BCA / B.Tech 35 min read

Computer Network (CN) All Important Questions and Answers in English (MDSU)

  1. What is the OSI Model and how many layers does it have?
    The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) Model is a 7-layer network framework that defines data transmission in a standard way. It has 7 layers: Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation, and Application.

  2. What was the main purpose of creating the OSI Model?
    Its purpose was to enable network devices from different companies to work together and to bring data transmission into a standard format.

  3. Which are the lowest and highest layers of the OSI Model?
    Lowest layer - Physical Layer
    Highest layer - Application Layer

  4. What is a Network?
    When two or more devices are connected to share data with each other, it is called a network.

  5. What are the main classifications of a Network?

    • LAN (Local Area Network) – A small network, like in an office or home.
    • MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) – A network spread across a city or a large area.
    • WAN (Wide Area Network) – A network connecting several cities or countries.
  6. What is Network Topology and what are its types?
    Network Topology refers to how devices are connected in a network. Its 5 main types are: Bus, Ring, Star, Mesh, and Hybrid.

  7. What is Switching and what are its main types?
    Switching means sending data packets through the correct path. Its three types are: Circuit Switching, Packet Switching, and Message Switching.

  8. What is Ethernet?
    Ethernet is a networking technology used for high-speed data transfer in a LAN.

  9. What is a Token Ring?
    It is a network topology in which data circulates in the form of a token, and only the one who has the token can send data.

  10. What are Bridges and what is their function?
    Bridges are networking devices that connect two LAN segments and also perform data filtering.

  11. What are Routers and how do they work?
    Routers are devices that connect different networks and work to deliver data packets to the correct destination.

  12. What are Gateways and what is their function?
    Gateways connect different networks (like LAN and WAN) and enable communication between them.

  13. What is the difference between Private and Public Networks?

  • Private Network – Is for authorized users only, like a company's internal network.
  • Public Network – Can be used by anyone, like the Internet.
  1. What is FDMA?
    FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple Access) is a technique in which different frequency bands are assigned to different users.

  2. What is TDMA?
    In TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access), a channel is divided into time slots among different users.

  3. What is CDMA?
    In CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), all users use the same frequency band but signals are kept separate through unique codes.

  4. What is Personal Communication System (PCS) Architecture?
    PCS is a wireless network architecture that manages communication between mobile devices and wireless networks.

  5. What is IPv4?
    IPv4 (Internet Protocol Version 4) is a 32-bit address system that assigns a unique address to each device.

  6. What are the types of IPv4 Addressing?

  • Unicast – Sending data to a single device.
  • Broadcast – Sending data to all devices.
  • Multicast – Sending data to some selected devices.
  1. What is Subnetting?
    Subnetting is a process in which a large network is divided into smaller subnetworks to manage the network efficiently.

  2. What are Public and Private Addresses in IPv4?

  • Public IPv4 Address – Can be accessed on the internet.
  • Private IPv4 Address – Works only within a local network.
  1. What is IPv6 and how is it different from IPv4?
    IPv6 is a 128-bit address system that can assign addresses to more devices than IPv4. It is more secure and efficient.

  2. What are the main types of IPv6 Addressing?

  • Global Unicast – A globally unique address.
  • Unique Local – For private networks.
  • Link Local – For communication within the same network link.
  • Multicast – For group communication.
  • Anycast – For sending data to the nearest node.
  1. What is Modified EUI-64?
    Modified EUI-64 is a method by which IPv6 addresses are automatically generated based on the MAC address.

  2. What is IPv6 Stateless Address Auto-configuration?
    This is a process in which devices automatically generate their own IPv6 address without the help of a DHCP server.

  3. What is IPv6 and how is it different from IPv4?

    IPv6 is the new version of the Internet Protocol, which overcomes the limitations of IPv4. It has 128-bit addresses, whereas IPv4 has 32-bit addresses. IPv6 can assign unique addresses to more devices and has better security features.

  4. How many types of Addresses are there in IPv6 and what are their uses?

There are 6 main types of addresses in IPv6:

  1. Global Unicast – A unique address used on the public internet.
  2. Unique Local – For private networks.
  3. Link Local – For communication on the local network.
  4. Multicast – To send data to more than one device simultaneously.
  5. Anycast – To send data to the nearest node.
  6. Modified EUI-64 – For auto-configuration.

  1. What is Auto-configuration in IPv6?

    With auto-configuration, IPv6-enabled devices do not need a manual IP address. They automatically create their own Link-Local Address and request a Global Address from the network.

  2. What is an Anycast Address?

    An anycast address is a special IPv6 address that can be shared by multiple devices, but data is sent only to the nearest device.

  3. What is a Wireless LAN (WLAN)?

    A WLAN is a wireless network that connects devices using Wi-Fi. It operates on the IEEE 802.11 standard and does not require physical cables.

  4. What is IEEE 802.11?

    IEEE 802.11 is a Wi-Fi Standard that defines data transmission in a wireless network.

  5. What is Mobile IP?

    Mobile IP is a networking protocol that allows any device to move from one network to another without changing its IP address.

  6. What is Wireless TCP?

    Wireless TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is used to manage data transmission in wireless networks. It helps to control data loss.

