0% found this document useful (0 votes)
17 views40 pages

Computer Networks Oral Exam Guide

This document serves as a comprehensive guide for preparing for oral examinations in computer networks, covering key topics such as network fundamentals, OSI and TCP/IP models, data link layer, network layer, and network security. It includes detailed explanations of network types, topologies, devices, transmission modes, and protocols, along with practical aspects and questions that may arise during the viva. The guide is structured to aid students in understanding essential concepts and preparing effectively for their examinations.

Uploaded by

vinayakbabar1212
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0% found this document useful (0 votes)
17 views40 pages

Computer Networks Oral Exam Guide

This document serves as a comprehensive guide for preparing for oral examinations in computer networks, covering key topics such as network fundamentals, OSI and TCP/IP models, data link layer, network layer, and network security. It includes detailed explanations of network types, topologies, devices, transmission modes, and protocols, along with practical aspects and questions that may arise during the viva. The guide is structured to aid students in understanding essential concepts and preparing effectively for their examinations.

Uploaded by

vinayakbabar1212
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Computer Networks Viva Preparation

A Comprehensive Guide to Oral Examination Questions

NAME ROLL NO
SAHIL MORE ROLL.TECO2526B041 TE-B

Based on CN Question Bank from Oral Examination Point of View


Topics We Will Cover

1 Introduction & Network Fundamentals 2 OSI and TCP/IP Models

3 Data Link Layer 4 Network Layer

5 Transport Layer 6 Application Layer

7 Network Security 8 Practical Aspects

Computer Networks Viva Preparation: Complete Guide


Introduction & Network Fundamentals 01

lan Network Types: LAN, MAN, WAN


hub Network Topologies
cable Cables & Connectors

settings_input_antenna Transmission Media

router Networking Devices device_hub


Understanding the fundamental building blocks of computer networks is essential
for network design, implementation, and troubleshooting.

Computer Networks Viva Preparation: Complete Guide


Network Types: LAN, MAN, WAN

Q: What are major types of networks and explain?

business LAN location_city MAN public WAN


Local Area Network Metropolitan Area Network Wide Area Network

check_circle Size: Single building or campus check_circle Size: Covers a city or metropolitan area check_circle Size: Covers country or entire globe
check_circle Example: Office or home network check_circle Example: Cable TV network check_circle Example: The Internet
add_circle Advantages: High speed, low error rate, add_circle Advantages: Larger coverage than LAN add_circle Advantages: Global connectivity
inexpensive
remove_circle Disadvantages: More expensive than LAN remove_circle Disadvantages: Slower, more errors,
remove_circle Disadvantages: Limited geographical area expensive

Computer Networks Viva Preparation: Complete Guide


Network Topologies

Q: What are different topologies? Give advantages and disadvantages. Which will you prefer to design a LAN and why?

hub Network Topology Layouts lan Star Topology


add_circle Advantages remove_circle Disadvantages
check Easy to add/remove devices close Central hub failure affects entire
check Single cable failure affects only one network
device close More cable required than bus

timeline Bus Topology


add_circle Advantages remove_circle Disadvantages
check Cheap and easy to set up close Main cable failure brings down network
check Requires less cable than star close Difficult to troubleshoot

loop Ring & Mesh Topologies


add_circle Advantages remove_circle Disadvantages
For LAN design, I prefer Star Topology due to its reliability, check Ring: Fair access for all devices close Ring: Single failure breaks entire
star scalability, and ease of troubleshooting check Mesh: Extremely reliable and fast network
close Mesh: Very expensive and complex

Computer Networks Viva Preparation: Complete Guide


Cables & Connectors

Q: What are different types of cables used in networking? What are their specifications and connectors?

settings_input_component Twisted Pair (UTP/STP) speed Cable Specifications

cable Description settings_input_hdmi Connector


Cable Type Max Length Speed
check_circle Most common for Ethernet check_circle RJ-45 connector
Twisted Pair (Copper) 100 meters (328 ft) Varies by category
check_circle 8 wires (4 pairs) check_circle Wider than phone plug
check_circle Twists reduce interference Fiber Optic Several kilometers (2km+) Very high (10+ Gbps)

