10 Questions Requiring One-Page Answers

11️⃣Define the Data Link Layer and explain its role in computer networking. (BTL-1: Remembering)
2️⃣List the key functions of the Data Link Layer in the OSI model. (BTL-1: Remembering)
3️⃣Describe the services provided by the Data Link Layer to the Network Layer. (BTL-2:
Understanding)
4️⃣Explain how Error Control helps in ensuring reliable data transmission. (BTL-2: Understanding)
5️⃣Illustrate the concept of Flow Control and why it is important in data communication. (BTL-3:
Applying)
6️⃣Compare Stop-and-Wait Simplex Protocol and Stop-and-Wait ARQ. (BTL-4: Analyzing)
7️⃣Discuss how frame retransmission is used for error recovery in data communication. (BTL-2:
Understanding)
8️⃣Explain the concept of Automatic Repeat reQuest (ARQ) and its role in error correction. (BTL-2:
Understanding)
9️⃣Differentiate between Stop-and-Wait ARQ and Sliding Window Protocol. (BTL-4: Analyzing)
🔟 Summarize how the Sliding Window Protocol improves efficiency in data transmission. (BTL-2:
Understanding)

10 Questions Requiring Two-Page Answers

1️⃣1️⃣Describe in detail the working of the Data Link Layer and how it interacts with the Network
Layer. (BTL-2: Understanding)
1️⃣2️⃣Illustrate the role of Error Control with an example of how errors are detected and corrected.
(BTL-3: Applying)
1️⃣3️⃣Explain the working of Flow Control mechanisms and why they are needed in networking.
(BTL-2: Understanding)
1️⃣4️⃣Compare Stop-and-Wait ARQ and Go-Back-N ARQ with respect to efficiency and
retransmission. (BTL-4: Analyzing)
1️⃣5️⃣Discuss the process of frame retransmission and how it helps in maintaining reliable
communication. (BTL-2: Understanding)
1️⃣6️⃣Evaluate the advantages and limitations of Stop-and-Wait ARQ. (BTL-5: Evaluating)
1️⃣7️⃣Analyze how Sliding Window Protocol improves data transfer over Stop-and-Wait ARQ. (BTL-
4: Analyzing)
1️⃣8️⃣Illustrate with an example how sequence numbers are used in ARQ to ensure correct frame
delivery. (BTL-3: Applying)
1️⃣9️⃣Explain the concept of positive and negative acknowledgments in ARQ and their significance.
(BTL-2: Understanding)
20
2️⃣
0️⃣Justify why the Sliding Window Protocol is preferred over Stop-and-Wait ARQ for high-speed
networks. (BTL-5: Evaluating)

✅ Question 1: Define the Data Link Layer and explain its role in computer
networking. (BTL-1: Remembering)
Answer:
The Data Link Layer is the second layer in the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model. It
sits just above the Physical Layer and just below the Network Layer. Its main job is to make sure
data is transferred reliably from one computer to another over a physical link, such as a wire
or wireless connection.
The Data Link Layer is responsible for taking raw data from the Physical Layer and organizing it
into frames. A frame is a structured way of sending data with a beginning, middle (data), and end.
This helps the receiving computer know where one piece of data ends and the next begins.

Main Roles of the Data Link Layer:

 Framing: Divides the data into smaller parts called frames.
 Error Detection and Correction: It checks if the data has errors and may request for
retransmission if needed.
 Flow Control: Manages the speed at which data is sent so the receiver doesn’t get
overwhelmed.
 Media Access Control: Decides who can use the physical communication link and when.

Why is it important?
Without the Data Link Layer, devices would not know how to correctly send or receive data. It
helps keep data organized, reliable, and in the right order.

