Networking Cables, Topologies, and Protocols Guide
Networking Cables, Topologies, and Protocols Guide
1. What are different types of cables used in networking? Also list name of connectors for each
one.
2. What is the maximum segment size for twisted pair, ber optic cable?
• Twisted Pair Cable (Cat 5e, Cat 6): Up to 100 meters (328 feet).
• Fiber Optic Cable: Up to 2 kilometers for multimode ber, and up to 40 kilometers for
single-mode ber.
• Typically, Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Cat 5e or Cat 6 cables are used in LANs.
• A rewall protects a network by controlling and monitoring incoming and outgoing network
traf c based on prede ned security rules. It serves as a barrier between a trusted internal
network and untrusted external networks (like the internet).
6. What are different topologies also give adv and disadv of each? Which will you prefer to
design a LAN and why?
• Bus Topology:
◦ Advantages: Easy to set up, inexpensive.
◦ Disadvantages: Limited cable length, dif cult to troubleshoot.
• Ring Topology:
◦ Advantages: Data travels in one direction, reducing packet collisions.
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◦ Disadvantages: A failure in any cable or device disrupts the entire network.
• Star Topology:
◦ Advantages: Easy to troubleshoot, devices can be added easily.
◦ Disadvantages: Expensive, relies on the central hub.
• Mesh Topology:
◦ Advantages: High redundancy, fault tolerance.
◦ Disadvantages: Expensive, complex setup.
• Preferred for LAN: Star topology due to ease of troubleshooting and adding devices.
8. If you want to design a network for 10 PCs, what things do you have to consider at that
time?
• Network Topology: Determine which topology suits your needs (e.g., star topology for
small networks).
• Network Devices: Required devices like switches, routers, and possibly a rewall.
• Cabling: Choosing the correct type of cabling (typically Cat 5e or Cat 6 for Ethernet).
• IP Addressing: Decide on a range of IP addresses for the PCs.
• Bandwidth: Ensure suf cient bandwidth based on expected usage.
• Security: Implement basic security measures, like rewalls and possibly VLANs.
• Scalability: Plan for potential future expansion beyond 10 PCs.
1. Physical Layer
2. Data Link Layer
3. Network Layer
4. Transport Layer
5. Session Layer
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6. Presentation Layer
7. Application Layer
• Physical Layer: Handles the physical connection between devices; deals with raw data
transmission.
• Data Link Layer: Ensures error-free transfer of data frames between nodes on the same
network.
• Network Layer: Manages data routing and addressing between different networks.
• Transport Layer: Ensures data transfer is reliable and error-checked.
• Session Layer: Establishes, manages, and terminates communication sessions.
• Presentation Layer: Transforms data into a format that the Application layer can use.
• Application Layer: Provides network services directly to end-user applications.
• Unfortunately, I can’t draw here, but the OSI model has 7 layers, while the TCP/IP model
has 4 layers: Application, Transport, Internet, and Network Interface (or Link layer).
• OSI Model:
◦ Has 7 layers.
◦ Theoretical model for understanding and designing networks.
◦ Developed by ISO.
• TCP/IP Model:
◦ Has 4 layers.
◦ Practical model used in the actual internet.
◦ Developed by DARPA.
13. List names of protocols that work at each layer of the OSI model.
• Fragmentation: The process of breaking a large data packet into smaller packets so it can
be transmitted across a network with size limitations.
• As I can't draw here, you can nd these diagrams in networking textbooks. IPv4 headers
include elds like Source Address, Destination Address, and TTL, while IPv6 headers have
larger address elds and a simpli ed header structure.
• A router is a network device that directs data packets between networks, enabling internet
connectivity and communication between multiple devices by selecting the best path for
data to travel.
• PPP: A protocol used for direct communication between two network nodes, often used for
internet connections over dial-up or broadband networks.
25. What is a MAC address? How many bits is it, and in which format?
• MAC Address: A unique identi er for network interface cards, used for communication
within a local network.
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• Bits: 48 bits.
• Format: Six pairs of hexadecimal numbers, e.g., 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E.