Cat 5 100m Up to 100 Mbps

settings_input_antenna Coaxial Cable Cat 5e 100m Up to 1 Gbps

cable Description settings_input_hdmi Connector Cat 6 100m (55m for 10Gbps) Up to 10 Gbps

check_circle Older, round cable check_circle BNC connector


check_circle Used for cable TV check_circle Bayonet Neill-Concelman info UTP = Unshielded Twisted Pair (most common)

info STP = Shielded Twisted Pair (for high-interference environments)

flash_on Fiber Optic Cable


cable Description settings_input_hdmi Connectors
check_circle Uses light for transmission check_circle SC, ST, LC connectors
check_circle Super-fast, long distance check_circle Small and precise

Computer Networks Viva Preparation: Complete Guide


Networking Devices

Q: What is Repeater, Bridge, Router, Gateway, Switch? Difference between Hub, Switch, Router?

device_hub Hub vs Switch vs Router signal_cellular_alt Repeater


Amplifies and regenerates signals to extend network range

Layer 1

compare_arrows Bridge
Connects two LAN segments, learns MAC addresses, forwards data only to
correct segment

Layer 2

swap_horiz Switch
Multi-port bridge, sends data only to specific destination port using MAC
addresses

Layer 2

router Router
Connects different networks, uses IP addresses to find best path for data
packets

Layer 3
Device Function Layer

Hub Broadcasts to all ports Layer 1


transform Gateway
Switch Sends to specific port using MAC Layer 2 Acts as translator between different network systems, operates at multiple
layers
Router Connects different networks Layer 3
Layers 4-7

Computer Networks Viva Preparation: Complete Guide


Transmission Modes & Duplex

Q: What are the two types of transmission technology? What is the difference between half and full duplex?

settings_input_component Transmission Technologies compare_arrows Duplex Modes

Broadcast Mode Description Example


radio A single signal is shared by all stations
example Example: Old Ethernet hubs TV broadcast,
Simplex One-way only
keyboard

Half- Both ways, but not at the


Point-to-Point Walkie-talkie
Duplex same time
swap_horiz A dedicated link exists between only two stations
example Example: Connection between two routers Full- Both ways, at the same Phone call, modern
Duplex time Ethernet

Modern switched networks use full-duplex communication,


lightbulb allowing simultaneous two-way transmission

Computer Networks Viva Preparation: Complete Guide


Firewalls & VPNs

Q: What is the use of a firewall? What is VPN?

security Firewall vpn_lock VPN (Virtual Private Network)

computer business
arrow_back arrow_forward
Remote User Private Network

lock Creates a secure, encrypted tunnel over public internet


location_off Hides your IP address and protects privacy
public_off Allows remote users to securely connect to private network

shield Acts as a security guard for network traffic


rule Monitors incoming and outgoing traffic based on predefined rules
block Blocks unauthorized access and prevents malicious attacks
filter_alt Creates a barrier between trusted internal network and untrusted internet Firewalls prevent unauthorized access, while VPNs protect data in
lightbulb transit

Computer Networks Viva Preparation: Complete Guide


OSI and TCP/IP Models 02

layers The 7 Layers of OSI Model


compare_arrows Functions of Each Layer
compare OSI vs TCP/IP Comparison

settings_ethernet Protocols at Each Layer

devices Devices Working at Each Layer stacked_line_chart


Understanding network models is essential for troubleshooting, network design,
and implementing communication protocols across different systems.

