Computer Networking - 1 Video Lecture | SSC CGL Tier 2 - Study Material, Online Tests, Previous Year

Ans. Computer networking is the practice of connecting computers and other devices together to share resources and communicate with each other. It involves the use of hardware, software, and protocols to establish and maintain these connections.

Ans. Computer networking offers several benefits, including: - Resource sharing: Networking allows multiple devices to share resources such as printers, scanners, and storage devices. This can help in reducing costs and increasing efficiency. - Communication: Networking enables users to communicate with each other through email, instant messaging, and video conferencing. It facilitates collaboration and improves productivity. - Centralized management: With a network, administrators can manage and control devices, data, and software centrally. This simplifies tasks such as software updates, data backup, and security management. - Enhanced mobility: Networks enable wireless connectivity, allowing users to access information and resources from anywhere within the network's range. - Increased reliability: Networks can be designed with redundancy and failover mechanisms, ensuring that if one device or connection fails, others can take over seamlessly.

Ans. There are several types of computer networks, including: - Local Area Network (LAN): A LAN is a network that covers a small geographical area, such as an office building or a home. It allows devices within the network to communicate and share resources. - Wide Area Network (WAN): A WAN spans a large geographical area, connecting multiple LANs or other networks. It enables communication between devices in different locations. - Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): A MAN is a network that covers a larger area than a LAN but smaller than a WAN. It is typically used to connect multiple LANs within a city or metropolitan area. - Wireless Network: A wireless network uses radio waves or infrared signals to connect devices without the need for physical cables. It allows for mobility and flexibility in device placement. - Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN is a secure network that allows remote users to access a private network over the internet. It provides encryption and authentication to ensure privacy and security.

Ans. A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks. It acts as a gateway between different networks, directing traffic based on IP addresses and network protocols. Routers are responsible for determining the optimal path for data to travel from the source to the destination network. Routers use routing tables and algorithms to make decisions on how to route data packets. They can connect multiple networks, such as LANs and WANs, and enable communication between devices on different networks. Additionally, routers provide features like network address translation (NAT), firewall protection, and quality of service (QoS) management.

Ans. Hubs and switches are both networking devices used to connect multiple devices together, but they differ in how they handle network traffic. A hub is a simple device that broadcasts incoming data packets to all connected devices. It does not make any decisions about where the data should be sent, resulting in all devices receiving the same data. This can lead to network congestion and collisions, especially in larger networks. On the other hand, a switch is an intelligent device that analyzes incoming data packets and forwards them only to the intended recipient. It creates a direct connection between the sender and the receiver, improving network efficiency and reducing collisions. Switches have multiple ports to connect devices, and they maintain a table that associates MAC addresses with specific ports for efficient packet forwarding.