26. IP address works at which layer? How many bits is it? Give one example.
27. How many classes are there in IPv4? Also give the range of each.
28. For each class, show the number of networks and hosts.
• Class A: [Link]
• Class B: [Link]
• Class C: [Link]
• Physical Address: A unique identi er assigned to each network device (MAC address).
• Logical Address: IP address used to identify a device’s network location.
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31. What are the types of transmission media?
• Guided Media: Includes twisted pair cables, coaxial cables, and ber optic cables.
• Unguided Media: Includes radio waves, microwaves, and infrared waves.
• A network device that connects and lters traf c between two or more network segments at
the Data Link layer, improving network ef ciency.
• A device that routes data packets between different networks, using IP addresses to
determine the best path for data.
• A network device that connects and translates communication between networks that use
different protocols.
• A network device that connects devices within a LAN, forwarding data only to the speci c
device for which the data is intended, using MAC addresses.
• Switch: Operates within a single LAN, handling data at the Data Link layer.
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• Router: Connects multiple networks and routes data based on IP addresses at the Network
layer.
• Cutoff Switch: Forwards data as soon as the destination MAC address is read.
• Store-and-Forward Switch: Checks the entire packet for errors before forwarding.
• Manageable Switch: Allows for con guration and control of network traf c.
• Unmanageable Switch: Simple, plug-and-play device with no con guration options.
41. What is the need of a web server?
• Web Server: Hosts websites and serves content to users over the internet or intranet by
processing HTTP/HTTPS requests, enabling clients to access web pages.
• FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface): A standard for data transmission in LANs using
ber optic cables, supporting high-speed data transfer up to 100 Mbps.
• Token Ring: A network where devices pass a token to communicate, preventing data
collisions.
• Token Bus: A network protocol where a token circulates in a virtual bus for controlling
network access.
• Generally, the IP of a server would be assigned by the organization. For a local server, it
could be something like 192.168.x.x.
47. What are the two lines used in our organization for internet connection?
• This can vary by organization, but typically these would be a primary and backup ISP line.
48. What is the difference between a leased line and dial-up connection?
• ISP (Internet Service Provider): A company providing internet access to users and
businesses.
• ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol): Used for error handling and diagnostics,
commonly associated with the ping command.
51. What are the data units at different layers of the TCP/IP protocol suite?
53. What is the minimum and maximum length of the header in the TCP segment and IP
datagram?
54. What is the difference between TFTP and FTP application layer protocols?
• TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol): Simple, no authentication, often used for small le
transfers.
• FTP (File Transfer Protocol): More robust, with authentication and larger le transfer
capabilities.
• Bus, Star, Ring, Mesh, Tree, and Hybrid: Each has unique advantages in terms of cost,
redundancy, and ease of setup.
• Mesh Network: A network where each node connects to multiple nodes, offering high
reliability and redundancy.
58. Why should you care about the OSI Reference Model?
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• Helps understand how different protocols and devices interact within a network,
standardizing network design and troubleshooting.
• VPN (Virtual Private Network): A secure network created over the internet, allowing
remote access and protecting data by encrypting traf c.
• A security technique where packets are allowed or blocked based on criteria like IP
addresses, ports, or protocols.
• Techniques used to prevent network congestion, ensuring ef cient data transfer without
overwhelming the network.
• Protocols used for routing between different organizations or autonomous systems, like
BGP.
• A collection of IP networks and routers under the control of a single organization that
presents a common routing policy to the internet.
• A protocol for exchanging routing information between autonomous systems on the internet,
essential for global internet routing.
• OSPF (Open Shortest Path First): A link-state IGP used to nd the best path within an
autonomous system using the shortest-path algorithm.
• An IGP that uses distance vector routing, measuring distances in hops to determine the best
route, limited by a maximum of 15 hops.
71. What is PPP?
• PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol): A data link layer protocol used to establish a direct
connection between two network nodes, commonly used for internet dial-up and broadband
connections.
• DHCP: A protocol that dynamically assigns IP addresses and network con gurations to
devices on a network, enabling devices to communicate without manual IP setup.
• IPv4 addresses are managed by IANA (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority) and allocated
regionally by RIRs (Regional Internet Registries), who then assign them to ISPs and
organizations.