✅ Question 2: List the key functions of the Data Link Layer in the OSI model.
(BTL-1: Remembering)
Answer:
The Data Link Layer plays a key role in ensuring smooth communication between computers over a
network. Here are the key functions:
1. Framing:
 It organizes bits from the Physical Layer into structured data units called frames.
2. Addressing:
 It uses MAC (Media Access Control) addresses to identify devices on a local
network.
3. Error Detection and Correction:
 It detects errors using special codes and can request that the sender resend the data.
4. Flow Control:
 It ensures the sender doesn’t send too much data at once, preventing data loss.
5. Media Access Control (MAC):
 It decides how devices take turns using the communication link.
6. Reliable Delivery:
 It ensures that data reaches its destination in the correct order and without
duplication.
These functions help in making communication between computers reliable, orderly, and
accurate.

✅ Question 3: Describe the services provided by the Data Link Layer to the
Network Layer. (BTL-2: Understanding)
Answer:
The Data Link Layer provides several important services to the Network Layer, which is the
layer above it in the OSI model. These services ensure that the Network Layer receives data in a
reliable and organized way.
1. Framing:
The Data Link Layer breaks the data into small parts called frames. Each frame has useful
information like start and end points, so the Network Layer can understand it easily.
2. Reliable Transfer:
It checks whether the data has been transmitted correctly. If there’s a problem, it may request the
data to be sent again.
3. Error Detection and Correction:
This layer checks if the data is free from errors. It uses special codes to detect if anything went
wrong during transmission.
4. Flow Control:
Sometimes, the sender may send data too fast. The Data Link Layer controls the speed to prevent
overload at the receiver’s side.
5. Physical Addressing:
It uses MAC addresses to deliver data to the correct device within a local area network (LAN).
Why are these services important?
These services help the Network Layer perform its job smoothly by ensuring data is clean,
organized, and error-free.

✅ Question 4: Explain how Error Control helps in ensuring reliable data

transmission. (BTL-2: Understanding)
Answer:
Error Control is a key function of the Data Link Layer. It ensures that the data sent over a
network is correct and complete.
Why do errors happen?
Data can get damaged or lost during transmission due to:
  Electrical noise
 Weak signals
 Broken cables
 Wireless interference
How does Error Control work?
1. Error Detection:
 The sender adds extra bits (called error-checking bits) to the data before sending it.
 The receiver uses these bits to check for mistakes in the received data.
2. Acknowledgment (ACK):
 When the receiver gets data correctly, it sends back a message called an
Acknowledgment.
3. Negative Acknowledgment (NAK):
 If the data is wrong or missing, the receiver sends a Negative Acknowledgment
asking the sender to resend the data.
4. Retransmission:
 The sender resends the data that was lost or incorrect.
Importance of Error Control:
Without error control, computers would get damaged or incomplete data, making communication
unreliable.

✅ Question 5: Illustrate the concept of Flow Control and why it is important in

data communication. (BTL-3: Applying)
Answer:
Flow Control is a technique used to make sure that the sender doesn’t overwhelm the receiver by
sending too much data too quickly.
Real-life example:
Imagine a teacher giving notes very fast, and students can’t write them down in time. Flow control
is like the teacher slowing down to help students keep up.
Why is Flow Control needed?
1. Different Speeds:
 Computers and devices may have different processing speeds.
 A fast sender can send more data than a slow receiver can handle.
2. Limited Buffer Space:
 The receiver has a limited space (called a buffer) to hold incoming data.
  If the buffer is full, extra data might be lost.
Techniques used for Flow Control:
 Stop-and-Wait: The sender sends one frame and waits for a reply before sending the next.
 Sliding Window: Allows the sender to send several frames before waiting for
acknowledgment.
Importance:
Flow Control helps ensure that no data is lost and the receiver gets time to process all the data
properly.

✅ Question 6: Compare Stop-and-Wait Simplex Protocol and Stop-and-Wait

ARQ. (BTL-4: Analyzing)
Answer:
Both Stop-and-Wait Simplex Protocol and Stop-and-Wait ARQ are basic methods for sending
data, but they work in slightly different ways.

Feature Stop-and-Wait Simplex Protocol Stop-and-Wait ARQ

Type Simple data transfer Reliable data transfer
Acknowledgment No acknowledgment used Uses ACK and NAK
Error Checking No error checking Checks for errors
Retransmission No retransmission Retransmits on error
Direction One-way only Two-way for data and ACK
Reliability Not reliable Reliable
Summary:
 Simplex Protocol is basic and assumes no errors.
 ARQ (Automatic Repeat reQuest) is more advanced and makes sure data is correct and
complete.

✅ Question 7: Discuss how frame retransmission is used for error recovery in

data communication. (BTL-2: Understanding)
Answer:
Frame retransmission means sending a data frame again if it is lost or damaged during
transmission.
When does retransmission happen?
 If the receiver doesn’t get the data, or
 If the data has errors (detected by error-checking methods),
 Then the sender is asked to resend that data frame.
How does it work?
1. Sender sends a frame.
2. Receiver checks for errors.
3. If frame is correct → Sends an ACK (Acknowledgment).
4. If frame is wrong or missing → Sends a NAK (Negative Acknowledgment).
5. Sender retransmits the frame based on the feedback.
Importance of Frame Retransmission:
 Ensures complete and correct data.
 Makes communication reliable.
 Prevents data loss during network issues.
This is commonly used in protocols like Stop-and-Wait ARQ and Sliding Window Protocol.

✅ Question 8: Explain the concept of Automatic Repeat reQuest (ARQ) and its
role in error correction. (BTL-2: Understanding)
Answer:
ARQ (Automatic Repeat reQuest) is a method used to ensure that the data received is correct
and error-free. If any data is missing or damaged, ARQ automatically requests it to be sent again.
Key Features of ARQ:
1. Error Detection:
 The receiver checks each frame for errors using error-checking bits.
2. Acknowledgments (ACK):
 If the data is fine, the receiver sends back an ACK.
3. Negative Acknowledgments (NAK):
 If there’s an error, a NAK is sent asking the sender to resend the frame.
4. Timeouts:
 If there is no reply in a certain time, the sender resends the frame automatically.
Types of ARQ:
 Stop-and-Wait ARQ
 Go-Back-N ARQ
 Selective Repeat ARQ
Importance:
ARQ helps make communication accurate, reliable, and efficient, especially over error-prone
networks.
✅ Question 9: Differentiate between Stop-and-Wait ARQ and Sliding Window
Protocol. (BTL-4: Analyzing)
Answer:
Both protocols are used to send data reliably, but they differ in how they manage
acknowledgments and data flow.

Feature Stop-and-Wait ARQ Sliding Window Protocol

Data Sent at a Time One frame at a time Multiple frames at once
Efficiency Low High
Waiting Time Waits after each frame Doesn’t wait after every frame
Use of Window No window concept Uses a window to send/receive frames
Speed Slower Faster
Summary:
 Stop-and-Wait ARQ is simple but slower.
 Sliding Window allows faster and continuous data flow.

✅ Question 10: Summarize how the Sliding Window Protocol improves

efficiency in data transmission. (BTL-2: Understanding)
Answer:
The Sliding Window Protocol helps to make data transmission faster and more efficient by
allowing the sender to send multiple frames before needing an acknowledgment.
How does it work?
1. The sender can send a group of frames (called a window) without waiting.
2. The receiver keeps track of each frame and sends ACKs for the ones it receives.
3. Once ACKs are received, the window slides forward, and new frames are sent.
Advantages:
 Better use of time: The sender doesn’t wait after every frame.
 High-speed performance: Ideal for fast and long-distance networks.
 Less idle time: Data flows smoothly, reducing delays.
Conclusion:
The Sliding Window Protocol improves communication by making data transfer continuous,
faster, and more efficient than basic methods.
❓ Question 11: Describe in detail the working of the Data Link Layer and how it
interacts with the Network Layer.
(BTL-2: Understanding)

🧩 Introduction to the Data Link Layer

The Data Link Layer is the second layer in the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model. Its main
function is to ensure reliable communication of data frames between two devices on the same
network. It takes the raw bits from the Physical Layer and organizes them into data units called
frames.
The Data Link Layer plays a critical role in ensuring that the data sent from one device reaches the
other without errors and in the correct order.

