Ethernet protocol basics in Computer Networks - Practice Problems & Coding Challenges

Challenge - 5 Problems

📋 Factual

intermediate

What is the primary function of the Ethernet protocol?

Choose the best description of what Ethernet does in a computer network.

A It defines how devices format and transmit data over a local network.

B It encrypts data to secure communication over the internet.

C It assigns IP addresses to devices on a network.

D It manages wireless connections between devices.

💡 Hint

Think about what Ethernet controls in a wired network.

Ethernet is a set of rules that controls how data is packaged and sent over wired local networks.

🧠 Conceptual

intermediate

How does Ethernet handle data collisions on a shared network?

What method does Ethernet use to manage when two devices send data at the same time?

A It uses a central controller to schedule transmissions.

B It encrypts the data to prevent collisions.

C It uses Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) to detect and manage collisions.

D It assigns fixed time slots to devices to avoid collisions.

💡 Hint

Think about how Ethernet devices listen before sending data.

Ethernet uses CSMA/CD, where devices listen before sending and detect collisions to resend data later.

🔍 Analysis

advanced

What will be the result if two Ethernet devices transmit data simultaneously on a half-duplex network?

Consider two devices sending data at the same time on a half-duplex Ethernet network. What happens?

A Both devices transmit successfully without any interference.

B A collision occurs, causing both devices to stop and retry sending after a random delay.

C One device automatically takes priority and the other waits.

D The network switches to full-duplex mode to avoid collision.

💡 Hint

Recall how half-duplex Ethernet manages simultaneous transmissions.

In half-duplex, simultaneous transmissions cause collisions, so devices stop and retry after waiting.

❓ Comparison

advanced

Which statement correctly compares full-duplex and half-duplex Ethernet?

Choose the correct difference between full-duplex and half-duplex Ethernet communication.

A Full-duplex allows sending and receiving data at the same time; half-duplex allows only one direction at a time.

B Half-duplex allows simultaneous send and receive; full-duplex only one direction at a time.

C Both full-duplex and half-duplex allow simultaneous two-way communication.

D Half-duplex uses fiber optic cables; full-duplex uses copper cables.

💡 Hint

Think about whether data can flow both ways at once.

Full-duplex Ethernet can send and receive data simultaneously, while half-duplex cannot.

❓ Reasoning

expert

Why is the Ethernet frame's preamble important in communication?

What role does the preamble in an Ethernet frame play during data transmission?

A It contains the destination MAC address for routing the frame.

B It signals the end of the data frame to the receiver.

C It encrypts the data to protect it from interception.

D It synchronizes the receiver's clock to the sender's timing before actual data arrives.

💡 Hint

Consider what must happen before the receiver can correctly read the data bits.

The preamble helps the receiver align its timing with the sender to read the data correctly.