CompTIA Network+ Practice Test

What would be an example of Unicast communication?

1. Streaming a live video to multiple viewers

2. Transferring a file between two computers

3. Sending a message to a group chat

4. Broadcasting a weather update to all devices

The correct answer is: Transferring a file between two computers

Unicast communication is a method in which data is sent from one sender to one specific recipient. This method ensures that the information sent is directed solely at the intended target, establishing a direct one-to-one connection. Transferring a file between two computers exemplifies unicast communication because it involves a single sender transmitting data to a single receiver. In this case, the data packet is specifically addressed to one computer's IP address, ensuring that only that computer receives the file. This targeted approach is characteristic of unicast, where no other devices are involved in the communication. In contrast, streaming live video to multiple viewers represents a scenario of multicast or broadcast communication, as it involves sending the same data to many recipients simultaneously. Group chats and weather updates broadcast to all devices also fall under multicast or broadcast categories since they target multiple recipients, rather than a unique pair of sender and receiver.