Computer Networks (BCA) 5th Sem Previous Year Solved Question Paper 2022

Practice Mode:
9.

What do you understand by DNS? Write a note on network security and remote login.

Explanation

Domain Name System (DNS):
The Domain Name System (DNS) is a crucial component of the internet infrastructure that translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses. It serves as a distributed, hierarchical database, providing the mapping between domain names and their corresponding numerical IP addresses. DNS plays a vital role in enabling users to access websites and services using memorable domain names rather than dealing with complex IP addresses. The system is hierarchical, organized into domains, subdomains, and top-level domains (TLDs), facilitating efficient name resolution.

Key Components of DNS:
    1. Domain Name Space:
        ◦ The hierarchical structure of domain names, organized from right to left, with the top-level domain (TLD) at the rightmost and specific hostnames on the left.
    2. Name Servers:
        ◦ Servers responsible for storing and providing information about domain names. Authoritative name servers store information about specific domains, while recursive name servers assist clients in resolving domain names.
    3. Resolver:
        ◦ Part of the DNS client software that queries name servers to resolve domain names to IP addresses.
    4. Root DNS Servers:
        ◦ Servers that serve as the initial point of contact in the DNS hierarchy. They direct queries to the appropriate TLD servers.
    5. TLD (Top-Level Domain) Servers:
        ◦ Servers that manage the top-level domains such as .com, .org, .net. They redirect queries to authoritative name servers for specific domains.
    6. Authoritative Name Servers:
        ◦ Servers that store and provide authoritative information about domain names and their corresponding IP addresses.
    7. Resource Records (RR):
        ◦ DNS database entries containing information associated with a domain name, including IP addresses, mail server details, and other resource-related data.

Network Security:
Network Security Overview:
Network security is a comprehensive set of measures and strategies designed to protect the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data within a computer network. It involves a combination of hardware and software solutions, as well as policies and practices to safeguard against unauthorized access, attacks, and disruptions.

Key Aspects of Network Security:
    1. Firewalls:
        ◦ Firewalls act as protective barriers between trusted internal networks and untrusted external networks, controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
    2. Encryption:
        ◦ Encryption ensures the security of data during transmission, making it unreadable without the appropriate decryption key even if intercepted.
    3. Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS):
        ◦ IDPS monitor network or system activities for malicious behavior, alerting administrators or taking preventive actions when potential threats are detected.
    4. Access Control:
        ◦ Access control mechanisms, including user authentication and authorization, limit and manage user access to network resources.
    5. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs):
        ◦ VPNs create secure and encrypted connections over the internet, allowing remote users to access a private network as if they were directly connected to it.
    6. Security Policies:
        ◦ Establishing and enforcing security policies is crucial, defining guidelines, procedures, and best practices for network security.
    7. Regular Audits and Monitoring:
        ◦ Regular audits and monitoring help identify vulnerabilities, track potential security incidents, and ensure compliance with security policies.

Remote Login:
Remote Login Overview:
Remote login allows users to access and control a computer or network from a different location using a remote connection. This is particularly valuable for system administrators, remote workers, and individuals needing access to resources located on a different network.

Key Aspects of Remote Login:
    1. Secure Shell (SSH):
        ◦ SSH is a widely used protocol for secure remote login. It provides encrypted communication over a network, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of data during remote sessions.
    2. Virtual Network Computing (VNC):
        ◦ VNC allows users to access and control a remote desktop environment. It provides a graphical user interface for remote systems.
    3. Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP):
        ◦ RDP is a proprietary protocol developed by Microsoft, enabling users to connect to and control a remote Windows-based desktop.
    4. VPN for Remote Access:
        ◦ Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are often used to establish secure connections for remote login, providing a secure and encrypted tunnel over the internet.
    5. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):
        ◦ Implementing MFA enhances the security of remote login by requiring users to provide multiple forms of identification, such as passwords and authentication codes.
    6. Session Logging and Monitoring:
        ◦ Session logging and monitoring tools help track remote access activities, allowing administrators to detect and respond to potential security incidents.

Remote login practices should prioritize security measures to prevent unauthorized access and ensure the protection of sensitive information during remote sessions.