Unit 1

Q1) What is FTP? Where and when is it used? Why does it require 02 ports? Explain at least 05 user commands used in
FTP?
File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a standard network protocol used to transfer files between a client and a server over a
network (such as the Internet or a local network). It operates using a client server architecture and relies on TCP
(Transmission Control Protocol) for reliable data transmission.
FTP is used in various scenarios, including:
1. Website Hosting & Maintenance – Web developers use FTP to upload and manage website files on a remote
server.
2.File Sharing – Organizations use FTP servers to share files between employees, teams, or customers.
3. Backup & Data Transfer – Businesses and individuals use FTP for transferring large amounts of data between
devices or for backup purposes.
4. Software Distribution – Companies provide software downloads via FTP servers.
5. Remote Access to Files – Users can retrieve files stored on a remote server from different locations.

Why Does FTP Require Two Ports?

FTP requires two ports because it follows the control and data separation model:
1. Control Connection (Port 21) – Used for sending commands and receiving responses between
the client and server.
2. Data Connection (Port 20) – Used for transferring files between the client and server.
This separation allows FTP to manage file transfers while maintaining continuous communication between the client
and server.
Modes of FTP Connections:
 Active Mode – The server initiates the data connection to the client.
 Passive Mode – The client initiates both control and data connections (useful when the client is
behind a firewall).
Five Common FTP User Commands:
1. USER – Used to send the username for authentication. Example: USER username
2. PASS – Sends the password for authentication. Example: PASS password
3. LIST – Displays the list of files and directories in the current directory. Example: LIST
4. RETR – Downloads a file from the server to the client. Example: RETR filename.txt
5. STOR – Uploads a file from the client to the server. Example: STOR filename.txt
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Q2) Define DNS. Explain how name resolution happens in DNS. Enlist all the resource records and their functions.
Domain Name System (DNS) is a hierarchical and distributed naming system that translates human readable domain
names (e.g., www.google.com) into IP addresses (e.g., 142.250.190.46), allowing computers to locate and
communicate with each other over networks.
DNS Name Resolution Process
1. User Request – The user enters a domain name (e.g., www.example.com) in the web browser.
2. Local DNS Cache Check – The system first checks if the requested domain’s IP address is stored in its local cache.
3. Recursive Query to Resolver – If not found, the request is sent to a recursive DNS resolver (provided by the ISP).
4. Root Server Query – If the resolver doesn’t have the IP address, it queries the root DNS servers.
5. TLD Server Query – The root server directs the query to the Top-Level Domain (TLD) server (.com, .org, etc.).
6. Authoritative Name Server Query – The TLD server directs the request to the authoritative DNS server for the
domain.
7. Final Response – The authoritative DNS server provides the IP address, which is sent back to the client.
8. Page Load – The browser uses the retrieved IP to establish a connection and load the website.

DNS Resource Records and Their Functions

1. A (Address Record) – Maps a domain name to an IPv4 address.
2. AAAA (IPv6 Address Record) – Maps a domain name to an IPv6 address.
3. CNAME (Canonical Name Record) – Maps an alias domain name to a canonical domain name.
4. MX (Mail Exchange Record) – Specifies mail servers for handling email for a domain.
5. NS (Name Server Record) – Specifies the authoritative name servers for a domain.
6. PTR (Pointer Record) – Maps an IP address to a domain name (used in reverse DNS lookup).
7. TXT (Text Record) – Stores arbitrary text data, often used for verification and security purposes.
8. SRV (Service Record) – Specifies a host and port for specific services like SIP or XMPP.
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q5) Compare the FTP and TFTP. List the 5 commands of each.

Five Common FTP User Commands:

1. USER – Used to send the username for authentication. Example: USER username
2. PASS – Sends the password for authentication. Example: PASS password
3. LIST – Displays the list of files and directories in the current directory. Example: LIST
4. RETR – Downloads a file from the server to the client. Example: RETR filename.txt
5. STOR – Uploads a file from the client to the server. Example: STOR filename.txt
TFTP Commands
1. RRQ (Read Request) – Requests to download a file from the server.
2. WRQ (Write Request) – Requests to upload a file to the server.
3. DATA – Transfers data packets.
4. ACK (Acknowledgment) – Confirms successful data packet receipt.
5. ERROR – Indicates an error message when an issue occurs.
Q6) Explain role of SMTP and POP protocol in E-mail message transfer.
Role of SMTP and POP in E-mail Message Transfer
Email communication involves two key protocols:
 SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) – Used for sending emails.
 POP (Post Office Protocol) – Used for receiving emails.

1. SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)

Role: Sends Emails from Client to Server & Between Mail Servers
 SMTP is responsible for sending emails from a mail client (e.g., Outlook, Gmail) to an email server.
 It also facilitates email transfer between mail servers.
 Works on port 25 (default), 587 (secure, TLS), or 465 (SSL).
 Uses a push mechanism (pushes emails to the server).
SMTP Email Flow:
1. User composes an email in an email client (e.g., Outlook, Gmail).
2. SMTP sends the email to the sender's mail server.
3. The sender’s server forwards it to the recipient’s mail server.
4. The recipient’s server stores the email until the user retrieves it using POP or IMAP.
2. POP (Post Office Protocol)
Role: Retrieves Emails from Server to Client
 POP is used for downloading emails from the mail server to a local device.
 Once downloaded, the emails are removed from the server (unless configured otherwise).
 Works on port 110 (default) or 995 (SSL, secure).
 Uses a pull mechanism (pulls emails to the client).
POP Email Flow:
1. User opens their email client (e.g., Outlook, Thunderbird).
2. The client connects to the email server using POP.
3. Emails are downloaded to the local device.
4. The emails are removed from the server (unless POP is set to "keep copies").

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Q7) What is MIME? Explain MIME header in detail. Discuss its role in SMTP
What is MIME?
MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) is an extension of the SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) that
allows emails to support:
 Text in multiple character sets
 Attachments (images, audio, video, PDFs, etc.)
 Rich content (HTML, formatted text, etc.)
Since SMTP was originally designed for plain text, it could not handle multimedia content. MIME overcomes this
limitation by encoding and structuring different content types in an email.

MIME Headers in Detail

MIME uses specific headers to describe the type and encoding of the email content. These headers help email clients
interpret and display messages correctly.
Common MIME Headers
Role of MIME in SMTP
SMTP was designed only for 7-bit ASCII text and could not handle binary files (images, audio, video, etc.). MIME
enables SMTP to send multimedia content by encoding and structuring messages.
How MIME Works in SMTP:
1. Email Composition:
o The user composes an email with attachments (PDFs, images, videos).
2. MIME Encoding:
o The email is converted into MIME format, where each part (text, image, etc.) is encoded
using Base64 or quoted-printable encoding.
3. SMTP Transmission:
o The email, now in MIME format, is sent via SMTP servers.
4. MIME Decoding at the Receiver's End:
o The recipient’s email client interprets the MIME headers and decodes the message.
o It reconstructs attachments and displays the email properly.

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Q8) Explain stepwise the procedure carried out by DHCP client and DHCP server.
What is DHCP?
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a network protocol used to automatically assign IP addresses
and other network settings (like subnet mask, gateway, and DNS) to devices in a network. This removes the need for
manual IP configuration.
DHCP Communication Process (DORA Process)
The DHCP client and server communicate using a four-step process known as DORA (Discover, Offer, Request,
Acknowledge).
Stepwise DHCP Process
Step 1: DHCP Discover (Client → Broadcast)
 When a new device (DHCP client) joins the network, it does not have an IP address.
 The client sends a DHCPDISCOVER message as a broadcast (255.255.255.255) to find available
DHCP servers.
 Packet details:
o Source IP: 0.0.0.0 (Client has no IP)
o Destination IP: 255.255.255.255 (Broadcast to all)
o Message Type: DHCPDISCOVER
Example:
DHCPDISCOVER → "Is there any DHCP server available?"

Step 2: DHCP Offer (Server → Broadcast)

 The DHCP server receives the DHCPDISCOVER request and responds with a DHCPOFFER
message.
 The server suggests an IP address to the client from its available IP pool.
 Packet details:
o Source IP: DHCP Server IP
o Destination IP: 255.255.255.255 (Broadcast)
o Message Type: DHCPOFFER
o Assigned IP: 192.168.1.100 (Example)
o Subnet Mask, Default Gateway, DNS, Lease Time
Example:
DHCPOFFER → "You can use IP 192.168.1.100"

Step 3: DHCP Request (Client → Broadcast)

 The client accepts the offer by sending a DHCPREQUEST message.
 This confirms that the client wants the offered IP address.
 If multiple DHCP servers responded, the client sends a request only to one chosen server.
 Packet details:
o Source IP: 0.0.0.0 (Still doesn't have an IP)
o Destination IP: 255.255.255.255 (Broadcast)
o Message Type: DHCPREQUEST
o Requested IP: 192.168.1.100
Example:
DHCPREQUEST → "I accept IP 192.168.1.100"

Step 4: DHCP Acknowledge (Server → Unicast)

 The server confirms that the client can use the assigned IP by sending a DHCPACK
(Acknowledge) message.
 The client can now use the assigned IP address.
 Packet details:
o Source IP: DHCP Server IP
o Destination IP: Client's Assigned IP
o Message Type: DHCPACK
o Lease Time: Duration for which the IP is valid
Example:
DHCPACK → "You can now use IP 192.168.1.100"

Additional DHCP Functions

Lease Renewal:
  Before the lease expires, the client sends a DHCPREQUEST to renew the IP.
 If approved, the server responds with DHCPACK.
IP Release:
 If a client disconnects, it can send a DHCPRELEASE message to return the IP.

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q9) Differentiate between POP3 and IMAP