Introduction to Data Communications

1. Define Local Area Network (LAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), wide area network (WAN), and backbone networks (BN).

2. List the seven OSI network model layers. Briefly explain each layer.

3. List the five layers in the Internet network model. Explain each layer.

4. Explain how Internet standards are developed.

5. Explain who develops Internet standards.

6. List important data communications standards-making bodies including the Internet Society, the IETF, IEEE, ANSI, and the ITU.

Application Layer

1. Compare and contrast host and client-server networks.

2. What is middleware? Why is it important?

3. Compare and contrast two-tier, three-tier, and n-tier client-server architectures.

4. How does a thin client differ from a thick client?

5. For what is HTTP/HTML used?

6. Explain how a Web browser, the Internet, and a Web server work together to send a page from the server to a user. V1.1 Test One

7. Describe how mail user agents and mail transfer agents work together to transfer mail messages.

8. What is a virtual server?

9. What is cloud computing?