Important Questions

BIT408 · Exam intelligence

Cloud Computing important questions

From 4 past TU papers: which questions keep coming back, how much they carry, and what is most likely to show up next. Every question links to a model answer.

Most likely in the next examStatistical

Ranked by how often a topic is asked, its marks weight, and whether it is due after skipping the 2082 paper. No guarantees; study the whole syllabus.

1asked 3xavg 5 marks · due (skipped 2082) · Comparison between thread and task programming
Answer

Differentiate between Thread Programming and Task Programming. [5]

Aspect Thread Programming Task Programming --------------------------------------------- Unit of Execution Explicit threads are created and managed by the programmer Tasks are higher-level abstractions; threads are managed by a scheduler...

2asked 2xavg 10 marks · due (skipped 2082) · Serverless computing and FaaS model
Answer

What is Server less computing? Explain different cloud deployment model in brief.[10]

Definition: Serverless computing is a cloud computing execution model where the cloud provider automatically manages the infrastructure, server allocation, and scaling. Developers write and deploy code without provisioning or managing se...

3asked 2xavg 5 marks · due (skipped 2082) · MapReduce framework and model
Answer

Explain Map Reduce in brief with suitable example. [5]

MapReduce is a programming model and processing technique for distributed computing that processes large datasets in parallel across a cluster of computers. It breaks down a computational problem into smaller sub-problems, processes them...

4asked 3xavg 5 marks · Graph database definition and applications
Answer

What is graph database? How graph processing is done? [5]

Model Answer: Graph Database and Graph Processing

What is a Graph Database?

A graph database is a specialized database management system designed to store, manage, and query data organized as graphs. It represents data as a collection of:

  • Nodes (Vertices): Entities or objects in the system
  • Edges (Relationships): Connections or relationships between nodes
  • Properties: Attributes associated with nodes and edges

Graph databases are optimized for traversing relationships and are particularly effective for data with complex interconnections, such as social networks, recommendation systems, knowledge graphs, and organizational hierarchies.

Key Characteristics:

  • Relationship-centric rather than table-centric
  • Fast traversal of connections
  • Efficient for highly connected data
  • Support for complex queries involving multiple relationships

How Graph Processing is Done

Graph processing involves several key steps:

1. Graph Representation

  • Data is modeled as nodes and edges
  • Each node contains entity information
  • Edges represent relationships with properties

2. Query Execution

  • Queries traverse the graph structure
  • Pattern matching identifies relevant subgraphs
  • Algorithms compute results based on graph topology

3. Traversal Methods

  • Depth-First Search (DFS): Explores deep into branches
  • Breadth-First Search (BFS): Explores level by level
  • Graph algorithms: Shortest path, centrality measures, clustering

4. Optimization

  • Index structures for fast node/edge lookup
  • Caching frequently accessed paths
  • Query optimization to minimize traversals

5. Result Aggregation

  • Collecting results from traversals
  • Computing aggregates across matched patterns
  • Returning structured results to users

Example Use Case: In a social network graph, finding "friends of friends" involves traversing two levels of edges from a starting node efficiently.

5asked 2xavg 10 marks · Definition and characteristics of virtualization
Answer

Define virtualization. What is the significance of virtualization in cloud computing? How VMware and hypervisor work?[10]

Model Answer: Virtualization in Cloud Computing

1. Definition of Virtualization

Virtualization is a technology that allows the creation of multiple virtual instances (virtual machines, virtual servers, virtual storage, etc.) from a single physical hardware resource. It abstracts the physical hardware layer and presents logical or virtual computing resources to users and applications, enabling multiple operating systems and applications to run simultaneously on a single physical machine while remaining isolated from each other.