75. How do IPv6 addresses differ from addresses used in the current IP version?
• IPv6: Uses 128-bit addresses (compared to IPv4's 32-bit), allowing a vastly larger address
space, better suited for modern internet demands.
76. How does IPv6 address allocation differ from address allocation used with IPv4?
• IPv6 addresses are assigned in larger blocks to ease hierarchical routing, while IPv4
addresses were typically allocated in smaller, more fragmented blocks.
77. IPv6 is supposed to solve address allocation problems with IPv4. How is it supposed to do
that?
• IPv6 provides a nearly unlimited address space, allowing for unique addresses globally and
simplifying routing, reducing address exhaustion.
78. How are addresses belonging to different types differentiated from each other?
• IPv6 addresses are categorized by pre xes: Unicast (for single devices), Multicast (for
groups), and Anycast(closest member of a group).
• Supernetting: Combines multiple networks into a larger network (often used for ef cient IP
management).
• Subnetting: Divides a network into smaller, manageable sub-networks to improve
organization and ef ciency.
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80. Write in decimal form the IP-address C22F1582. To which address class does it belong,
and write the address also in binary form.
81. What is the network part in the address [Link]/27? What is the host part?
82. How many subnets are available in the network mentioned above? How many hosts can be
in one subnet?
• Subnets: 8 subnets
• Hosts per Subnet: 30 hosts per subnet
83. What does the notation [Link],3 mean? What addresses belong to this
de nition?
85. When you give the ping command, what is the output, and also tell the meaning of each
term?
• Output: Response from IP address, including latency times and packet loss.
◦ Time: Round-trip time for packets.
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◦ TTL (Time to Live): Maximum hops the packet can take.
• Ethernet Speeds: 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps (Fast Ethernet), 1 Gbps (Gigabit Ethernet), 10 Gbps
(10 Gigabit Ethernet).
88. What is the difference between half and full-duplex mode in Ethernet?
89. What are the transmission speeds for Cat 5, Cat 5e, and Cat 6 network cables?
90. What is the maximum connection length for Cat 5, Cat 5e, and Cat 6 network cables?
• [Link]: Another common private IP address, often used as a router gateway address.
• [Link]: Another private IP address frequently used as a default gateway for routers.
• Default Gateway: The device that routes traf c from a local network to other networks,
such as the internet.
• Ipcon g: Shows IP con guration details for a device on a network and can be used to
release or renew DHCP leases.
• Solutions:
◦ Restart the router or modem.
◦ Reconnect to the network.
◦ Run network diagnostics.
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◦ Reset TCP/IP stack using netsh command.
• IP Routing: The process of determining the path for IP packets to travel from source to
destination.
• Routing Table: A data table stored in routers or computers to determine the next hop for IP
packets.
• Routers determine the best path based on distance (number of hops), and each router shares
its routing table with its neighbors.
• Routers maintain a map of the network and calculate the shortest path to each destination,
broadcasting updates only when changes occur.
• Proxy Server: Acts as an intermediary between a client and the internet, forwarding
requests and providing ltering, privacy, and caching.
• QoS: A set of technologies to manage network resources, ensuring prioritized traf c for
critical applications.
• Protocol: A set of rules governing data communication over networks, like HTTP, TCP, and
FTP.
• A Port: A virtual endpoint for network communications, helping direct packets to speci c
applications or processes.
• TCP: Ensures reliable data transmission, establishing a connection and verifying data
integrity for applications that require accuracy, such as web browsing and email.
• UDP: Used for fast, connectionless data transmission where speed is more critical than
reliability, like video streaming, online gaming, and voice-over IP.
• FTP (File Transfer Protocol): A protocol for transferring les between a client and server
over a network.
• VoIP: Technology that enables voice communication over IP networks, like the internet,
instead of traditional phone lines (e.g., Skype, Zoom).
• Encryption: The process of converting data into a secure format to prevent unauthorized
access during transmission or storage.
