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Networking Protocols and Their Functions

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Question 1

In the TCP three-way handshake, what is the correct sequence of messages?

Answer choices

  • A. SYN → ACK → SYN-ACK

  • B. SYN → SYN-ACK → ACK (Correct)

  • C. ACK → SYN → SYN-ACK

  • D. SYN-ACK → SYN → ACK

Explanation

The TCP three-way handshake establishes a connection in three steps: (1) The client sends a SYN (synchronize) packet to the server indicating it wants to connect. (2) The server responds with SYN-ACK (synchronize-acknowledge), confirming it received the SYN and is ready. (3) The client sends an ACK (acknowledge) to confirm receipt. After this, the connection is established and data transfer can begin.

Question 2

BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) is the routing protocol used to exchange routing information between different autonomous systems on the internet.

Answer choices

  • A. True (Correct)

  • B. False

Explanation

BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) is the de facto routing protocol of the internet. It is an exterior gateway protocol (EGP) used to exchange routing information between autonomous systems (AS) — large networks controlled by a single organization, such as ISPs. BGP is a path-vector protocol that makes routing decisions based on paths, network policies, and rules.

Question 3

Which of the following are email-related protocols? **(Select all that apply)**

Answer choices

  • A. SMTP (Correct)

  • B. POP3 (Correct)

  • C. IMAP (Correct)

  • D. FTP

  • E. LDAP

Explanation

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is used to send email. POP3 (Post Office Protocol version 3) and IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) are both used to retrieve email from a mail server. The key difference is that POP3 typically downloads and deletes messages from the server, while IMAP keeps messages on the server and syncs across devices. FTP is for file transfer; LDAP is for directory services.

Question 4

Which protocol is the foundation of the World Wide Web and defines how messages are formatted and transmitted between web browsers and servers?

Answer choices

  • A. FTP

  • B. SMTP

  • C. HTTP (Correct)

  • D. IMAP

Explanation

HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) defines the rules for requesting and transferring web pages between clients (browsers) and web servers. It operates at the Application layer. HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP, encrypted using TLS/SSL. HTTP uses port 80; HTTPS uses port 443.

Question 5

Which protocol provides network time synchronization and uses UDP port 123?

Answer choices

  • A. SNTP

  • B. NTP (Correct)

  • C. NNTP

  • D. SFTP

Explanation

NTP (Network Time Protocol) synchronizes clocks of computers over a network. It uses UDP port 123 and can maintain time accuracy to within milliseconds. Accurate time is critical for security protocols, log correlation, and certificate validation. SNTP is a simplified version of NTP; NNTP is a news transfer protocol; SFTP is a secure file transfer protocol.