D329 Networks and Security Applications - Set 1 - Part 3

Correct Answer: A network connecting sites across large geographic distances

A Wide Area Network connects geographically dispersed sites, often using leased circuits or internet-based connections between locations.

Correct Answer: The maximum data transfer rate of a link

Bandwidth is the maximum rate at which data can be transferred, typically expressed in bits per second.

Correct Answer: The time delay for data to travel from source to destination

Latency is the delay between sending and receiving data, distinct from bandwidth. A high-bandwidth link can still have high latency.

Correct Answer: Variation in packet arrival delay

Jitter is the variability in latency between packets. High jitter degrades real-time applications such as voice and video even when average latency is acceptable.

Correct Answer: Packets failing to reach their destination

Packet loss occurs when packets are dropped in transit due to congestion, errors, or faults. TCP retransmits lost packets while UDP does not.

Correct Answer: Prioritizing certain traffic to guarantee performance for critical applications

QoS classifies and prioritizes traffic so latency-sensitive applications such as voice receive preferential treatment during congestion.

Correct Answer: Fiber optic

Fiber optic cable transmits light rather than electrical signals, making it immune to electromagnetic interference and suitable for noisy environments.

Correct Answer: Greater bandwidth over much longer distances

Fiber supports far higher bandwidth over much greater distances without signal degradation, though it costs more and requires specialized termination.

Correct Answer: Simultaneous sending and receiving

Full-duplex permits simultaneous transmission in both directions, doubling effective throughput compared with half-duplex, which alternates direction.

Correct Answer: Defining rules and formats for communication between devices

A protocol specifies the rules, message formats, and procedures devices follow so that systems from different vendors can interoperate.