118. What is the wireless speed for 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n wireless standards?
• 802.11a: Up to 54 Mbps
• 802.11b: Up to 11 Mbps
• 802.11g: Up to 54 Mbps
• 802.11n: Up to 600 Mbps
• WiMAX: A wireless communication standard for high-speed internet access over long
distances, often used in rural areas.
• Null Modem: A type of serial cable that allows direct communication between two devices,
often used to connect two computers without a modem.
• Yes, by disabling its DHCP function and connecting it to the main network, it acts as an
access point for wireless devices.
124. What is the difference between a wireless router and an access point?
• Wireless Router: Combines routing and wireless access point functionalities, creating a
LAN and connecting it to the internet.
• Access Point: Extends the wireless coverage of an existing network.
• Socket: An endpoint for sending and receiving data between two devices on a network,
de ned by an IP address and port number.
128. What is meant by subnet mask? What are subnet masks for class A, B, and C?
• Subnet Mask: Divides an IP address into network and host parts, enabling subnetting.
◦ Class A: [Link]
◦ Class B: [Link]
◦ Class C: [Link]
Unit 1
• Network: A collection of interconnected devices that communicate with each other to share
resources and information.
• Types of Networks:
◦ LAN (Local Area Network): Covers a small geographical area, like a home or
of ce.
◦ WAN (Wide Area Network): Covers a large geographical area, connecting multiple
LANs (e.g., the internet).
◦ MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): Covers a city or a large campus.
◦ PAN (Personal Area Network): A small network, typically used for personal
devices (e.g., Bluetooth).
3) Why do we need to test LAN cables? How many colors are there in LAN cable?
• Testing LAN cables ensures they are functioning correctly and that data can be transmitted
without loss.
• Colors in LAN cables: Typically, there are four pairs of wires, each with a different color
(e.g., blue, orange, green, brown) and their respective striped counterparts.
• Windows: ipconfig
• Ubuntu: ifconfig or ip addr
• Wireshark is a network protocol analyzer that allows users to capture and inspect packets
traveling through a network for troubleshooting and analysis.
• OSI Model:
• Unipolar: All signal levels are on one side of the axis (0 or 1).
• Polar: Signal levels are on both sides of the axis (positive and negative).
• Bipolar: Alternating positive and negative signals.
• Manchester: Encodes each bit as a transition, providing clock synchronization.
11) Which cables are used to design topologies?
• Star Topology: Typically used in labs for its ease of management and troubleshooting.
13) What are the different types of topology? Draw and explain.
16) Why do we need to test LAN cables? How many colors are there in LAN cable?
• (See answers for questions 3 and 16 above; they are the same.)
17) In Packet Tracer, which cable is used for connecting same type of devices?
• Packet Tracer: A simulation tool for networking that allows users to design, con gure, and
troubleshoot networks without needing physical hardware.
Unit 2
• Stop-and-Wait Protocol: Sender sends one frame and waits for an acknowledgment before
sending the next.
• Sliding Window Protocol: Allows multiple frames to be in transit before needing an
acknowledgment, improving throughput.
• Sliding Window Protocol: A method that allows a sender to transmit multiple frames before
needing an acknowledgment. The window size determines how many frames can be sent
before receiving an acknowledgment.
• If the calculated CRC value (remainder) does not match the value appended to the data, an
error is detected.
• Parity bits are placed at positions that are powers of two (1, 2, 4, 8...). The value of each
parity bit is determined by ensuring the number of 1s in the data bits it covers is even (for
even parity).
• After a collision, a device waits a random amount of time before retransmitting, increasing
the wait time exponentially with each successive collision.
28) What are the design issues in the data link layer?
• Addressing, framing, ow control, error detection and correction, and medium access
control.
29) What is IP? What are the classes of IP? Ranges of IP classes?
• IP (Internet Protocol): Protocol for addressing and routing data packets across networks.
• Classes:
◦ Class A: [Link] - [Link]
◦ Class B: [Link] - [Link]
◦ Class C: [Link] - 223
◦ Class D: [Link] - [Link] (used for multicast).
◦ Class E: [Link] - [Link] (reserved for future use).
30) What is subnetting?
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• Subnetting is the process of dividing a larger network into smaller, manageable sub-
networks (subnets). It helps in ef cient IP address management, improves network
performance, and enhances security.