  7. What is Bluetooth and how does it work?

    Bluetooth is a short-range wireless communication technology that allows devices to connect and share data. It operates on the 2.4 GHz frequency and creates small networks (piconets).

  8. What is NS2 and where is it used?

    NS2 (Network Simulator 2) is a simulation tool used to simulate wired and wireless networks. It is used for network protocols and performance analysis.

  9. What is NAM (Network Animator)?

    NAM is a visual tool that graphically shows an NS2 simulation. It allows you to see the movement of packets and network performance.

  10. How are NS2 and NAM installed?

    To install NS2 in Linux, these commands are used:

    sudo apt-get update
    sudo apt-get install ns2 nam
    

    After that, ns and nam are tested separately to verify.

  11. What are the OTcl and C++ Interfaces in NS2?

    OTcl (Object-oriented Tcl) is used for simulation setup, while C++ defines the core network models.

  12. What are Nodes and Agents in NS2?

    Node: A device (computer, router, mobile) in a network is called a node.
    Agent: Agents are used to generate and process data packets.

  13. How is a Simple Node created in NS2?

    To create a node in an OTcl script, this command is written:

    set n0 [$ns node]
    set n1 [$ns node]
    
  14. What are Trace Files and their Formats?

    In NS2, Trace Files are used to analyze network performance. Common formats:

    • NAM Trace – For graphical animation
    • Text Trace – For debugging and analysis
  15. How are External Commands invoked in NS2?

    In NS2, external system commands can be run with the exec function:

    exec ls -l  
  16. How are Links created in Wired Networks?

    To create links for wired networks in NS2:

    $ns duplex-link $n0 $n1 2Mb 10ms DropTail
    

    Here, 2Mb is the bandwidth, 10ms is the delay, and DropTail is the queue.

  17. How is Traffic generated in NS2?

    To generate traffic in the network:

    set udp [new Agent/UDP]
    $ns attach-agent $n0 $udp
    
  18. How are Routing Protocols set in NS2?

    For example, to set the OSPF Routing Protocol, the command in the OTcl script is:

    set ragent [new Agent/rtProto/OSPF]
  19. How are Node Positions set in Wireless Networks?

    To set node positions in NS2:

    $node_(0) set X_ 50.0
    $node_(0) set Y_ 100.0
    $node_(0) set Z_ 0.0
    
  20. What is a GOD Object?

    The GOD (General Operations Director) object in NS2 manages wireless network simulation and tracks connectivity between nodes.

  21. What is a Topography File?

    A topography file contains information about the network's geographic locations and environment, which is loaded into NS2.

  22. What are the Wireless Routing Protocols?

    NS2 supports several wireless routing protocols, such as:

    1. DSDV (Destination-Sequenced Distance Vector)
    2. AODV (Ad-hoc On-Demand Distance Vector)
    3. DSR (Dynamic Source Routing)
  23. How is a Wireless Scenario created in NS2?

    To create a basic wireless scenario:

    set ns [new Simulator]
    set node1 [$ns node]
    set node2 [$ns node]
    $ns at 1.0 "$node1 setdest 100.0 200.0 10.0"
    

    This will make node1 move at a certain speed.


5 more questions and each answer in 400+ words.


1. What is the OSI Model and explain its Layers in Detail?

Introduction

The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) Model is a standard model that describes how two devices in a network communicate with each other. It was developed by the ISO (International Organization for Standardization). The OSI model has 7 layers, and each layer has a different function.

The 7 Layers of the OSI Model and their functions:

  1. Physical Layer

    • This layer handles the physical transmission media.
    • It includes cables, connectors, voltages, and bit rate.
    • It only transfers bits (0 and 1).
  2. Data Link Layer

    • This layer performs error detection and correction.
    • Data is divided into Frames.
    • The MAC Address is in this layer.
  3. Network Layer

    • This layer is responsible for the routing of data packets.
    • It involves IP Addressing.
    • IPv4 and IPv6 work in this layer.
  4. Transport Layer

    • This layer breaks data into segments.
    • TCP and UDP are in this layer.
    • It performs error control and flow control.
  5. Session Layer

    • This layer manages sessions, meaning it establishes, maintains, and terminates the connection between two devices.
    • It can also handle authentication.
  6. Presentation Layer

    • This layer encrypts and decrypts data.
    • Data compression and translation also happen here.
  7. Application Layer

    • It interacts with the end-user.
    • HTTP, FTP, DNS, SMTP work in this layer.

Conclusion

The OSI Model describes network communication step-by-step, and each layer handles a different functionality. This model is theoretical, but its conceptual importance in networking is very high.


2. What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?

Introduction

IPv4 and IPv6 are two versions of the Internet Protocol that provide unique addresses to network devices. However, IPv4 has some limitations, which IPv6 has overcome.

