Here are some specific questions that I am pondering as I get 
ready to write the midterm exam. I will be happy to discuss potential 
solutions via email or on the TSquare forums. Do not send me mail saying 
"Hey, what's the answer to number 7?"  Instead, send me your proposed solution.

1) Circuits vs Packets
    What do users really want? How do we use packet switching to give
    it to them? Why do we do it that way?
    
    What are the tradeoffs for large packets vs small packets?

2) Name the 5 (or 7) protocol layers. What service do they provide? 
   Where are they implemented?
     
3) Layer Multiplexing - what is it and how do we do it?

3) What are the functions of the datalink layer? Explain MAC vs LLC.

4) Explain the difference between deterministic MAC protocols and 
   random access MAC protocols. Give examples of each.

5) How are the minimum and maximum frame sizes important in the Ethernet 
   specification? How does this relate to max segment length?

6) How does the Ethernet MAC protocol differ from WiFi?
   What is the hidden terminal problem?

7) What is the difference between a bridge (hub), repeater (switch) and a 
   router? Describe exactly how the network is different with each device.

8) What is integer byte ordering and what are the implications for network 
   application programming.

9) How does TCP programming compare to UDP for:
    - message boundaries
    - reliable data transfer
    - performance and efficiency
    - complexity of the application

10) When designing a protocol, how do we deal with various data sizes?
    Discuss the tradeoffs in using fixed length vs variable length messages.

11) What are the features and capabilities of IP?

12) Why does IPv4 do fragmentation? Where does it do re-assembly?
    How does fragmentation differ in IPv6?

13) How does the traceroute command work? How does the ping command work?

14) What is CIDR? What problem does it solve?

15) What is ICMP? How does it work?

16) How do we define the "best route" in the Internet?

17) What are the key differences and advantages/disadvantages of DV vs LS
    routing protocols.

18) What is the "count to infinity" problem?

19) How do we "build the network map" in LS protocols?

20) What is Domain Based Routing? Why is it necessary? What protocol(s) are 
    involved?

21) How does ARP work? Why is it necessary? How does it's operation differ
    with a hub, switch or router?