Protocols and Standards

5 minutes 5 Questions

Protocols and standards are essential in network design as they govern how devices communicate with each other and ensure interoperability between different systems. The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model and the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) suite are widely used p…

Guide: Protocols and Standards for CompTIA Network+

Importance: Protocols and Standards play a key role in determining how data is transmitted over a network. It ensures compatibility by defining the parameters like speed, transmission method, and the type of cables to be used between different network devices. Without them, it would not be possible to guarantee interoperability between various devices on a network.
What It Is: A protocol is a set of rules or procedures for transmitting data between electronic devices. Standards, on the other hand, are universally accepted rules for network implementation and communication.
How It Works: Protocols and standards ensure that all devices (routers, servers, computers, etc.) in a network communicate in the same 'language'. They govern how data should be formatted, addressed, transmitted, and received at the destination. For instance, the TCP/IP protocol defines how data should be packaged, addressed, transmitted, routed, and received at the destination.
Answering Questions on Protocols and Standards in an Exam: Key to answering such questions is a clear understanding of different types of protocols, their functions, and advantages. Always refer to the scenario given in the question and apply your understanding of the protocol or standard it refers to.
Exam Tips: When studying for the CompTIA Network+ exam, focus on understanding the key functions of widely used protocols and standards such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and TCP/IP. In addition, understand the different types of topologies and their impact on network performance. During the exam, read the questions carefully and consider the real-world application of the protocol/standard before answering. Remember, CompTIA favors questions that test your ability to apply knowledge in real-world scenarios.

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Question 1

A company's network administrator needs to allow remote users to connect to the local network securely. Which protocol would be the most appropriate solution?

OpenVPN RDP HTTP SMTP

Correct Answer: OpenVPN

OpenVPN would be the most appropriate solution for allowing remote users to connect to the local network securely. OpenVPN is a protocol that provides secure site-to-site or point-to-point connections in routed or bridged configurations and remote access facilities. It uses a custom security protocol that utilizes SSL/TLS for key exchange. It is capable of traversing network address translators (NATs) and firewalls. The other answers are incorrect for these purposes. SMTP, or Simple Mail Transfer Protocol, is used for sending emails, not for creating secure network connections. Similarly, HTTP, or Hypertext Transfer Protocol, is used for transmitting hypertext over networks, again not ideal for securing network connections. Lastly, while RDP, or Remote Desktop Protocol, is used for remote connections, it doesn't provide the same level of security as OpenVPN. RDP is typically used to remotely control a system rather than for secure network access.

Question 2

A network administrator needs to encrypt the data sent over an FTP connection. What protocol(s) could they use for a secure FTP connection?

only SFTP LDAP only FTPS FTPS or SFTP

Correct Answer: FTPS or SFTP

For a secure FTP connection, a network administrator can use FTPS or SFTP. Both protocols are suitable for encrypting data over FTP connections: FTPS (FTP Secure) adds SSL/TLS security protocols to the original FTP, securing the commands and data transfers. SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol), which is different from FTP, uses SSH to encrypt both commands and data. Therefore, the correct answer among the options you provided is: FTPS or SFTP. LDAP is not relevant here as it pertains to directory services, not file transfer protocols.

Question 3

Which of the following protocols is responsible for resolving a domain name into an IP address?

ARP NTP DHCP DNS

Correct Answer: DNS

DNS (Domain Name System) is the protocol that is responsible for resolving (translating) a domain name into an IP address. That is its primary task in the network. Understanding the other options, DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) dynamically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network. ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) is used to map an IP address to a physical address on the local network. And NTP (Network Time Protocol) is used to synchronize the time of systems within the network. None of these have the function or capability of resolving a domain name to an IP address. Hence, the correct answer is DNS.

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