📚 Key Functions of the Data Link Layer

1. Framing:
 It groups bits into frames.
 A frame contains a start and end delimiter, making it easier to identify where one
frame ends and the next begins.
2. Error Detection:
 The layer adds information to detect errors that may happen during transmission.
 If errors are detected, the receiver can request the sender to retransmit the frame.
3. Flow Control:
 It ensures that the sender does not overwhelm the receiver with too much data at
once.
 It balances the speed of data sending and receiving.
4. Access Control:
 Determines which device has the right to use the communication channel when many
devices want to send data.
5. Acknowledgment and Retransmission:
 Ensures that the frames are received properly. If not, the frame is sent again.

🔗 Interaction with the Network Layer

The Data Link Layer works closely with the Network Layer (Layer 3). Here’s how they interact:
1. Receiving Data from the Network Layer:
 The Network Layer passes packets to the Data Link Layer.
 The Data Link Layer wraps this packet inside a frame and adds headers and footers with
 information like address and error-checking codes.
2. Sending to the Physical Layer:
 After framing, the data is sent to the Physical Layer, which converts it to signals for
transmission.
3. Receiving Data from the Physical Layer:
 When a frame is received from the Physical Layer, the Data Link Layer checks it for errors.
 If the frame is valid, it removes the header/footer and passes the remaining packet to the
Network Layer.

🎯 Real-Life Example
Imagine sending a letter through the postal system:
 The Network Layer is like writing the content of the letter.
 The Data Link Layer is like putting it in an envelope with the sender and receiver's address.
 The Physical Layer is like the postal truck delivering it.
The envelope ensures the letter reaches safely and the post office knows where to send it. This is
how the Data Link Layer adds value to the communication process.

✅ Conclusion
The Data Link Layer is essential in managing how data is framed, checked for errors, and sent
reliably over a network. It interacts directly with the Network Layer by accepting packets and
delivering them as reliable frames, ensuring that data flows smoothly and accurately between
devices on the same link.

❓ Question 12: Illustrate the role of Error Control with an example of how
errors are detected and corrected.
(BTL-3: Applying)

🌐 Introduction to Error Control

When data is sent over a network, it travels as electrical or optical signals through cables or air.
During this journey, interference, noise, or hardware problems can cause errors—such as flipping a
bit from 1 to 0 or 0 to 1. The Data Link Layer is responsible for Error Control, which ensures
that data is transferred accurately between devices.
Error control mechanisms help to detect these errors and either correct them automatically or
request a retransmission of the corrupted data.
🧩 Types of Errors
1. Single-bit error – Only one bit is changed (e.g., from 0 to 1).
2. Burst error – Two or more bits in the data have changed.
3. Lost frames – The whole frame is lost during transmission.
4. Duplicated frames – The same frame is received more than once.

🔍 Functions of Error Control

Error control mechanisms work in two stages:
1. Error Detection
 It helps the receiver to know whether the data received is correct.
 Techniques like Parity Bits and Checksums are used.
 A special field called Frame Check Sequence (FCS) is added to each frame to help detect
errors.
2. Error Correction or Retransmission
 If the receiver detects an error, it can:
 Request retransmission (Automatic Repeat reQuest – ARQ).
 Or, if possible, correct the error using additional information (usually not used in
simple protocols).

🧪 Example of Error Control in Action

Let’s understand error control through a simple example:
Imagine you are sending a message “HELLO” over the network.
It is broken into frames, each with a unique sequence number and an error-checking
code.