31) What is a subnet mask? What is the default subnet mask for Class A, B, C, and D?
• Subnet Mask: A 32-bit number that separates the network portion of an IP address from the
host portion.
◦ Class A: [Link]
◦ Class B: [Link]
◦ Class C: [Link]
◦ Class D: Not applicable (used for multicast).
• The subnet mask is determined by the pre x length. For example, a pre x of /24
corresponds to a subnet mask of [Link]. This can be calculated by converting the
pre x length to binary and replacing the rst 'n' bits with '1's and the rest with '0's.
34) Tell the algorithm which is implemented in distance vector and link state routing.
• Distance Vector Routing: Uses the Bellman-Ford algorithm to calculate the best path based
on the distance to each destination.
• Link State Routing: Uses Dijkstra's algorithm to compute the shortest path by creating a
complete topology of the network.
• RIP: A distance-vector routing protocol that uses hop count as its metric and has a
maximum limit of 15 hops.
• OSPF: A link-state routing protocol that uses a link-state database and supports hierarchical
routing.
• EIGRP: An advanced distance-vector protocol that combines the bene ts of link-state and
distance-vector protocols, using a composite metric.
• BGP: The protocol used to exchange routing information between different autonomous
systems on the internet, using path vectors.
• CSMA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access): A protocol for managing access to a shared
communication medium.
• CSMA/CD (Collision Detection): A variation of CSMA where devices detect collisions and
wait before retransmitting.
• CSMA/CA (Collision Avoidance): Used in wireless networks to avoid collisions by waiting
for a clear channel before transmitting.
• Path Vector Protocol: Keeps track of the entire path (sequence of ASes) that routing
information takes. Each router adds its AS number to the path, helping prevent routing
loops.
40) What is meant by routing in MANET? Explain how ad-hoc networks work.
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• Routing in MANET (Mobile Ad-hoc Networks): Refers to the dynamic routing of data
between mobile devices in a network without a xed infrastructure.
• Ad-hoc Networks: Formed spontaneously as devices communicate directly with each other,
often using protocols like AODV (Ad hoc On-Demand Distance Vector) and DSR (Dynamic
Source Routing).
Unit 4
◦ Version, IHL, Type of Service, Total Length, Identi cation, Flags, Fragment Offset,
Time to Live, Protocol, Header Checksum, Source Address, Destination Address.
• IPv6 Header Format:
◦ Version, Traf c Class, Flow Label, Payload Length, Next Header, Hop Limit, Source
Address, Destination Address.
• In Packet Tracer, con gure RIP on routers, use the command router rip to enable it,
and show ip route to view RIP routes. You can simulate and observe routing updates
between routers.
46) What is socket programming? How do we differ the socket program for TCP and UDP?
• TCP: connect()
• UDP: Does not require a connection; data is sent using sendto().
• TCP: Manages packet loss and ensures data integrity; slower due to overhead.
• UDP: Faster and more ef cient for real-time applications (e.g., VoIP) but does not guarantee
delivery.
Unit 5
50) What is DNS? Explain how we convert an IP address to a URL with the help of DNS.
• DNS (Domain Name System): Translates human-readable domain names (URLs) into IP
addresses.
• Conversion Process: A DNS query is sent to a DNS server, which looks up the
corresponding IP address and returns it to the requester.
• FTP (File Transfer Protocol): A standard network protocol for transferring les between a
client and server. It uses separate channels for commands (control connection) and data (data
connection).
53) Explain IPSec. Why do we need ESP and AH protocols for security?
• IPSec (Internet Protocol Security): A suite of protocols for securing Internet Protocol
communications through encryption and authentication.
• ESP (Encapsulating Security Payload): Provides con dentiality, integrity, and
authentication.
• AH (Authentication Header): Provides data integrity and authentication but not
con dentiality.
56) Tell the protocol numbers for HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SMTP, MIME, POP3, IMAP.
• HTTP: 80
• HTTPS: 443
• FTP: 21
• SMTP: 25
• POP3: 110
• IMAP: 143
57) Explain HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SMTP, MIME, POP3, Telnet, SSH, SCTP, RTP.
• HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol): The protocol used for transferring web pages on the
internet. It is stateless and operates over TCP.
• HTTPS (HTTP Secure): An extension of HTTP that uses SSL/TLS to provide a secure
communication channel over a computer network.
• FTP (File Transfer Protocol): A standard network protocol for transferring les between a
client and server. It can operate in active or passive mode.
• SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol): A protocol used for sending emails. It works by
transferring messages from the client to the server or between servers.
• MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions): A standard that extends email formats
to support text in character sets other than ASCII, as well as attachments of audio, video,
images, and application programs.
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• POP3 (Post Of ce Protocol version 3): A protocol used by email clients to retrieve emails
from a server, allowing users to download and delete messages.
• IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol): A protocol for retrieving emails, allowing
users to view and manage their messages directly on the server without downloading them.
• SSH (Secure Shell): A protocol for secure remote login and other secure network services
over an unsecured network, providing strong authentication and encryption.
• SCTP (Stream Control Transmission Protocol): A transport layer protocol that provides
reliable, message-oriented communication. It is used in applications like telephony
signaling.
• RTP (Real-time Transport Protocol): A protocol used for delivering audio and video over
IP networks, enabling real-time transmission and synchronization of multimedia content.
• DHCP (Dynamic Host Con guration Protocol): A network management protocol used to
dynamically assign IP addresses and other network con guration parameters to devices on a
network, allowing them to communicate on an IP network. The main components of DHCP
are:
◦ DHCP Server: Assigns IP addresses and con guration settings to clients.
◦ DHCP Client: A device that requests an IP address from the DHCP server.
◦ DHCP Lease: The temporary assignment of an IP address to a client for a speci ed
period.
• Process of DHCP:
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◦ DHCP Discover: Client broadcasts a request for an IP address.
◦ DHCP Offer: Server responds with an available IP address and con guration details.
◦ DHCP Request: Client sends a request to the server for the offered IP address.
◦ DHCP Acknowledgment: Server con rms the assignment of the IP address to the
client.
59) What is web caching?
• Web Caching: The process of storing copies of web documents (like HTML pages, images)
temporarily to reduce bandwidth usage, server load, and latency. When a user requests a
cached document, the cached version is served, improving access speed and reducing the
need to fetch the document from the origin server.
60) How does SNMP work?
• SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol): A protocol used for managing and
monitoring network devices. It operates on a client-server model, where the SNMP manager
(client) communicates with SNMP agents (servers) on devices. The key components
include:
◦ Manager: The software that monitors and controls network devices.
◦ Agent: Software running on network devices that collects and stores management
data.
◦ MIB (Management Information Base): A database of objects that can be managed
using SNMP.
• How SNMP Works:
◦ The manager sends requests to agents for information (e.g., performance metrics).
◦ Agents respond with the requested data or send traps (alerts) when certain events
occur.
Unit 6
• Types of Attacks:
◦ Malware: Malicious software like viruses, worms, and trojans.
◦ Phishing: Fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information by disguising as a
trustworthy entity.
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◦ DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service): Overloading a service or network with
traf c to make it unavailable.
◦ Man-in-the-Middle (MitM): Intercepting and manipulating communication
between two parties.
◦ SQL Injection: Inserting malicious SQL statements into a query to manipulate
databases.
◦ Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Injecting malicious scripts into web pages viewed by
others.
• SSL (Secure Sockets Layer): A standard security protocol for establishing encrypted links
between a web server and a browser. It ensures that all data transmitted remains private and
secure. SSL has been succeeded by TLS (Transport Layer Security).
• Threats: Potential dangers that could exploit a vulnerability to cause harm or loss (e.g.,
malware, hackers).
• Vulnerabilities: Weaknesses or aws in a system that can be exploited by threats to gain
unauthorized access or cause damage.
• HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure): An extension of HTTP that uses SSL/TLS
to encrypt data exchanged between a web server and a client, providing a secure browsing
experience.
• IDS (Intrusion Detection System): Monitors network traf c for suspicious activity and
policy violations. It can be: