Networks
1. Data Communications
• Definition: Exchange of data between devices via a transmission medium (e.g.,
wire, cable).
• Components:
o Message: Information to be communicated.
o Sender: Device sending the message.
o Receiver: Device receiving the message.
o Medium: Pathway through which the message travels.
o Protocol: Rules governing data communication.
2. Networks
• Definition: A set of devices (nodes) connected by communication links.
• Types of Nodes:
o End Devices: Computers, printers, etc.
o Network Devices: Routers, switches, modems.
• Transmission Media:
o Wired: Cat5e, Cat6, Optical fiber.
o Wireless: Radio waves, microwaves, infrared.
3. Network Criteria
• Performance: Measured in delay and throughput.
• Reliability: Robustness and availability of the network.
• Security: Protection against errors and malicious users.
4. Physical Structures
• Connections:
o Point-to-Point: Single transmitter and receiver.
o Multipoint: Multiple recipients.
• Topologies:
o Mesh: High redundancy but costly.
o Star: Centralized, reliable, but dependent on the central device.
o Bus: Low cost, easy to troubleshoot, but prone to failure.
o Ring: Sequential connectivity, but single-point failure is possible.
o Hybrid: Combines two or more topologies.
5. Categories of Networks
• LAN: Local Area Network for short distances.
• WAN: Wide Area Network for long distances.
• MAN: Metropolitan Area Network for cities/campuses.
Final Exam Paper
Section A: MCQs (10 Marks)
1. Data communication refers to:
o A) Sending images between computers.
o B) Exchange of data between devices via a transmission medium.
o C) Creating protocols for networks.
o D) Installing new hardware.
Answer: B
2. Which topology uses a central hub?
o A) Mesh
o B) Ring
o C) Star
o D) Bus
Answer: C
3. What is a characteristic of a Point-to-Point WAN?
o A) Centralized network.
o B) Shared communication line.
o C) Dedicated private connection.
o D) Dynamic routing.
Answer: C
4. A hybrid topology:
o A) Is a combination of two or more topologies.
o B) Is the most cost-effective topology.
o C) Uses only wired media.
o D) Does not allow expansion.
Answer: A
5. What measures the reliability of a network?
o A) Delay
o B) Throughput
o C) Failure rate
o D) Transmission medium
Answer: C
Section B: Short Questions (20 Marks)
1. Define data communication and its key components.
Answer:
Data communication is the exchange of data between devices via a transmission
medium. Key components include the message, sender, receiver, medium, and
protocol.
2. Differentiate between LAN and WAN.
Answer:
o LAN: Covers short distances like offices.
o WAN: Covers long distances and connects multiple locations.
3. Explain the concept of network topology and name two types.
Answer:
Network topology refers to the arrangement of devices in a network. Examples: Mesh
and Star.
4. What is a Switched WAN?
Answer:
A WAN that uses switches or routers for flexible and scalable connections.
5. List any three wired transmission media.
Answer:
Cat5e, Cat6, Optical fiber.
Section C: Long Questions (20 Marks)
1. Describe the different types of network topologies with their advantages and
disadvantages.
Answer:
o Mesh: High redundancy but expensive.
o Star: Centralized and reliable but dependent on the central device.
o Bus: Low cost, but a single failure can affect the network.
o Ring: Sequential but prone to single-point failure.
o Hybrid: Combines benefits of multiple topologies.
2. Discuss the criteria for a good network and explain why they are important.
Answer:
o Performance: Ensures fast and efficient data transfer.
o Reliability: Ensures minimal downtime.
o Security: Protects against data corruption and unauthorized access.