 Frame 1: “H” + error-check info

 Frame 2: “E” + error-check info
 Frame 3: “L” + error-check info
 Frame 4: “L” + error-check info
 Frame 5: “O” + error-check info
Now suppose Frame 3 gets corrupted during transmission.
 The receiver checks the error-check code and finds a mismatch.
 It sends a Negative Acknowledgement (NAK) to the sender.
  The sender receives the NAK and resends Frame 3.
 After the correct frame is received, the receiver sends Acknowledgement (ACK).
This process is how ARQ (Automatic Repeat reQuest) works to ensure error-free data delivery.

ARQ Mechanisms Used

1. Stop-and-Wait ARQ:
 Sender waits for ACK before sending the next frame.
 If no ACK is received, the sender resends the frame.
2. Go-Back-N ARQ:
 Sender sends several frames before waiting for ACK.
 If an error occurs, all frames from the error point are resent.
3. Selective Repeat ARQ:
 Only the specific frame with error is resent, not the whole sequence.

🎯 Importance of Error Control

 Ensures reliable communication.
 Maintains data accuracy.
 Builds trust in network systems.
 Helps avoid miscommunication or data corruption in critical applications.

✅ Conclusion
Error Control in the Data Link Layer is vital for maintaining reliable communication in networks.
By detecting and correcting errors, or by requesting retransmissions, it ensures that the data
received is the same as the data sent. Techniques like ARQ and error detection codes help
computers communicate safely, just like humans double-checking messages for clarity.

❓ Question 13: Explain the working of Flow Control mechanisms and why they
are needed in networking.
(BTL-2: Understanding)
🌐 Introduction to Flow Control
Flow control is a technique used in computer networks to ensure that the sender does not
overwhelm the receiver with too much data too quickly. Just like in a real conversation where one
person speaks and waits for the other to respond, computers also need to manage the "flow" of
information properly.
The main purpose of flow control is to prevent data loss and ensure reliable communication,
especially when the receiver is slower than the sender.

🔄 Why Flow Control is Needed

Let’s imagine a scenario:
 You are downloading a file from a fast server using a slow computer.
 If the server sends data too quickly, your computer may not keep up.
 As a result, your computer's memory (buffer) may overflow, causing data to be lost.
Flow control helps by:
1. Regulating the data speed between sender and receiver.
2. Managing buffer space so data can be processed smoothly.
3. Ensuring that no frames are lost due to congestion.

Types of Flow Control Mechanisms

There are two main types of flow control:

1. Stop-and-Wait Flow Control

 How it works:
 The sender sends one frame at a time.
 Then it waits for an acknowledgment (ACK) from the receiver before sending the
next frame.
 Advantages:
 Simple and easy to implement.
 Ensures no data is lost.
 Disadvantages:
 Slow, because the sender must wait after each frame.
Example:
If you send a message and wait for your friend to say “OK” before continuing, that’s like stop-and-
wait flow control.
2. Sliding Window Flow Control
 How it works:
 The sender can send multiple frames (a "window") before waiting for an
acknowledgment.
 The window "slides" forward as ACKs are received.
 The receiver also has a buffer window to hold the incoming frames.
 Advantages:
 More efficient than stop-and-wait.
 Suitable for fast networks.
 Disadvantages:
 Slightly more complex to implement.
Example:
Think of it like handing over a few books at a time instead of just one. The receiver reads them at
their own pace and tells you when ready for more.

🧩 Key Concepts in Flow Control

 Buffer: Temporary storage space in the receiver's memory to hold incoming data.
 ACK (Acknowledgment): A signal sent by the receiver to confirm successful receipt of
data.
 Window Size: The number of frames that can be sent before an acknowledgment is
required.

Real-Life Analogy
Imagine a conveyor belt between two people:
 Person A places items (data) on the belt.
 Person B removes and processes them (receives data).
 If Person A moves too fast, the belt will overflow, and items may fall.
 A signal system (flow control) ensures Person A slows down when needed.