Features of IPv4:

  1. 32-bit addressing (4 billion addresses)
  2. Numeric format (192.168.1.1)
  3. Broadcast Communication supported
  4. No security features
  5. Manual and DHCP-based configuration

Features of IPv6:

  1. 128-bit addressing (unlimited addresses)
  2. Alphanumeric format (2001:db8::ff00:42:8329)
  3. Anycast and Multicast Communication supported
  4. Security built-in (IPSec)
  5. Auto-configuration supported

Differences in Detail:

FeatureIPv4IPv6
Address Length32-bit128-bit
Address FormatDotted DecimalHexadecimal
SecurityExternal (IPSec optional)Built-in (IPSec mandatory)
ConfigurationManual/DHCPAuto-configuration
BroadcastSupportedNot Supported (uses Multicast)
SpeedComparatively SlowerFaster due to optimized headers

Conclusion

IPv6 is a modern and advanced protocol that is much better than IPv4 in terms of security, scalability, and performance. The world is gradually migrating to IPv6.


3. What is the difference between TCP and UDP?

Introduction

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and UDP (User Datagram Protocol) are both major protocols of the Transport Layer. TCP is used for reliable communication, while UDP is used for fast communication.

Features of TCP:

  1. Connection-Oriented Protocol
  2. Supports Error Checking and Retransmission
  3. Slow but Reliable
  4. Used in Web Browsing, Email, File Transfer

Features of UDP:

  1. Connectionless Protocol
  2. No Error Checking, No Retransmission
  3. Fast but Unreliable
  4. Used in Live Streaming, Gaming, VoIP

Differences in Detail:

FeatureTCPUDP
TypeConnection-OrientedConnectionless
SpeedSlowerFaster
ReliabilityHigh (error checking)Low (no error checking)
Header Size20 bytes8 bytes
UsesHTTP, FTP, EmailGaming, Streaming, VoIP

Conclusion

TCP and UDP both have their own advantages and disadvantages. If avoiding data loss is important, TCP is the right choice, but for high-speed transmission, UDP is better.


4. What are MAC Protocols in Wireless Networks?

Introduction

In wireless networks, the job of MAC (Medium Access Control) Protocols is to control data transmission.

Main MAC Protocols:

  1. CSMA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access)
  2. TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access)
  3. FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple Access)
  4. CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access)

Working of MAC Protocols:

  • CSMA – The device first checks the channel and sends data if it is free.
  • TDMA – Devices are given time slots.
  • FDMA – Devices are given different frequency bands.
  • CDMA – Unique codes are used for data transmission.

Conclusion

MAC protocols are used to make wireless communication efficient and collision-free.


5. What is Bluetooth and how does it work?

Introduction

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology that allows devices to connect and share data with each other.

Working of Bluetooth:

  1. Operates on the 2.4 GHz frequency.
  2. Uses a Master-Slave architecture.
  3. Can create Piconets and Scatternets.
  4. Has security features for Pairing and Authentication.

Applications of Bluetooth:

  1. Wireless Headphones and Speakers
  2. File Transfer in Smartphones and Laptops
  3. IoT Devices Connectivity

Conclusion

Bluetooth is an important part of modern wireless communication and is used in IoT, smart devices, and portable gadgets.

In this Chapter

Computer Network (CN) All Important Questions and Answers in English (MDSU)
Auto-Configuration and Anycast
Modified EUI-64 | What is Modified EUI-64?
Architecture of Mobile Computing
Wireless LAN in Hindi | What is Wireless LAN?
Wireless User Devices
MAC Protocol | What is MAC Protocol?
IEEE 802.11 | What is IEEE 802.11
Mobile IP | What is Mobile IP
Wireless TCP/IP
Unicast & Multicast Communication
Bluetooth | What is Bluetooth?
NS2 & NAM | What are NS2 and NAM?
Purpose & installation of NS2 & NAM
Background of NS2 & NAM
Architecture of NS2 & NAM
Interface of OTcl & C++
Trace Files & Formats
Protocol Support of NS2
Simulation Object of NS2 & NAM
Basic Syntax of NS2 & NAM
Node Creation of NS2 & NAM
Running NS2 & NAM
Finish Procedure NS2 & NAM
Invoking external commands within NS2
Nodes & Agents of NS2 & NAM
NS2 Commands
Creating Links in Wired Network
Setting Link Parameters
Sending Traffics Through NS2 Links
Routing Protocol Support of NS2
Scenarios in Wired Networks
Additional Parameters
Setting node positions
God object & topography
Protocol Support
Scenarios in Wireless Networks
What is the Internet? Difference Between Intranet and Extranet
Types of Internet
OSI Model and its Layers
BCA | Computer Network | 2025 Paper | MDSU Exam Paper
Importance of the Layer Model in Computer Networks
Network Classification
Network Topology
Network Switching & Components
Ethernet
Token Ring
Basic Networking Concepts & Cabling
What is a Computer in English?
Bridges in Computer Networks
Routers in Computer Networks
Gateways in Computer Networks
Public & Private Networks
FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple Access)
BCA | CN(Computer Network) Paper | 2023 MDSU Exam Paper
What is World Wide Web (WWW)
TDMA, SDMA, CDMA
Personal Communication System | What is PCS
IPv4 | What is IPv4?
Subnetting IPv4 Address
Casting in IPv4
Private IPv4 Addressing
IPv4 Address Scheme
IPv6 Addressing Scheme
Types of IPv6 Addressing