Communication & Network Security
32 practice questions with explanations — 15 free to try
PassNova has 32 CISSP practice questions on Communication & Network Security, each with a clear explanation. A 15-question taster is free with no sign-up; the full bank is part of PassNova Premium. Updated for 2026.
Communication & Network Security: example questions & answers
2 worked examples with answers and explanations below. Try 15 CISSP questions free in the browser; the full 32-question Communication & Network Security bank is part of PassNova Premium.
At which layer of the OSI model does a traditional packet-filtering firewall that makes decisions based solely on IP addresses and port numbers primarily operate?
- ALayer 7 (Application)
- BLayer 2 (Data Link)
- CLayer 3 (Network) and Layer 4 (Transport)✓
- DLayer 5 (Session)
Answer: Packet-filtering firewalls inspect IP addresses (Layer 3) and TCP/UDP port numbers (Layer 4) to permit or deny traffic.
Which IPsec component provides confidentiality, integrity, and authentication for the payload, whereas its companion protocol provides only integrity and authentication without encryption?
- AInternet Key Exchange (IKE) provides payload confidentiality and integrity
- BSecurity Association (SA) provides encryption of the whole payload
- CAuthentication Header (AH) provides confidentiality by encrypting the payload
- DEncapsulating Security Payload (ESP) provides confidentiality✓
Answer: Encapsulating Security Payload (ESP) encrypts the payload to provide confidentiality, while Authentication Header (AH) offers integrity and authentication only.