Computer Networks Viva Preparation: Complete Guide


The 7 Layers of OSI Model

Q: What are 7 layers of OSI model? Explain working of each layer?

apps Application Layer


layers OSI Reference Model 7 Provides services directly to user applications
HTTP, FTP, SMTP, DNS

translate Presentation Layer


6 Formats, encrypts, and compresses data
SSL, JPEG, MPEG

sync_alt Session Layer


5 Establishes, manages, and terminates sessions
NetBIOS, RPC

swap_horiz Transport Layer


4 End-to-end process delivery, flow & error control
TCP, UDP

router Network Layer


3 Host-to-host delivery, routing, logical addressing
IP, ICMP, OSPF

link Data Link Layer


2 Hop-to-hop delivery, framing, MAC addressing
Ethernet, PPP

settings_input_component Physical Layer


1 Transmits raw bits over physical medium
Cables, Wi-Fi signals

Computer Networks Viva Preparation: Complete Guide


OSI vs TCP/IP Models

Q: Draw diagram of OSI and TCP/IP? Difference between OSI and TCP/IP?

compare Model Comparison difference Key Differences

Aspect OSI Model TCP/IP Model

Layers 7 layers 4 layers

Practical
Nature Theoretical "blueprint"
implementation

Separate Application, Combined into single


Top Layers
Presentation, Session Application layer

Model first, protocols Protocols first, model


Development
later later

OSI is a reference model used for teaching and understanding,


lightbulb while TCP/IP is the protocol suite that powers the actual Internet

Computer Networks Viva Preparation: Complete Guide


Protocols & Devices at Different Layers

Q: List protocols at each OSI layer. List devices at each TCP/IP layer. What are data units?

settings_ethernet Protocols, Devices & Data Units by Layer


OSI Layer TCP/IP Layer Protocols Devices Data Unit

7 Application HTTP, FTP, SMTP, DNS

6 Presentation A Application SSL, JPEG, MPEG Gateway, Firewall Data

5 Session NetBIOS, RPC

4 Transport T Transport TCP, UDP - Segment (TCP) / Datagram (UDP)

3 Network I Internet IP, ICMP, ARP, OSPF Router Packet

2 Data Link L Link Ethernet, PPP Switch, Bridge, NIC Frame

1 Physical - - Hub, Repeater, Cable Bits

lightbulb OSI's top 3 layers map to TCP/IP's single Application layer, while Data Link + Physical map to Link layer

Computer Networks Viva Preparation: Complete Guide


Data Link Layer 03

settings_input_hdmi Framing & Error Control


memory MAC Addressing
speed Flow Control Protocols

lan Media Access Control

settings_ethernet Ethernet & IEEE Standards settings_input_component


The Data Link Layer provides reliable hop-to-hop communication between
directly connected nodes through framing, addressing, and error detection.

Computer Networks Viva Preparation: Complete Guide


Framing & Media Access

Q: What is meant by fragmentation? What is FDDI? Token Ring and Token Bus?

content_cut Fragmentation loop Token Ring & Token Bus

info Process of breaking large packets into smaller fragments info LAN technologies using token-passing to prevent collisions
info Enables data to travel across networks with smaller MTU info Device must possess a "token" to transmit data
info Fragments are reassembled at the destination
Technology Topology Status

lightbulb Fragmentation occurs at Network Layer, not Data Link Layer Token Ring Physical ring Obsolete

Token Bus Logical ring on physical bus Obsolete

memory FDDI lightbulb Both have been replaced by Ethernet with CSMA/CD

info Fiber Distributed Data Interface


info Standard for data transmission on fiber optic lines
info Uses token-passing on a dual-ring topology
info High speed (100 Mbps) and reliable

Computer Networks Viva Preparation: Complete Guide


IEEE 802 Standards

Q: Give all IEEE standards from 802.2 to 802.16.

settings_ethernet Key IEEE 802 Standards for LANs and MANs

802.1 LAN/MAN Architecture 802.2 Logical Link Control


Higher layer protocols (802.1Q for VLANs) LLC sublayer of Data Link Layer

802.3 Ethernet 802.4 Token Bus


CSMA/CD LAN protocol (most common) Logical ring on physical bus (obsolete)

802.5 Token Ring 802.6 MAN


Physical ring topology (obsolete) Metropolitan Area Network (DQDB)

802.11 Wireless LAN 802.15 WPAN


Wi-Fi standards (a/b/g/n/ac/ax) Wireless Personal Area Network (Bluetooth)

802.16 Broadband Wireless


WiMAX - wireless broadband access

lightbulb IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet) and 802.11 (Wi-Fi) are the most widely used standards today

Computer Networks Viva Preparation: Complete Guide


Network Layer 04

public IP Addressing (IPv4 & IPv6)


grid_on Subnetting & Supernetting
router Routing Protocols

compare_arrows Fragmentation & Reassembly

security Network Address Translation (NAT) router


The Network Layer is responsible for moving packets from source to destination
across different networks using logical addressing and routing.