✅ Summary
Flow control is essential for:
 Preventing buffer overflow at the receiver’s end.
  Managing network traffic smoothly.
 Ensuring reliable communication between devices.
Both Stop-and-Wait and Sliding Window mechanisms are used depending on the speed and
reliability required. In modern networks, Sliding Window Flow Control is commonly used due to its
higher efficiency.

✅ Question 14: Compare Stop-and-Wait ARQ and Go-Back-N ARQ with respect
to efficiency and retransmission.
(BTL-4: Analyzing)

🌐 Introduction
In computer networks, data often travels in units called frames. Sometimes, due to noise or
problems in the transmission line, some of these frames can be lost or corrupted. To solve this issue,
protocols like Stop-and-Wait ARQ and Go-Back-N ARQ are used. These protocols make sure the
correct data reaches its destination even if there are problems during transmission.

Stop-and-Wait ARQ
Stop-and-Wait ARQ is a very basic error control method.
 In this method, the sender sends one frame at a time.
 After sending, it waits for an acknowledgment (ACK) from the receiver.
 If the sender receives the ACK, it sends the next frame.
 If the ACK is not received, the sender resends the same frame.
✅ Advantages:
 Very simple and easy to implement.
 Uses fewer resources.
❌ Disadvantages:
 Not efficient for long-distance or fast networks.
 The sender must wait after sending every frame, which wastes time.
🔁 Go-Back-N ARQ
Go-Back-N ARQ is a more advanced and efficient method.
 The sender can send several frames at once without waiting.
 The number of frames it can send without waiting is controlled by a window size.
 If a frame is lost or damaged, the receiver discards that frame and all the frames after it.
 The sender must go back and resend that frame and the following ones.
✅ Advantages:
 Makes better use of the network.
 More efficient than Stop-and-Wait ARQ.
❌ Disadvantages:
 If one frame is lost, many frames might need to be resent.
 More complex to manage than Stop-and-Wait ARQ.

🔍 Comparison
Feature Stop-and-Wait ARQ Go-Back-N ARQ
Sending Method One frame at a time Multiple frames at a time
Waiting for ACK After every frame Only for the oldest unacknowledged frame
Efficiency Low High
Retransmission One frame at a time All frames after an error
Complexity Simple More complex

📌 Conclusion
Stop-and-Wait ARQ is simple and easy to understand, but it is not efficient for fast or long-distance
communication. Go-Back-N ARQ is better in performance but requires more memory and
management. Depending on the situation, we can choose the method that best fits our needs.

✅ Question 15: Discuss the process of frame retransmission and how it helps in
maintaining reliable communication.
(BTL-2: Understanding)

🌐 Introduction
In computer networks, data is transmitted in small blocks called frames. Sometimes, due to noise,
interference, or hardware issues, these frames may get lost or damaged. To make sure that data is
correctly delivered, computers use a method called frame retransmission.
🔁 What is Frame Retransmission?
Frame retransmission is a technique where the sender resends a data frame if it thinks the receiver
did not get it properly.
There are two main cases when retransmission happens:
 The frame gets lost and never reaches the receiver.
 The frame is received with errors (damaged data).
In either case, the receiver does not send an acknowledgment, and the sender knows something
went wrong.

⚙️How it Works
1. Sender sends a frame to the receiver.
2. Receiver checks the frame for any errors.
3. If everything is fine, the receiver sends back an Acknowledgment (ACK).
4. If the sender doesn’t get the ACK within a certain time, it assumes the frame was lost or
damaged.
5. The sender retransmits the same frame.
6. This process continues until the sender gets the ACK.
This method is used in many protocols such as Stop-and-Wait ARQ, Go-Back-N ARQ, and
Sliding Window Protocol.