2. Significance of Virtualization in Cloud Computing

Virtualization is fundamental to cloud computing for the following reasons:

a) Resource Optimization

  • Maximizes utilization of physical hardware by running multiple VMs on a single server
  • Reduces idle time and improves overall system efficiency
  • Lowers hardware costs by consolidating workloads

b) Scalability and Flexibility

  • Enables dynamic allocation of resources based on demand
  • Allows rapid provisioning and deployment of new virtual machines
  • Supports elastic scaling up or down as needed

c) Cost Reduction

  • Decreases capital expenditure (CapEx) on physical infrastructure
  • Reduces operational expenditure (OpEx) through efficient resource management
  • Minimizes energy consumption and cooling requirements

d) Isolation and Security

  • Provides logical isolation between virtual machines
  • Prevents one VM from directly accessing another's resources
  • Enhances security by containing failures and threats

e) High Availability and Disaster Recovery

  • Enables easy migration of VMs between physical servers
  • Supports backup and recovery mechanisms
  • Reduces downtime through redundancy

f) Multi-tenancy

  • Allows multiple users/organizations to share the same physical infrastructure
  • Each tenant operates independently with dedicated virtual resources
  • Foundation for cloud service delivery models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)

3. How VMware and Hypervisor Work

a) Hypervisor: Definition and Role

A hypervisor (also called Virtual Machine Monitor or VMM) is software that creates and manages virtual machines. It sits between the physical hardware and virtual machines, controlling hardware access and resource allocation.

Types of Hypervisors:

  • Type 1 (Bare-metal): Runs directly on physical hardware (e.g., VMware ESXi, Hyper-V)
  • Type 2 (Hosted): Runs on top of a host operating system (e.g., VMware Workstation, VirtualBox)

b) How Hypervisor Works

  1. Hardware Abstraction: The hypervisor abstracts physical hardware resources (CPU, memory, disk, network) and presents them as virtual resources to guest operating systems

  2. Resource Allocation: Allocates and manages physical resources among multiple VMs based on configuration and demand

  3. VM Isolation: Maintains isolation between VMs so they operate independently without interfering with each other

  4. Instruction Translation: Intercepts and translates privileged instructions from guest OS to ensure safe execution

  5. I/O Management: Manages input/output operations and device access for all virtual machines

c) How VMware Works

VMware is a virtualization platform that uses hypervisor technology:

  1. VMware ESXi (Type 1 Hypervisor):

    • Installed directly on physical server hardware
    • Manages multiple guest VMs
    • Provides direct hardware access for better performance
  2. Resource Management:

    • Allocates CPU cores, memory, and storage to each VM
    • Dynamically adjusts resources based on VM requirements
    • Implements scheduling algorithms for fair resource distribution
  3. VM Operations:

    • Creation: Defines VM specifications (vCPU, RAM, disk)
    • Execution: Runs multiple VMs concurrently
    • Migration: Moves VMs between physical servers (vMotion)
    • Monitoring: Tracks performance and resource utilization
  4. Key Features:

    • vMotion: Live migration of running VMs without downtime
    • High Availability: Automatic restart of failed VMs
    • Resource Pools: Groups VMs and allocates shared resources
    • Snapshots: Creates point-in-time copies of VM state

Summary Diagram

Physical Hardware (CPU, Memory, Disk, Network)
            |
            v
    [Hypervisor Layer]
    |    |    |    |
    v    v    v    v
  VM1   VM2   VM3   VM4
 (OS)  (OS)  (OS)  (OS)

This architecture enables cloud providers to deliver Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) by efficiently managing and allocating virtualized resources to multiple tenants.

Most repeated questions

Topics asked at least twice, most-asked first.

asked 3xavg 5 marks · 2081, 2080, 0
Answer

Differentiate between Thread Programming and Task Programming. [5]

Aspect Thread Programming Task Programming --------------------------------------------- Unit of Execution Explicit threads are created and managed by the programmer Tasks are higher-level abstractions; threads are managed by a scheduler...

asked 3xavg 5 marks · 2082, 2081, 0
Answer

What is graph database? How graph processing is done? [5]

Model Answer: Graph Database and Graph Processing

What is a Graph Database?

