Computer networks worksheet with answers

Free printable Computer networks worksheet: 8 problems from easy to exam level, with an answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF.

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1.Easy

In networking, a protocol is:

  1. AA list of all devices on a network
  2. BA program that blocks viruses
  3. CA physical cable between two devices
  4. DA set of rules for the format and order of messages
2.Easy

Which type of network covers a large geographic area, such as a whole country?

  1. AA personal area network (PAN)
  2. BA local area network (LAN)
  3. CA wide area network (WAN)
  4. DA virtual LAN (VLAN)
3.Easy

In which network topology is every device connected to one central switch or hub?

  1. AStar
  2. BRing
  3. CFull mesh
  4. DBus
4.Medium

At which OSI layer does a switch normally operate?

  1. APhysical (layer 1)
  2. BTransport (layer 4)
  3. CNetwork (layer 3)
  4. DData link (layer 2)
5.Medium

What uniquely identifies one end of a TCP connection on the internet?

  1. AA subnet mask and gateway
  2. BA domain name alone
  3. CAn IP address together with a port number
  4. DA MAC address alone
6.Medium

A signal travels 2000 km through fibre at about 2 × 10⁸ m/s. What is the propagation delay?

  1. A100 ms
  2. B10 ms
  3. C1 ms
  4. D0.1 ms
7.Hard

After repeated collisions, classic Ethernet stations choose their waiting time from a range that doubles each time. Why?

  1. ATo give the station with the highest MAC address priority on the shared cable
  2. BTo lower the chance of colliding again when many stations compete
  3. CTo make the cable carry signals further
  4. DTo synchronise all stations to one clock
8.Hard

Why does a browser warn when a site presents a self-signed certificate?

  1. AThe certificate is always expired
  2. BSelf-signed certificates use no encryption at all, so the traffic is sent in clear text
  3. CThe site must be using HTTP instead of HTTPS
  4. DNo trusted certificate authority vouches that the key belongs to that site

Answer key

  1. 1. D · A set of rules for the format and order of messages
  2. 2. C · A wide area network (WAN)
  3. 3. A · Star
  4. 4. D · Data link (layer 2)
  5. 5. C · An IP address together with a port number
  6. 6. B · 10 ms
  7. 7. B · To lower the chance of colliding again when many stations compete
  8. 8. D · No trusted certificate authority vouches that the key belongs to that site

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