Exam Notes: Computer Networks (Detailed)
Chapter 1: Basic Concepts
1. Components of Data Communication:
- Sender, Receiver, Transmission Medium, Message, Protocol.
- Protocols define rules for data communication between sender and receiver.
2. Distributed Processing:
- Distributes tasks between multiple computers to increase efficiency.
- Example: Cloud computing and client-server models.
3. Line Configuration:
- Point-to-Point: Direct communication between two devices.
- Multipoint: One communication link shared by multiple devices.
4. Network Topologies:
- Bus, Star, Ring, Mesh, Hybrid topologies offer different advantages in terms of cost and fault
tolerance.
5. Transmission Modes:
- Simplex: One-way communication.
- Half-Duplex: Two-way, but one direction at a time.
- Full-Duplex: Simultaneous two-way communication.
6. Categories of Networks:
- LAN: Local area network, small area.
- WAN: Wide area network, connects cities or countries.
- MAN: Metropolitan area network, covers cities.
- PAN: Personal area network, connects personal devices.
Important Questions:
1. What are the main components of data communication?
2. Define distributed processing with an example.
3. Differentiate between point-to-point and multipoint line configurations.
4. Explain various network topologies and their pros/cons.
5. Describe transmission modes with examples.
6. What are the differences between LAN, WAN, MAN, and PAN?
Chapter 2: OSI and TCP/IP Models
1. OSI Model:
- Seven layers, each with specific functions (Physical to Application layer).
- Helps standardize network communication.
2. TCP/IP Model:
- Four layers: Network Interface, Internet, Transport, Application.
- Focuses on real-world application and implementation.
3. Comparison:
- OSI is theoretical, whereas TCP/IP is practical.
- OSI has seven layers; TCP/IP combines some into four layers.
Important Questions:
1. Explain the OSI model layers.
2. Compare OSI and TCP/IP models.
3. Describe the functions of the Transport Layer.
4. Why is OSI a reference model, and TCP/IP is implemented?
Chapter 3: Transmission Media
1. Types of Media:
- Guided: Twisted-pair, Coaxial, Optical fiber.
- Unguided: Microwave, Radio waves, Infrared.
2. Transmission Impairments:
- Attenuation: Signal strength decreases over distance.
- Distortion: Signals change shape.
- Noise: Unwanted interference.
3. Throughput, Propagation Speed, and Time:
- Throughput is the data transfer rate.
- Propagation speed and time affect how quickly data reaches its destination.
4. Shannon Capacity:
- Theoretical maximum data rate of a channel.
Important Questions:
1. Explain guided and unguided media with examples.
2. What are the different transmission impairments? Explain.
3. How does Shannon Capacity affect data transmission?
Chapter 4: Telephony
1. Multiplexing:
- WDM, TDM, FDM: Techniques to combine multiple signals into one channel.
2. Circuit Switching:
- Dedicated path between devices for communication.
3. Packet Switching:
- Data is divided into packets and routed over shared networks.
4. ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network):
- Supports digital transmission of voice, video, and data.
Important Questions:
1. Differentiate between WDM, TDM, and FDM.
2. Explain circuit and packet switching.
3. What is ISDN, and what are its uses?
Chapter 5: Data Link Layer
1. Error Detection and Correction:
- Parity Check, CRC, Hamming Code for error control.
2. Framing:
- Techniques to separate messages (character and bit stuffing).
3. Flow Control:
- Stop-and-Wait ARQ, Sliding Window Protocol to control data flow.
Important Questions:
1. Explain the types of errors in data transmission.
2. How does CRC detect errors?
3. Describe Stop-and-Wait ARQ and Sliding Window Protocol.
Chapter 6: Network Layer and Internetworking
1. Network Devices:
- Repeaters, Hubs, Bridges, Switches, Routers, Gateways for internetworking.
2. Routing:
- Static vs Dynamic, Distance Vector, and Link-State.
3. IPv4 Addressing:
- Subnetting for efficient address management.
Important Questions:
1. Differentiate between repeaters, hubs, and routers.
2. What are static and dynamic routing?
3. Explain the purpose of IPv4 addressing and subnetting.