A graph database is a specialized database management system designed to store, manage, and query data organized as graphs. It represents data as a collection of:

  • Nodes (Vertices): Entities or objects in the system
  • Edges (Relationships): Connections or relationships between nodes
  • Properties: Attributes associated with nodes and edges

Graph databases are optimized for traversing relationships and are particularly effective for data with complex interconnections, such as social networks, recommendation systems, knowledge graphs, and organizational hierarchies.

Key Characteristics:

  • Relationship-centric rather than table-centric
  • Fast traversal of connections
  • Efficient for highly connected data
  • Support for complex queries involving multiple relationships

How Graph Processing is Done

Graph processing involves several key steps:

1. Graph Representation

  • Data is modeled as nodes and edges
  • Each node contains entity information
  • Edges represent relationships with properties

2. Query Execution

  • Queries traverse the graph structure
  • Pattern matching identifies relevant subgraphs
  • Algorithms compute results based on graph topology

3. Traversal Methods

  • Depth-First Search (DFS): Explores deep into branches
  • Breadth-First Search (BFS): Explores level by level
  • Graph algorithms: Shortest path, centrality measures, clustering

4. Optimization

  • Index structures for fast node/edge lookup
  • Caching frequently accessed paths
  • Query optimization to minimize traversals

5. Result Aggregation

  • Collecting results from traversals
  • Computing aggregates across matched patterns
  • Returning structured results to users

Example Use Case: In a social network graph, finding "friends of friends" involves traversing two levels of edges from a starting node efficiently.

asked 2xavg 10 marks · 2081, 0
Answer

What is Server less computing? Explain different cloud deployment model in brief.[10]

Definition: Serverless computing is a cloud computing execution model where the cloud provider automatically manages the infrastructure, server allocation, and scaling. Developers write and deploy code without provisioning or managing se...

asked 2xavg 5 marks · 2081, 0
Answer

Explain Map Reduce in brief with suitable example. [5]

MapReduce is a programming model and processing technique for distributed computing that processes large datasets in parallel across a cluster of computers. It breaks down a computational problem into smaller sub-problems, processes them...

asked 2xavg 10 marks · 2082, 0
Answer

Define virtualization. What is the significance of virtualization in cloud computing? How VMware and hypervisor work?[10]

Model Answer: Virtualization in Cloud Computing

1. Definition of Virtualization

Virtualization is a technology that allows the creation of multiple virtual instances (virtual machines, virtual servers, virtual storage, etc.) from a single physical hardware resource. It abstracts the physical hardware layer and presents logical or virtual computing resources to users and applications, enabling multiple operating systems and applications to run simultaneously on a single physical machine while remaining isolated from each other.


2. Significance of Virtualization in Cloud Computing

Virtualization is fundamental to cloud computing for the following reasons:

a) Resource Optimization

  • Maximizes utilization of physical hardware by running multiple VMs on a single server
  • Reduces idle time and improves overall system efficiency
  • Lowers hardware costs by consolidating workloads

b) Scalability and Flexibility

  • Enables dynamic allocation of resources based on demand
  • Allows rapid provisioning and deployment of new virtual machines
  • Supports elastic scaling up or down as needed

c) Cost Reduction

  • Decreases capital expenditure (CapEx) on physical infrastructure
  • Reduces operational expenditure (OpEx) through efficient resource management
  • Minimizes energy consumption and cooling requirements

d) Isolation and Security

  • Provides logical isolation between virtual machines
  • Prevents one VM from directly accessing another's resources
  • Enhances security by containing failures and threats

e) High Availability and Disaster Recovery

  • Enables easy migration of VMs between physical servers
  • Supports backup and recovery mechanisms
  • Reduces downtime through redundancy

f) Multi-tenancy

  • Allows multiple users/organizations to share the same physical infrastructure
  • Each tenant operates independently with dedicated virtual resources
  • Foundation for cloud service delivery models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)

3. How VMware and Hypervisor Work

a) Hypervisor: Definition and Role

A hypervisor (also called Virtual Machine Monitor or VMM) is software that creates and manages virtual machines. It sits between the physical hardware and virtual machines, controlling hardware access and resource allocation.

