Network & Systems Administration Flashcards
9 cards from real DOD practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 9 Network & Systems Administration flashcards as text
What is the primary role of a network administrator?
Answer: To install and configure networking hardware and software.
A network administrator's core responsibility involves setting up and maintaining an organization's computer networks. This includes installing and configuring network devices like routers, switches, and firewalls, as well as managing network operating systems and software. Their work ensures reliable and secure network operations for all users.
What is the purpose of a subnet mask in a network?
Answer: It specifies the size of the network and distinguishes network and host portions.
A subnet mask works in conjunction with an IP address to define which part of the IP address identifies the network and which part identifies the specific host within that network. By doing so, it effectively divides a larger network into smaller, more manageable subnets. This allows for efficient routing of data packets and better organization of network resources.
What does TCP/IP stand for?
Answer: Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol.
TCP/IP is the foundational suite of communication protocols used for the internet and most computer networks. TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) manages the reliable delivery of data, ensuring packets arrive in order and without errors. IP (Internet Protocol) handles the addressing and routing of data packets across different networks.
What is DNS (Domain Name System)?
Answer: It translates domain names into IP addresses.
The Domain Name System (DNS) acts like the internet's phonebook, translating human-readable domain names (like google.com) into machine-readable IP addresses (like 172.217.160.142). This translation is crucial because computers communicate using IP addresses, while humans find domain names easier to remember. Without DNS, users would have to type complex IP addresses to access websites.
What is a firewall?
Answer: A software that prevents unauthorized access to a network.
A firewall is a security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. It acts as a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, such as the internet. Its primary function is to block malicious traffic and prevent unauthorized access, thereby protecting network resources.
What is VPN (Virtual Private Network)?
Answer: It provides anonymous browsing by masking your IP address.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a secure, encrypted connection over a less secure network, like the internet. While its primary function is to provide secure remote access to private networks, a common benefit for individual users is masking their real IP address and encrypting their internet traffic. This enhances privacy and can bypass geo-restrictions, making browsing more anonymous.
What is the purpose of NAT (Network Address Translation)?
Answer: It allows multiple devices to share a single public IP address.
Network Address Translation (NAT) is a method of remapping one IP address space into another by modifying network address information in the IP header of packets while they are in transit across a traffic routing device. Its main purpose is to allow multiple devices on a private network to share a single public IP address when connecting to the internet. This conserves public IP addresses and adds a layer of security by hiding internal network structure.
What is the role of DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)?
Answer: It assigns IP addresses automatically.
The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a network management protocol used on Internet Protocol (IP) networks for dynamically distributing network configuration parameters, such as IP addresses, to devices. This automation simplifies network administration by eliminating the need for manual IP address configuration for each device. DHCP ensures efficient and error-free assignment of network settings.
What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?
Answer: IPv6 has a larger address space than IPv4.
IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses, allowing for approximately 4.3 billion unique addresses, which are rapidly depleting. In contrast, IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses, providing an astronomically larger address space (approximately 3.4 x 10^38 unique addresses). This vast increase in available addresses is the most significant difference and a primary reason for the transition to IPv6.