Computer Networks Viva Preparation: Complete Guide


IP Addressing

Q: What is MAC address? How many bits? What is IP address? How many bits? What is Physical & Logical address?

memory MAC Address (Physical) compare_arrows Physical vs Logical Addresses

Bits: 48 bits (6 bytes)


Aspect Physical (MAC) Logical (IP)
Format: Hexadecimal (e.g., 3D:F2:C9:A6:B3:4F)
Purpose: Permanent hardware address, like device serial number Assigned by network admin
Assignment Burned into hardware
Scope: Local delivery (hop-to-hop) or DHCP

Permanent (rarely Temporary (changes with


3D:F2:C9:A6:B3:4F Changeability
changes) network)

Hierarchical (network +
Hierarchy Flat (no structure)
host)

public IP Address (Logical) Local delivery on same Global delivery across


Function
network networks
Bits: IPv4: 32 bits, IPv6: 128 bits
Format: IPv4: Decimal (e.g., [Link])
lightbulb ARP protocol maps IP addresses to MAC addresses for local delivery
Purpose: Identifies device location on network
Scope: Global, end-to-end delivery

[Link]

Computer Networks Viva Preparation: Complete Guide


IPv4 Classes & Subnet Masks

Q: How many classes in IPV4? Range, networks, hosts? What is default subnet mask? What is meant by subnet mask?

grid_on IPv4 Address Classes


filter_alt Subnet Mask
Class Range Networks Hosts Default Mask
A 32-bit number that identifies which part of an IP address is the Network
part and which part is the Host part:
[Link] -
A 126 16,777,214 [Link]
[Link] 1s represent the Network portion
0s represent the Host portion

[Link] -
B 16,384 65,534 [Link]
[Link]
Class C Example: [Link]
IP Address: 11000000.10101000.00000001.00110010
[Link] -
C 2,097,152 254 [Link] Subnet Mask: 11111111.11111111.11111111.00000000
[Link]
Network: [Link]
Host: [Link]
[Link] -
D Multicast N/A
[Link]

[Link] -
E Experimental N/A
[Link] Subnetting borrows bits from the Host part to create smaller, more
lightbulb manageable networks (subnets)

Computer Networks Viva Preparation: Complete Guide


Subnetting & Supernetting

Q: What is subnetting? When to use it. What is supernetting?

grid_on Subnetting grid_off Supernetting

How Subnetting Works How Supernetting Works

Network Host Network Subnet Host N1 Host N2 Host


Before Subnetting
arrow_forward After Subnetting Network 1 Network 2
arrow_downward
Combined Network Host
info Process of borrowing bits from Host part to create smaller sub-networks
After Supernetting
info Increases number of networks, decreases hosts per network
check_circle When to use: Better organization, reduced traffic, improved security
info Process of combining multiple networks into one larger network
check_circle Example: Dividing a Class B network for different departments
info Reduces routing table size, improves routing efficiency
check_circle Used in CIDR (Classless Inter-Domain Routing)
check_circle Example: Combining [Link]/24 and [Link]/24 into
[Link]/23

lightbulb Subnetting creates more networks with fewer hosts, while supernetting creates fewer networks with more hosts

Computer Networks Viva Preparation: Complete Guide


IP Calculation Examples

Q: Write C22F1582 in decimal. What is the network part in [Link]/27? How many subnets are available? How many hosts
can be in one subnet?

swap_horiz Hex to Decimal Conversion grid_on Subnet Analysis: [Link]/27

1 Convert each hex byte to decimal 1 Determine subnet mask

C2 = 194, 2F = 47, 15 = 21, 82 = 130 /27 = [Link]

