubleshoot.

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ii)​ Workstations can share peripheral devices like printers, scanners etc.
iii)​ It allows high speed exchange of information.

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iv)​ Users can communicate with each other and transfer data between
workstations very easily.

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v)​ Workstations do not necessarily need their own hard disk.
vi)​ Users can save their work centrally on the network’s file server.

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Disadvantages of LAN: G
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i)​ Networks are difficult to set up and need to be maintained by skilled
technicians.
ii)​ If there is any fault in file server then all the users are affected.
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iii)​ Special security measures are needed.

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2.​ Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): MAN covers wider geographical

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area i.e. up to 50km in diameter. It shares some of the characteristics of both LAN and
WAN. The main objective of MAN is to interconnect LAN’s located in entire city or
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metropolitan area.
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Advantages of MAN:
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i)​ It supports transfer of voice, multimedia and other types of data.

ii)​ It covers larger area than LAN.
iii)​ Error rates are moderate in MAN.
iv)​ MAN is designed to extent over an entire city.

Disadvantages of MAN:
i)​ It is an expensive process.
 ii)​ It needs expert technicians.

3.​ Wide Area Network (WAN): It connects larger geographical areas. It is

formed by joining LAN at different places. A WAN provides long distance transmission
of data, image, audio and video information over a large geographic area that may
comprise of a country or a continent or the whole world. It uses satellite
communication or telephone lines as communication media. It is used for fast and
efficient exchange of information at lesser costs and high speeds.

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Advantages of WAN:

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i)​ It shares information over a large geographical area.
ii)​ It shares softwares and resources with connecting workstations.

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iii)​ It allows high speed exchange of information.
iv)​ It is used for transferring large blocks of data between its users.

Disadvantages of WAN: G ES
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i)​ It is an expensive and complicated process to setup a WAN.
ii)​ Security is a big issue in WAN.
iii)​ Information may not meet local needs or interests.
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iv)​ It needs regular network supervision that requires skilled supervisors and
technicians to be employed.
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4.​ Personal Area Network (PAN): PAN is formed by wireless

communication between devices by the way of technologies like Bluetooth, wireless
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keyboards etc. It is used for communication among computer devices close to one’s
person. The reach of PAN is typically a few meters.
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Advantages of PAN:
i)​ It is efficient and cost effective.
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ii)​ No need of extra space.

iii)​ It is easy to use.
iv)​ It is portable, reliable and secure.
v)​ PAN can connect many devices at a time.
vi)​ Data can synchronize between different devices.
Disadvantages of PAN:
i)​ The data transfer rate is very slow.
ii)​ It can be operated in less range of area.
iii)​ Infrared signals travel only in a straight line.

Q24. Differentiate LAN, MAN and WAN.

Ans.

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Sr. LAN MAN WAN

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No.
1. LAN stands for Local Area MAN stands for WAN stands for Wide

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Network. Metropolitan Area Area Network.
Network.
2. It covers a small
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geographical area. regions such as cities, geographical area than
towns etc. LAN and MAN.
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3. It is easy to design and It is difficult to design and It is very difficult to

maintain. maintain. design and maintain.
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4. In LAN, propagation delay In MAN, propagation In WAN, propagation

is short. delay is moderate. delay is long.
5. The transmission speed is The transmission speed is The transmission speed
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high. average. is low.

6. There is less congestion in There is moderate There is more
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LAN. congestion in MAN. congestion than LAN

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and WAN.
7. The data transfer speed The data transmission The data transmission
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can be 10mbps to speed can be 150mbps speed can be 100mbps.

1000mbps.
8. It allows single pair of It allows multiple It allows a huge group
devices to communicate computers to interact of computers to
simultaneously. communicate at the
same time.
Q25. What is the difference between webserver and website?

Ans. Webserver: Webservers are computers running Internet Information System (IIS).
They act as host for websites. It is a technology that uses the client/ server model and the

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World Wide Web’s HTTP, serves the files that form webpages to web users. Every computer

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on the internet that contains a website must have a webserver program. Apache is the most
widely installed webserver.

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Website: Websites are the information, the IIS makes available to the internet. It is a set of
related webpages typically saved from a single web domain.

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Q26. What do you mean by Intranet and Extranet?
Ans. Intranet: It is a set of networks under the control of a single administrative person.
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It can be considered as an internal network of an organization. If it is large, web servers are
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used to provide information to the users.
Extranet: It is a network that restricts itself within a single organization. It can be
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categorized as MAN or WAN. It can’t have a single LAN. It must have a connection with
external network.
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