Describe the Processes of Dhcp and Dns
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Describe the processes of DHCP and DNS.
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol is a service that runs on a central station, like a server. From the server, the DHCP automatically assigns IP addresses to workstations that are on the network connected to that server. In order for a workstation to receive an assigned IP address from the server that runs the DHCP service, the workstation also must have the DHCP service running. The DHCP ensures that no duplicate IP addresses exist on a network, and ensures more effective networking. Other parameters can also be set by the DHCP service to allow clients to connect to other network resources like the DNS servers, WINS (Windows Internet Name Service) servers, routers. The DHCP service updates, distributes and leases IP addresses. This is done through a series of messages between the server and the client, known as the DHCP transaction. It should be noted that DHCP does not provide any level of any authentication, meaning that is susceptible to attacks on its vulnerabilities.
Domain Name System (DNS) is a name resolution service used within Microsoft. It is a naming system for computers, services, or any other resource that is connected to the internet or a network. This is done by assigning names to IP addresses and vice versa, by responding to queries with answers provided by its database. The DNS Server stores a list of all the names that are linked to IP addresses in a database. If that name or IP Address is not found, the DNS Server can query another DNS Server for a name resolution to an IP Address or Name. The DNS Service was created to let humans remember names, instead of IP Addresses, while the DNS resolves the name into a IP Address, and to find a Name anywhere on a network or on the internet. The image below shows the communication between different DNS Servers in order to reach a specific website on the internet. The order of the communication being noted by the numbers.
List 5 different types of servers and state their functions.
Application Server
It is a server dedicated to run an application (or several) in a network. This creates a stable environment for applications to run. Most of the time, it contains also the database that works with the application together.
Domain Controller
It is a server that manages all user accounts on a network. It also controls the data integrity of the users on the network, like doing backups and storing offline settings and files. It also manages the user rights and privileges. From this server users can be added, deleted, managed, edited and controlled.
Web Server
A server, which provides static content, which is accessed from a web browser, using the HTTP protocol. It transfers information from the server over the network to the users web browser.
Proxy Server
A server between the users program (i.e. a web browser) and an external server (i.e. a web server) to filter requests, improve performance and share connections.
Mail Server
Manages and stores all mails within a network (typically a LAN Network), and distributes these messages to the users.
Name and explain 5 network topologies.
Bus Topology
Is the simplest topology, by running a single cable, which connects all workstations in series. All workstations listen if data is addressed to them and if it is, the information is then taken.
Star Topology
This type of topology branches from a central network device called the hub, from where data can be sent to a specific address, making the network faster than a bus topology. Devices can be easily added from the hub.
Ring Topology
All workstations are connected in a circle in a network. Data is sent in one direction in this network. It is very fault intolerant, because if one workstation fails, the whole network will be down. This topology also makes use of the Token Ring technology to effectively transfer data.
Mesh Topology
There are two different types of Mesh Topologies: the fully connected and the partially connected. It is when a workstation is connected to several workstations at the same time, allowing for data to travel several routes to its destination. This Topology is very fault tolerant, because if a connection