📋 Importance of Frame Retransmission

 📥 Reliable Data Delivery: It ensures that the data reaches its destination correctly.
 🔄 Error Correction: Helps recover from lost or damaged frames.
 📡 Supports Communication over Unreliable Networks: Especially useful in wireless
networks.
 No Need for Manual Resending: The system handles everything automatically.

🧠 Real-Life Example
Think of sending a message to a friend. If your friend doesn’t reply with “I got it,” you will
probably resend the message. That’s exactly what retransmission does in a computer network.

✅ Conclusion
Frame retransmission plays a key role in maintaining reliable communication. Even if the
network is not perfect, it makes sure that data is delivered without errors. It gives confidence to
users that the message will not be lost forever.
✅ Question 16: Evaluate the advantages and limitations of Stop-and-Wait ARQ.
(BTL-5: Evaluating)

What is Stop-and-Wait ARQ?

Stop-and-Wait ARQ is an error control method in which the sender sends one frame at a time and
waits for an acknowledgment (ACK) before sending the next frame. If no ACK is received, the
same frame is sent again.

✅ Advantages of Stop-and-Wait ARQ

1. Simplicity
 Very easy to understand and implement.
 Less complex logic needed in hardware/software.
2. Resource Friendly
 Uses little memory since only one frame is handled at a time.
3. Reliable
 Every frame is acknowledged before the next is sent, ensuring correctness.
4. Suitable for Small Networks
 Works well in small or slow networks where speed is not a big concern.

❌ Limitations of Stop-and-Wait ARQ

1. Low Efficiency
 Only one frame is sent at a time.
 The sender stays idle while waiting for an ACK.
2. Wasted Time
 If the network is fast or long-distance, a lot of time is wasted in waiting.
3. Not Scalable
 Not suitable for large or high-speed networks where faster methods are needed.
4. More Delay
 Causes delay in data transmission due to constant waiting.
🔍 Summary Table
Feature Advantage or Limitation
Easy to use ✅
Low memory use ✅
Low efficiency ❌
More delay ❌

🧠 Real-Life Analogy
Imagine a student giving papers one by one to the teacher and waiting for approval after each paper
before submitting the next. This ensures correctness but takes a lot of time — that’s how Stop-and-
Wait works.

✅ Conclusion
Stop-and-Wait ARQ is a simple and effective way to ensure reliable communication but is not the
best choice for fast or busy networks. It's great for learning purposes and for smaller systems where
simplicity is more important than speed.

✅ Question 17: Analyze how Sliding Window Protocol improves data transfer
over Stop-and-Wait ARQ.
(BTL-4: Analyzing)

🔁 Quick Recap of Stop-and-Wait ARQ

In Stop-and-Wait ARQ, the sender transmits one frame and then waits for an acknowledgment
before sending the next one. This method is easy but wastes a lot of time.

🪟 What is the Sliding Window Protocol?

The Sliding Window Protocol allows the sender to send multiple frames at once before waiting for
an acknowledgment. The number of frames it can send depends on the window size.
When acknowledgments are received, the window “slides forward,” and more frames can be sent.

🔄 How It Improves Efficiency

1. Multiple Frames at a Time
 Makes better use of the communication line.
 No need to wait after every frame.
2. Better for High-Speed Networks
 Utilizes the network’s full capacity.
 3. Supports Larger Data Transfers
 Very useful for sending large amounts of data quickly.
4. Reduces Idle Time
 The sender is not sitting idle while waiting for one acknowledgment.

💡 Main Differences from Stop-and-Wait

Feature Stop-and-Wait ARQ Sliding Window Protocol
Frames Sent at a Time One Multiple
Idle Time High Low
Efficiency Low High
Window Concept No Yes

🧠 Real-Life Analogy
Think of sending parcels. In Stop-and-Wait, you send one parcel and wait for a reply before sending
the next. In Sliding Window, you send multiple parcels before waiting for any replies, saving time
and effort.

