Exam-style question
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A client connects to a server providing a recognised network service. Explain the difference between the server's well-known port and the client's port, and describe why the client-server connection can be represented using sockets.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- The server's well-known port is associated with the recognised service that the server provides, so a client can request that service using the expected port.
- The client uses a client port as its own communication endpoint.
- The two ports are different in purpose: the well-known port identifies the server service, whereas the client port identifies the client's side of the communication.
- A socket represents an endpoint by associating an IP address with a port.
Explanation
Why this works
The answer must explain both the purpose and the difference between the port types. It should not confuse ports with MAC addresses or IP addresses.
A strong answer also explains that sockets identify endpoints rather than being another name for a physical network connection.
Common mistake
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