2 Combine into IP address 2 Find block size

[Link] 256 - 224 = 32

3 Identify class 3 Calculate network address


Starts with 194 → Class B (128-191)
Network: [Link]
Broadcast: [Link]
Host Range: [Link]-62

4 Count subnets and hosts


Subnets: 2^11 = 2048
Hosts per subnet: 2^5 - 2 = 30

lightbulb For CIDR notation /27, the first 27 bits are network bits and remaining 5 bits are host bits

Computer Networks Viva Preparation: Complete Guide


Routing Protocols

Q: Difference between ARP and RARP? What is IGP, EGP, BGP, OSPF, RIP?

router Routing Protocols


compare_arrows ARP vs RARP
Key
Protocol Type Scope
Features

search
ARP (Address Resolution swap_horiz RARP (Reverse ARP)
Protocol) • Finds IP address when you know the Routes
• Finds MAC address when you know the MAC address Interior traffic inside
Within single
IP address IGP Gateway an
• MAC → IP mapping organization
Protocol Autonomous
• IP → MAC mapping • Obsolete technology System
• Broadcast: "Who has [Link]?" • Replaced by DHCP
• Used for local network communication Routes
Exterior Between traffic
EGP Gateway different between
Protocol organizations Autonomous
Systems

Uses hop
Distance count, max
Small
RIP Vector 15 hops,
networks
(IGP) slow
convergence

Creates
Link Medium to complete
OSPF State large network
(IGP) networks map, fast
convergence

Only EGP in
Path
Internet use, policy-
BGP Vector
backbone based
(EGP)
routing

IGP protocols (RIP, OSPF) work within a single


lightbulb organization, while EGP (BGP) connects different
organizations on the Internet

Computer Networks Viva Preparation: Complete Guide


IP Routing & NAT

Q: What is IP routing? What is a routing table? What is NAT?

router IP Routing swap_horiz NAT (Network Address Translation)

alt_route Process of forwarding packets from source to destination across different security Technique that allows multiple devices on a private network to share a
networks single public IP

map Router uses destination IP address to determine the best path transform Router translates private addresses to public addresses
compare_arrows Routes based on routing table entries save Conserves public IP addresses and adds security

Routing Table

Destination Next Hop Interface


devices router public
Private Network
arrow_forward NAT Router
arrow_forward Internet
[Link]/24 [Link] eth0
[Link] Translation [Link]
[Link]/8 [Link] eth1

[Link]/0 [Link] eth2

lightbulb NAT solves IPv4 address shortage by allowing multiple private devices to share one public IP address

Computer Networks Viva Preparation: Complete Guide


Transport Layer 05

compare_arrows TCP vs UDP Protocols


call_split Port Numbers & Sockets
sync 3-Way Handshake & Connection

speed Flow & Congestion Control

settings_ethernet Segmentation & Reassembly swap_horiz


The Transport Layer provides reliable, end-to-end process-to-process delivery
between applications running on different hosts.

Computer Networks Viva Preparation: Complete Guide


TCP vs UDP

Q: What is the usage of TCP and UDP? What is a port? Explain types of port numbers.

compare TCP vs UDP Comparison


verified TCP
check_circle Connection-oriented: 3-way handshake
check_circle Reliable: Guaranteed delivery, in order
check_circle Uses ACKs and retransmissions
check_circle Used for: Web (HTTP), Email (SMTP), FTP

speed UDP
check_circle Connectionless: No handshake
check_circle Unreliable: Best-effort delivery
check_circle Faster, lower overhead (smaller header)
check_circle Used for: Video streaming, Gaming, DNS, VoIP

settings_input_component Port Number Types

looks_one Well-Known Ports looks_two Registered Ports looks_3 Dynamic/Private Ports


0-1023 1024-49151 49152-65535
For standard services (HTTP: 80, HTTPS: 443) For specific applications Used temporarily by client applications

Computer Networks Viva Preparation: Complete Guide


TCP & UDP Headers

Q: Draw TCP, UDP header format? What is the minimum and maximum length of the header?