✅ Conclusion
Sliding Window Protocol greatly improves data transfer by reducing delays and increasing
efficiency. It is more suitable for modern, fast networks where speed and reliability are both
important.

✅ Question 18: Illustrate with an example how sequence numbers are used in
ARQ to ensure correct frame delivery.
(BTL-3: Applying)

🔢 What Are Sequence Numbers?

In ARQ protocols, each frame is given a unique number called a sequence number. These
numbers help both the sender and receiver keep track of frames.

📦 Why Sequence Numbers Are Important

 Help detect lost or duplicate frames.
 Allow the receiver to arrange frames in the correct order.
 Ensure that no frame is missed or repeated.
Simple Example
Let’s say we are using sequence numbers 0 to 3 (then repeat from 0).
1. The sender sends a frame with sequence number 0.
2. The receiver gets it and sends back an ACK 0.
3. The sender sends frame 1, and so on.
4. If frame 2 is lost, the receiver never sends ACK 2.
5. The sender resends frame 2.

🔄 In ARQ Protocols
 Stop-and-Wait ARQ: Uses two numbers (0 and 1) to keep things simple.
 Go-Back-N ARQ and Sliding Window: Use a range of numbers for better tracking.

✅ Benefits of Sequence Numbers

 Maintain proper order of frames.
 Identify lost frames.
 Prevent duplicate delivery of data.

✅ Conclusion
Sequence numbers are a simple but powerful way to track and manage frames. Without them,
communication would become confused and unreliable.

✅ Question 19: Explain the concept of positive and negative acknowledgments in

ARQ and their significance.
(BTL-2: Understanding)

📩 What Are Acknowledgments?

Acknowledgments (ACKs) are signals sent by the receiver to tell the sender whether a frame was
received successfully or not.
There are two types:
 ✅ Positive Acknowledgment (ACK)
 ❌ Negative Acknowledgment (NAK)
✅ Positive Acknowledgment (ACK)
 Sent when the receiver gets a correct frame.
 Tells the sender: “This frame is fine. Send the next one.”

❌ Negative Acknowledgment (NAK)

 Sent when the receiver gets a damaged or incorrect frame.
 Tells the sender: “Please resend this frame.”

🔁 Importance in ARQ
 Helps ensure correct and complete data is received.
 Reduces the need for sending all frames again.
 Makes communication faster and more accurate.

🧠 Example
1. Sender sends frame 1.
2. Receiver gets it and sends ACK 1.
3. Sender sends frame 2.
4. Frame 2 is damaged. Receiver sends NAK 2.
5. Sender resends frame 2.

✅ Conclusion
Positive and negative acknowledgments play a key role in ARQ. They help in detecting errors and
recovering from them efficiently.

✅ Question 20: Justify why the Sliding Window Protocol is preferred over Stop-
and-Wait ARQ for high-speed networks.
(BTL-5: Evaluating)

📈 Speed and Efficiency in Networks

In high-speed networks, large amounts of data are sent in a short time. Waiting for acknowledgment
after every single frame, like in Stop-and-Wait, slows things down.
🪟 Sliding Window Protocol Advantage
 Can send many frames at once.
 Doesn’t wait for an ACK after every frame.
 Uses bandwidth efficiently.
 Handles errors without stopping the entire process.

🏁 Why It’s Better for High-Speed Networks

1. Better Use of Network Speed
 Sends more data in less time.
2. Less Waiting Time
 Sender doesn’t sit idle after every frame.
3. Smoother Communication
 Continuous flow of data.
4. Error Handling
 Only wrong frames are retransmitted, not all of them.

📊 Comparison Summary
Feature Stop-and-Wait ARQ Sliding Window Protocol
Speed Utilization Low High
Idle Time High Low
Suitable for Fast Networks No Yes

✅ Conclusion
Sliding Window Protocol is clearly better for high-speed networks. It improves speed, reduces
delays, and makes the most of network resources. That’s why it is commonly used in modern data
communication systems.