Computer Networks Midterm Exam
2026/2027: 60 Practice Questions & Solved
Answers – Complete Study Guide
Description:
Ace your Computer Networks midterm with this comprehensive 2027 exam guide. Featuring 60
updated practice questions with detailed solutions and clear explanations, this resource
covers all key topics—from protocols and access networks to HTTP, DNS, TCP/UDP, and
CDNs.
Each question is designed to reflect current course standards, with step-by-step answer
breakdowns to help you master concepts quickly. Whether you're reviewing for an exam or
deepening your understanding of networking fundamentals, this guide provides the targeted
practice you need to succeed.
Download your free copy now and prep smarter, not harder!
, Computer Networks Midterm Exam 2026/2027: 60 Practice
Questions & Answers with Explanations
1. Protocol Identification
Consider the following human interactions. Based on the technical definition of a protocol—
which specifies the format, sequence of messages exchanged, and actions taken upon
transmission or receipt—select which scenarios exemplify a protocol.
A) Two strangers exchanging names.
B) One person requesting and receiving the current time from another.
C) A student raising a hand, being acknowledged by the instructor, asking a question, receiving a
detailed answer, and being thanked for their inquiry.
Answer: B and C
Explanation: Both B and C involve structured formats, ordered messages, and specific actions
upon receipt. In B, a request is followed by a response. In C, a hand raise initiates a multi-step
exchange with defined roles and acknowledgments, matching the protocol definition. Option A
lacks a defined message order or action sequence.
2. Access Network Speeds
Match each access technology with the typical per-subscriber downstream speed range as of
2027.
1. Ethernet
2. 5G cellular
3. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
4. Cable broadband
5. Fiber-to-the-home (FTTH)
A) Up to 100+ Gbps
B) 10–100 Mbps
C) 100 Mbps – 1 Gbps
D) 1–10 Gbps
E) 50–500 Mbps
, Answer: 1-A, 2-E, 3-C, 4-B, 5-D
Explanation: Ethernet now supports 100+ Gbps in data centers. 5G offers 50–500 Mbps per
device. Wi-Fi 6 provides 100 Mbps–1 Gbps. Cable networks average 10–100 Mbps. Modern
FTTH delivers 1–10 Gbps to subscribers.
3. Physical Layer Performance
Which physical medium generally offers the highest transmission rate and lowest bit error rate in
practical deployments?
A) Twisted-pair copper
B) Coaxial cable
C) Fiber-optic cable
D) Wireless radio frequency
Answer: C
Explanation: Fiber-optic cable uses light signals, providing extremely high bandwidth (terabit
speeds) and minimal signal degradation or interference, resulting in the highest throughput and
lowest bit error rate among common media.
4. Routing vs. Forwarding
Which statement correctly distinguishes routing from forwarding?
A) Routing moves packets from input to output interfaces; forwarding determines end-to-end
paths.
B) Forwarding moves packets from input to output interfaces; routing determines end-to-end
paths.
C) Both terms refer to the same process of packet delivery.
D) Forwarding is a global process; routing is a local one.
Answer: B
Explanation: Forwarding is the router’s local action of transferring a packet to an appropriate
output port. Routing is the network-wide process of calculating optimal paths using protocols
like OSPF or BGP.
2026/2027: 60 Practice Questions & Solved
Answers – Complete Study Guide
Description:
Ace your Computer Networks midterm with this comprehensive 2027 exam guide. Featuring 60
updated practice questions with detailed solutions and clear explanations, this resource
covers all key topics—from protocols and access networks to HTTP, DNS, TCP/UDP, and
CDNs.
Each question is designed to reflect current course standards, with step-by-step answer
breakdowns to help you master concepts quickly. Whether you're reviewing for an exam or
deepening your understanding of networking fundamentals, this guide provides the targeted
practice you need to succeed.
Download your free copy now and prep smarter, not harder!
, Computer Networks Midterm Exam 2026/2027: 60 Practice
Questions & Answers with Explanations
1. Protocol Identification
Consider the following human interactions. Based on the technical definition of a protocol—
which specifies the format, sequence of messages exchanged, and actions taken upon
transmission or receipt—select which scenarios exemplify a protocol.
A) Two strangers exchanging names.
B) One person requesting and receiving the current time from another.
C) A student raising a hand, being acknowledged by the instructor, asking a question, receiving a
detailed answer, and being thanked for their inquiry.
Answer: B and C
Explanation: Both B and C involve structured formats, ordered messages, and specific actions
upon receipt. In B, a request is followed by a response. In C, a hand raise initiates a multi-step
exchange with defined roles and acknowledgments, matching the protocol definition. Option A
lacks a defined message order or action sequence.
2. Access Network Speeds
Match each access technology with the typical per-subscriber downstream speed range as of
2027.
1. Ethernet
2. 5G cellular
3. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
4. Cable broadband
5. Fiber-to-the-home (FTTH)
A) Up to 100+ Gbps
B) 10–100 Mbps
C) 100 Mbps – 1 Gbps
D) 1–10 Gbps
E) 50–500 Mbps
, Answer: 1-A, 2-E, 3-C, 4-B, 5-D
Explanation: Ethernet now supports 100+ Gbps in data centers. 5G offers 50–500 Mbps per
device. Wi-Fi 6 provides 100 Mbps–1 Gbps. Cable networks average 10–100 Mbps. Modern
FTTH delivers 1–10 Gbps to subscribers.
3. Physical Layer Performance
Which physical medium generally offers the highest transmission rate and lowest bit error rate in
practical deployments?
A) Twisted-pair copper
B) Coaxial cable
C) Fiber-optic cable
D) Wireless radio frequency
Answer: C
Explanation: Fiber-optic cable uses light signals, providing extremely high bandwidth (terabit
speeds) and minimal signal degradation or interference, resulting in the highest throughput and
lowest bit error rate among common media.
4. Routing vs. Forwarding
Which statement correctly distinguishes routing from forwarding?
A) Routing moves packets from input to output interfaces; forwarding determines end-to-end
paths.
B) Forwarding moves packets from input to output interfaces; routing determines end-to-end
paths.
C) Both terms refer to the same process of packet delivery.
D) Forwarding is a global process; routing is a local one.
Answer: B
Explanation: Forwarding is the router’s local action of transferring a packet to an appropriate
output port. Routing is the network-wide process of calculating optimal paths using protocols
like OSPF or BGP.
