Computer Networks test (Beginner)

Sample questions

5 sample questions from the Computer Networks test, with the answers. Samples are taken out of the live test, so you will not meet these when you sit it.

1. Which of the following correctly describes the difference between HTTP and HTTPS?

   1. HTTP and HTTPS use the same protocol for data transmission.
   2. HTTPS uses SSL/TLS for encryption, while HTTP does not.
   3. HTTPS operates on port 80, while HTTP operates on port 443.
   4. HTTP is faster than HTTPS because it lacks encryption overhead.

   Answer: B. HTTPS uses SSL/TLS for encryption, while HTTP does not.

   HTTPS provides secure communication by using SSL/TLS encryption, which ensures data confidentiality and integrity. HTTP does not use encryption, making it less secure for transmitting sensitive information.

2. What is the behavior of the least connections method in load balancing?

   1. It prioritizes servers based on their geographic location.
   2. It sends traffic to servers in a sequential, round-robin fashion.
   3. It randomly selects a server to distribute traffic.
   4. It directs traffic to the server with the fewest active connections.

   Answer: D. It directs traffic to the server with the fewest active connections.

   The least connections method is a load balancing algorithm that distributes incoming traffic to the server with the fewest active connections, ensuring even distribution of traffic and optimal resource utilization.

3. Which of the following best describes a key difference between HTTP and HTTPS?

   1. Both HTTP and HTTPS use the same port numbers for communication.
   2. HTTPS uses SSL/TLS for encryption, while HTTP does not.
   3. HTTP is faster than HTTPS because it lacks encryption overhead.
   4. HTTPS is only used for websites, while HTTP is used for APIs.

   Answer: B. HTTPS uses SSL/TLS for encryption, while HTTP does not.

   HTTPS provides encryption and secure communication between the client and server, while HTTP does not. This is a key difference that ensures data privacy and integrity in HTTPS. The other options either describe features of both protocols or are incorrect facts.

4. Which layer of the OSI model is responsible for ensuring end-to-end communication, error recovery, and flow control?

   1. The Session layer
   2. The Presentation layer
   3. The Application layer
   4. The Transport layer

   Answer: D. The Transport layer

   The Transport layer (layer 4) is responsible for end-to-end communication, error recovery, and flow control. It ensures that data is delivered reliably and in the correct order. The other layers have different responsibilities: the Session layer (layer 5) manages communication sessions, the Presentation layer (layer 6) handles data formatting and encryption, and the Application layer (layer 7) provides network services directly to the user.

5. Which of the following is a primary role of the presentation layer in the OSI model?

   1. It determines the best path for data transmission.
   2. It manages flow control and error recovery.
   3. It handles encryption and decryption of data.
   4. It ensures data is transmitted without errors.

   Answer: C. It handles encryption and decryption of data.

   The presentation layer is responsible for data encryption and decryption, ensuring that data is presented in a format that the application layer can understand. Other options refer to functions of different layers, such as the transport layer (flow control), network layer (routing), and data link layer (error detection).