AP CSP fault tolerance and routing practice questions

Fault tolerance definition

The ability of a system to continue functioning despite failures or errors.

True or False: Redundancy increases fault tolerance.

True. Redundancy provides backups that maintain system functionality during failures.

Example of fault tolerance in everyday life

Using two power supplies; if one fails, the other maintains power.

What is a failover system?

A backup operational mode that automatically activates when the primary system fails.

Comparison: Active vs. Passive Redundancy

Active: Uses backup resources continuously. Passive: Activates backups only during failures.

Fill in the blank: RAID stands for _____.

Redundant Array of Independent Disks.

Cause → Effect: What causes data loss?

System failure or hardware malfunction can lead to data loss.

What role do backups play in fault tolerance?

Backups ensure data can be restored after a failure occurs.

True or False: Fault tolerance can eliminate all risks.

False. It reduces risks but cannot eliminate them entirely.

What is a distributed system?

A system that consists of multiple interconnected computers that share resources and handle failures.

Example of a fault-tolerant network

A mesh network where multiple paths exist between devices, ensuring connectivity despite any single failure.

What is hot swapping?

The ability to replace or add components without shutting down the system.

Comparison: Hardware vs. Software Fault Tolerance

Hardware: Uses physical redundancy. Software: Uses algorithms to handle errors.

Fill in the blank: A ____ can detect and correct errors.

Checksum.

What does it mean for a system to be highly available?

It is designed to be operational and accessible most of the time, minimizing downtime.

Cause → Effect: What happens without fault tolerance?

Increased risk of system outages and data loss.

What is a routing algorithm?

A method that determines the optimal path for data to travel across a network.

True or False: Distance vector routing sends the entire routing table.

False. Distance vector routing sends only the distance and direction to reach a destination.

Fill in the blank: OSPF stands for _____

Open Shortest Path First.

Compare link-state and distance vector routing.

- Link-state: Each router knows the entire network topology. - Distance vector: Each router only knows the distance to neighbors.

What is RIP?

Routing Information Protocol, a distance vector routing protocol using hop count for path selection.

Cause → Effect: What happens when a routing loop occurs?

Data packets circulate endlessly, leading to network congestion and performance degradation.

What is BGP used for?

Border Gateway Protocol is used for routing between autonomous systems on the internet.

True or False: Link-state algorithms are more scalable than distance vector algorithms.

True. Link-state algorithms update less frequently and can handle larger networks.

Calculate: If a packet travels 300 miles at 100 mph, how long does it take?

Time = Distance / Speed = 300 miles / 100 mph = 3 hours.

What is the purpose of a routing table?

To store routes and their associated next-hop addresses for packet forwarding decisions.

Name one advantage of using OSPF.

Supports large networks with fast convergence and efficient use of bandwidth.

Characteristics of a hybrid routing protocol.

- Combines features of distance vector and link-state. - Examples: EIGRP, uses DUAL algorithm.