verified TCP Header speed UDP Header

TCP Header Format UDP Header Format

Source Port Dest Port Sequence Number Ack Number Source Port Dest Port Length Checksum
16 bits 16 bits 32 bits 32 bits 16 bits 16 bits 16 bits 16 bits

Offset Reserved Flags Window Size Checksum


4 bits 3 bits 9 bits 16 bits 16 bits
Min Length Max Length
8 bytes 8 bytes
Urgent Pointer Options
16 bits 0-40 bits

Min Length Max Length


20 bytes 60 bytes

lightbulb TCP header is more complex with reliability features, while UDP header is simple and lightweight for speed

Computer Networks Viva Preparation: Complete Guide


Flow & Congestion Control

Q: What is meant by flow control? What is meant by congestion control?

swap_vert Flow Control traffic Congestion Control

Preventing Fast Sender from Overwhelming Slow Receiver Preventing Network Overload

arrow_forward trending_up add_circle remove_circle


send Data get_app Slow Start Additive Increase Multiplicative
Sender arrow_back Receiver Exponential growth: 1,
2, 4, 8...
Linear growth after
threshold
Decrease
Cut rate in half on
Window Size packet loss

check_circle Network-wide mechanism to prevent collapse


check_circle End-to-end mechanism between sender and receiver
check_circle Uses AIMD algorithm
check_circle Uses Sliding Window protocol
check_circle Detects congestion through packet loss
check_circle Receiver advertises its buffer capacity

lightbulb Flow control prevents a fast sender from overwhelming a slow receiver, while congestion control prevents the entire network from being overloaded

Computer Networks Viva Preparation: Complete Guide


Application Layer 06

dns DNS (Domain Name System)


language HTTP & Web Servers
file_download FTP & File Transfer

email Email Protocols (SMTP, POP3, IMAP)

settings_ethernet DHCP (Dynamic Configuration) apps


The Application Layer provides network services directly to end-user applications
and interfaces with the underlying network infrastructure.

Computer Networks Viva Preparation: Complete Guide


Web, DHCP & DNS

Q: What is the need of a web server? What is DHCP? Why do we need DNS?

language Web Server settings_ethernet DHCP dns DNS

storage Stores website files (HTML, CSS, images) auto_fix_high Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol translate Domain Name System
send Serves files to browsers on request ip Automatically assigns IP addresses language Translates domain names to IP addresses
http Handles HTTP requests and responses wifi_tethering Provides subnet mask, gateway, DNS menu_book "Phonebook of the Internet"

Web Communication DHCP Process DNS Resolution

computer dns devices router search ip


swap_horiz arrow_forward arrow_forward
Browser Web Server Client DHCP Server [Link] [Link]

lightbulb Web servers host content, DHCP provides network configuration, and DNS translates human-readable names to machine-readable IP addresses

Computer Networks Viva Preparation: Complete Guide


FTP vs TFTP

Q: What is the difference between TFTP and FTP? What does FTP stand for?

compare FTP vs TFTP Comparison


file_download FTP
Feature FTP TFTP
check_circle Uses two TCP connections: Control (Port 21) and Data (Port 20)
check_circle Reliable with error checking and recovery
Trivial File Transfer
Full Name File Transfer Protocol
Protocol check_circle Supports directory listings and file operations

FTP Connection Model


Transport TCP (Connection-oriented) UDP (Connectionless)
computer dns
swap_horiz
Client FTP Server
Reliability Reliable delivery Best-effort delivery

Two connections (Control +


Connections Single connection
Data)
flash_on TFTP
Speed Slower due to overhead Faster due to simplicity check_circle Uses single UDP connection (Port 69)
check_circle Simple protocol with minimal overhead
Username/password check_circle Used for network device bootstrapping
Security No authentication
authentication
TFTP Connection Model

Network boot, firmware computer dns


Use Cases General file transfers
updates
swap_horiz
Client TFTP Server

lightbulb FTP is reliable and feature-rich for general file transfers, while TFTP is fast and simple for specialized tasks like network booting