Types of Hypervisors:

  • Type 1 (Bare-metal): Runs directly on physical hardware (e.g., VMware ESXi, Hyper-V)
  • Type 2 (Hosted): Runs on top of a host operating system (e.g., VMware Workstation, VirtualBox)

b) How Hypervisor Works

  1. Hardware Abstraction: The hypervisor abstracts physical hardware resources (CPU, memory, disk, network) and presents them as virtual resources to guest operating systems

  2. Resource Allocation: Allocates and manages physical resources among multiple VMs based on configuration and demand

  3. VM Isolation: Maintains isolation between VMs so they operate independently without interfering with each other

  4. Instruction Translation: Intercepts and translates privileged instructions from guest OS to ensure safe execution

  5. I/O Management: Manages input/output operations and device access for all virtual machines

c) How VMware Works

VMware is a virtualization platform that uses hypervisor technology:

  1. VMware ESXi (Type 1 Hypervisor):

    • Installed directly on physical server hardware
    • Manages multiple guest VMs
    • Provides direct hardware access for better performance
  2. Resource Management:

    • Allocates CPU cores, memory, and storage to each VM
    • Dynamically adjusts resources based on VM requirements
    • Implements scheduling algorithms for fair resource distribution
  3. VM Operations:

    • Creation: Defines VM specifications (vCPU, RAM, disk)
    • Execution: Runs multiple VMs concurrently
    • Migration: Moves VMs between physical servers (vMotion)
    • Monitoring: Tracks performance and resource utilization
  4. Key Features:

    • vMotion: Live migration of running VMs without downtime
    • High Availability: Automatic restart of failed VMs
    • Resource Pools: Groups VMs and allocates shared resources
    • Snapshots: Creates point-in-time copies of VM state

Summary Diagram

Physical Hardware (CPU, Memory, Disk, Network)
            |
            v
    [Hypervisor Layer]
    |    |    |    |
    v    v    v    v
  VM1   VM2   VM3   VM4
 (OS)  (OS)  (OS)  (OS)

This architecture enables cloud providers to deliver Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) by efficiently managing and allocating virtualized resources to multiple tenants.

asked 2xavg 5 marks · 2082, 2081
Answer

Explain cloud security architecture. [5]

Cloud Security Architecture

Definition

Cloud security architecture is a comprehensive framework of policies, technologies, and controls designed to protect data, applications, and infrastructure in cloud computing environments. It addresses security at multiple layers and across the entire cloud service delivery model.

Key Components of Cloud Security Architecture

1. Identity and Access Management (IAM)

  • Controls who can access cloud resources and what they can do
  • Implements authentication (verifying user identity) and authorization (granting permissions)
  • Uses role-based access control (RBAC) and multi-factor authentication (MFA)

2. Data Security

  • Encryption in transit: Protects data moving between client and cloud servers (SSL/TLS protocols)
  • Encryption at rest: Protects stored data using encryption algorithms
  • Data classification: Categorizing data by sensitivity level
  • Data loss prevention (DLP): Monitoring and preventing unauthorized data transfer

3. Network Security

  • Firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS)
  • Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for secure communication
  • Network segmentation and demilitarized zones (DMZ)
  • DDoS protection mechanisms

4. Application Security

  • Secure coding practices and code review
  • Web application firewalls (WAF)
  • Vulnerability scanning and penetration testing
  • Patch management and regular updates

5. Compliance and Governance

  • Adherence to regulatory standards (GDPR, HIPAA, ISO 27001)
  • Audit logging and monitoring
  • Security policies and procedures
  • Regular security assessments and certifications

6. Physical Security

  • Data center access controls
  • Environmental monitoring
  • Disaster recovery and business continuity planning

Layered Security Model

Cloud security follows a defense-in-depth approach with multiple overlapping security layers to ensure that if one layer is compromised, others provide continued protection.

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