Question

A user enters a Web address in a browser, and a request for a file is sent to a Web server. Which of the following best describes how the file is sent back to the user?



The file is broken into packets and sent over a network. The packets must be reassembled by the user’s computer when they are received. If any packets are missing, the browser re-requests the missing packets.


The file is broken into packets and sent over a network. The user’s browser must request each packet, in order, until all packets are received.


The server attempts to connect directly to the user’s computer. If the connection is successful, the entire file is sent at once. If the connection is unsuccessful, an error message is sent to the user.


The server repeatedly attempts to connect directly to the user’s computer until a connection is made. Once the connection is made, the entire file is sent.

Answer 1

The first option is best.

HTTP responses are sent over TCP/IP: the file is broken into packets, transmitted over the network, and reassembled at the client. Missing or corrupted packets are retransmitted (handled by TCP), so the data arrives complete and in order before the browser presents it.