Computer Networks Viva Preparation: Complete Guide


Voice over IP (VoIP)

Q: What is Voice over IP (VoIP)?

call VoIP Technology settings How VoIP Works


settings_voice Technology that enables voice calls over IP networks VoIP Call Process
swap_horiz Converts analog voice to digital packets
1 2 3 5
public Uses internet instead of traditional phone lines 4
Capture Compress
Digitize Transmit
Analog Reduce Packetize
Analog to Send over
voice data size Divide into
digital IP
business Business Phone Systems phone_in_talk Skype, WhatsApp Calls captured by
conversion
with IP packets
network
microphone codecs

video_call Zoom, Google Meet home Home VoIP Services

lightbulb VoIP offers cost savings, flexibility, and advanced features compared to traditional phone systems, but requires reliable network infrastructure

Computer Networks Viva Preparation: Complete Guide


Network Security 07

security Firewalls & Access Control


vpn_lock VPNs & Secure Tunnels
enhanced_encryption Encryption & Cryptography

security
gpp_good Authentication & Digital Signatures

bug_report IDS/IPS & Threat Detection

Network security encompasses the policies, practices, and technologies used to


protect the integrity, confidentiality, and accessibility of computer networks and
data.

Computer Networks Viva Preparation: Complete Guide


Encryption & Firewalls

Q: What is encryption? What is the difference between a firewall and an IDS?

enhanced_encryption Encryption security Firewall vs IDS


lock Process of scrambling data into unreadable format shield Firewall: Network security system that monitors and controls traffic
vpn_key Uses algorithms and keys to transform plaintext to ciphertext visibility IDS: Intrusion Detection System that monitors for suspicious activity
security Ensures confidentiality of sensitive information
Firewall vs IDS Comparison
Encryption Process
Feature Firewall IDS

text_fields lock code


arrow_forward arrow_forward Function Prevention Detection
Plaintext Encryption Ciphertext
Action Blocks unauthorized traffic Alerts on suspicious activity

Position Network perimeter Inside network

lightbulb Firewalls prevent unauthorized access, while IDS detects potential security breaches that may have bypassed the firewall

Computer Networks Viva Preparation: Complete Guide


Practical Aspects 08

terminal Network Commands


wifi Wireless Networking
build Network Troubleshooting

build
settings_ethernet Direct Connections

speed Quality of Service (QoS)

Practical networking involves applying theoretical knowledge to real-world


scenarios through hands-on configuration, troubleshooting, and optimization of
network systems.

Computer Networks Viva Preparation: Complete Guide


Networking Commands

Q: What are networking commands? Explain each one? When you give ping command what is the output? What is the usage of
ipconfig command?

terminal Common Network Commands settings_ethernet ipconfig Command Usage

Basic Usage
Command Purpose Key Use Cases
C:\> ipconfig
ping Test connectivity Check if host is reachable
Windows IP Configuration
Ethernet adapter Ethernet:
View IP, subnet mask, IPv4 Address. . . . . . . . . . . : [Link]
ipconfig Show IP configuration Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . : [Link]
gateway
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . : [Link]

Trace route to
tracert Identify network path
destination
Common Options
netstat Show network statistics View active connections /all Show detailed configuration

nslookup DNS lookup Resolve domain to IP /release Release IP address

/renew Renew IP address

network_check Ping Command Output

Reply from [Link]: bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=64


Reply from [Link]: bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=64
Reply from [Link]: bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=64
Reply from [Link]: bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=64
Ping statistics for [Link]:
Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss)
Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds:
Minimum = 1ms, Maximum = 1ms, Average = 1ms

TTL (Time To Live) indicates how many hops the packet can Use ipconfig /release followed by ipconfig /renew to troubleshoot
lightbulb make before being discarded lightbulb connection issues

Computer Networks Viva Preparation: Complete Guide


Wireless Networking

Q: What is the wireless speed for 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11n wireless standard? What is WiMAX? Can we connect 2
computers directly and wirelessly? What is the difference between wireless router and access point? What is the difference
between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth?

