What are two characteristics of IP? (Choose two.)
retransmits packets if errors occur
does not require a dedicated end-to-end connection
re-assembles out of order packets into the correct order at the receiver end
guarantees delivery of packets
operates independently of the network media
The correct answer and explanation is :
The two correct characteristics of IP (Internet Protocol) are:
- Does not require a dedicated end-to-end connection
- Operates independently of the network media
Explanation:
1. Does not require a dedicated end-to-end connection:
IP is a connectionless protocol. This means that data packets are sent from the source to the destination without the need for an established end-to-end connection. Each packet is routed independently across the network, and there is no requirement for the sender and receiver to maintain a dedicated, continuous connection. This makes IP highly flexible and scalable, as it can be used in large and diverse networks without the overhead of setting up and maintaining a persistent connection for every communication session.
2. Operates independently of the network media:
IP is designed to be independent of the underlying physical network or media used for communication. Whether the network operates over Ethernet, Wi-Fi, fiber optics, or satellite, IP functions the same way. It provides a standard method for addressing and routing data packets, regardless of how they are physically transmitted. This independence allows IP to support a wide variety of network technologies and media, making it a foundational protocol for the Internet and other data communication systems.
Why the other options are incorrect:
- Retransmits packets if errors occur:
This is not a characteristic of IP. IP itself does not handle error recovery or retransmissions. If there is an error in transmission, the responsibility of retransmitting the packet is typically handled by higher-layer protocols such as TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), not IP. IP only ensures that packets are delivered to the right destination, but it does not guarantee delivery. - Re-assembles out of order packets into the correct order at the receiver end:
This is also not a feature of IP. IP is a “best-effort” delivery protocol and does not guarantee that packets will arrive in the correct order. In cases where packet reordering is necessary, it is typically handled by the transport layer protocol, such as TCP. - Guarantees delivery of packets:
IP does not guarantee the delivery of packets. It is a connectionless, best-effort delivery protocol, meaning that it does its best to deliver packets to the destination, but it does not guarantee their successful arrival. The responsibility of ensuring reliable delivery is left to higher-level protocols like TCP.
In summary, IP is a connectionless and media-independent protocol that allows for flexible and scalable communication over diverse networks. It focuses on the delivery of packets without guaranteeing error correction or packet order, which are handled by other protocols.