Networking Questions and Answers
1. Manual (Static) vs. Automatic (Dynamic) IP Address Assignment
Definition and Comparison:
Criteria Static IP Dynamic IP
Definition IP is manually configured IP is automatically assigned
on each device. by DHCP.
Benefits 1. Better for servers. 1. Easier in large networks.
2. Stable connections. 2. Fewer errors.
Limitations 1. Time-consuming. 1. IPs change.
2. Not scalable. 2. Less control.
2. Subnet Calculation
IP Address: [Link], Subnet Mask: [Link] (/24)
• Network Address: [Link]
• Broadcast Address: [Link]
• Number of Valid Hosts: 254
• Usable IP Range: [Link] – [Link]
3. DHCP Function and Process
DHCP automatically assigns IP addresses to devices.
Process Steps:
1. DHCP Discover
2. DHCP Offer
3. DHCP Request
4. DHCP Acknowledgment
4. Subnetting and Division
Definition: Subnetting splits a network into smaller subnets.
Benefits: Better performance and security.
Divide [Link]/24 into /26 subnets:
• Subnet 1: Network [Link], Broadcast [Link]
• Subnet 2: Network [Link], Broadcast [Link]
• Subnet 3: Network [Link], Broadcast [Link]
• Subnet 4: Network [Link], Broadcast [Link]
5. VLSM and Allocation
IP Block: [Link]/24
• Team A (60 hosts): [Link]/26 → [Link] – 62
• Team B (25 hosts): [Link]/27 → [Link] – 94
• Team C (12 hosts): [Link]/28 → [Link] – 110
• Team D (6 hosts): [Link]/29 → [Link] – 118
6. Network Types Comparison
Type Coverage Use Case Speed
LAN Room/Building Office/Home High (Gbps)
WAN Global Internet Varies (Mbps-Gbps)
MAN City-wide City networks Moderate to high
PAN ≤10m Bluetooth devices Low
7. Networking Devices and OSI Layers
• Router: Layer 3 (Network) – routes between networks.
• Switch: Layer 2 (Data Link) – connects LAN devices.
• Modem: Layer 1 (Physical) – digital to analog conversion.
8. Access Point (AP)
Functions as a bridge between wireless and wired networks.
Ensures security using encryption and authentication.
9. Network Topologies
• Bus: + Easy, - Central cable failure affects all
• Star: + Easy to manage, - Central point failure
• Ring: + Equal access, - Single failure affects all
• Mesh: + High redundancy, - Expensive
• Hybrid: + Flexible, - Complex
10. Cloud Computing Models
• IaaS: Virtual hardware (e.g., Amazon EC2)
• PaaS: App development platform (e.g., Google App Engine)
• SaaS: Software via Internet (e.g., Microsoft 365)
11. Network Topology Selection Factors
1. Scalability
2. Cost
3. Reliability
4. Maintenance