wifi Wireless Standards Comparison


cell_tower WiMAX
Standard Max Speed Frequency Range
check_circle Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access
check_circle Long-range wireless technology (802.16)

802.11a 54 Mbps 5 GHz Shorter check_circle Provides "last-mile" broadband internet access

compare Wireless Comparisons


802.11b 11 Mbps 2.4 GHz Longer

Technology Purpose Range

Wi-Fi Local Area Networking ~100m

802.11g 54 Mbps 2.4 GHz Longer Bluetooth Personal Area Networking ~10m

Wireless Router Connects to ISP + creates Wi-Fi Varies

Access Point Extends existing network Varies

802.11n 150-600 Mbps 2.4/5 GHz Extended


Two computers can connect directly wirelessly using Ad-Hoc
lightbulb mode or Wi-Fi Direct

Computer Networks Viva Preparation: Complete Guide


Troubleshooting & QoS

Q: How to solve limited or no connectivity problem? What is QoS (Quality of Service)?

build Troubleshooting Steps speed Quality of Service (QoS)


1 Run ipconfig /release then ipconfig /renew check_circle Mechanism to prioritize network traffic

2 Restart the router/modem check_circle Ensures critical applications get needed bandwidth

3 Check physical cables and connections check_circle Uses traffic shaping and prioritization

4 Check for firewall issues


QoS Traffic Prioritization
5 Update network drivers

videocam web file_download


Video Call
arrow_forward Web Browsing
arrow_forward File Download
(High Priority) (Medium Priority) (Low Priority)

lightbulb QoS is essential for networks with limited bandwidth, ensuring critical applications perform well even during high traffic periods

Computer Networks Viva Preparation: Complete Guide


Direct Connections & Proxy Servers

Q: How to connect 2 computers directly without router/switch? How does proxy server work? What is null modem? Can we
configure wireless router as an access point only?

link Direct Computer Connections security Proxy Servers & Access Points

cable Wired: Use crossover Ethernet cable swap_horiz Proxy Server: Acts as middleman for requests
wifi Wireless: Create Ad-Hoc network or use Wi-Fi Direct router Router as AP: Disable DHCP, connect to main network
settings_input_component Null Modem: Special cable for direct serial port connection
1 Disable router's DHCP server

2 Change router's IP to avoid conflict

3 Connect router's LAN port to main network

4 Configure wireless settings

Direct Connection Methods Proxy Server Operation

computer settings_ethernet computer computer security public


swap_horiz swap_horiz arrow_forward arrow_forward
Computer 1 Direct Link Computer 2 Client Proxy Internet

lightbulb Direct connections bypass network infrastructure, while proxy servers add security and caching between clients and the internet

Computer Networks Viva Preparation: Complete Guide


Summary & Viva Preparation Tips

summarize Key Concepts Covered school Viva Preparation Tips


1 Focus on Core Concepts
layers Network Models public Network Layer Master OSI model, TCP/IP, IP addressing, and subnetting
check_circle OSI 7-layer model check_circle IPv4 addressing & classes Use Real-World Examples
2
check_circle TCP/IP protocol suite check_circle Subnetting & CIDR Relate concepts to practical scenarios like your home network
check_circle Data encapsulation check_circle Routing protocols
3 Practice Problem Solving
Work through subnetting calculations and network design scenarios

4 Know Your Protocols


Understand key differences between TCP/UDP, HTTP/HTTPS, etc.
Transport Layer Security &
swap_horiz security Applications
check_circle TCP vs UDP comparison check_circle Firewalls & encryption
check_circle Flow & congestion control check_circle Application protocols
check_circle Port numbers & sockets check_circle Network troubleshooting
Remember: Viva questions test understanding, not just
lightbulb memorization. Be ready to explain concepts in your own words.

Computer Networks Viva Preparation: Complete Guide


Thank You
Thank you for your attention to this comprehensive guide on Computer
Networks. I hope this presentation helps you prepare effectively for your viva
examination.

SAHIL MORE
ROLL.TECO2526B041 TE-B

question_answer Any Questions?

Computer Networks Viva Preparation: Complete Guide

You might also like