DATA COMM Q&A PART1
QUESTION 1
(a) Outline three advantages of hybrid topology networks.
Answer:
1. Flexibility: Hybrid topologies combine different topologies (like star and
bus), allowing for customization to fit specific network needs.
2. Scalability: They can easily accommodate growth by adding new network
segments or integrating different topologies.
3. Fault Tolerance: If one part of the network fails, it doesn't necessarily bring
down the entire network due to the redundancy offered by different topologies.
(b) Distinguish between hubs and bridges as used in networking.
Answer:
Hub: A hub operates at the physical layer (Layer 1) of the OSI model. It acts
as a multiport repeater, forwarding all received data to all connected devices.
It doesn't filter traffic, leading to collisions and bandwidth wastage.
Bridge: A bridge operates at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model. It
filters traffic based on MAC addresses, forwarding data only to the intended
destination. This reduces collisions and improves network efficiency.
(c) Outline three factors that should be considered when selecting a transmission
media, other than cost.
Answer:
1. Bandwidth: The amount of data that can be transmitted over the media in a
given time. Higher bandwidth allows for faster data transfer.
2. Distance: The maximum distance the signal can travel without significant
degradation. Different media have varying distance limitations.
3. Security: The susceptibility of the media to eavesdropping or interference.
Some media offer better security than others.
(d) With the aid of a diagram, describe client-server configuration.
Answer:
(Diagram):
[Client 1] [Client 2] [Client 3]
| | |
----------------------------
|
[Server]
Description:
In a client-server configuration, a central server provides resources and services to
multiple clients. Clients request services from the server, and the server processes
these requests and sends responses back to the clients. The server manages resources
like files, printers, databases, etc., while clients are typically user workstations.
(e) Describe two advantages of synchronous data transmission.
Answer:
1. Predictable Timing: Synchronous transmission uses a clock signal to ensure
that data bits are transmitted and received at precise intervals, leading to
predictable timing.
2. High Throughput: Due to the continuous and synchronized nature of the
transmission, it can achieve high data transfer rates, making it suitable for
applications that require constant data flow.
(f) Describe three differences between OSI model and TCP/IP model.
Answer:
1. Layers: The OSI model has seven layers (Application, Presentation, Session,
Transport, Network, Data Link, Physical), while the TCP/IP model has four
layers (Application, Transport, Internet, Network Access).
2. Development: The OSI model was developed as a theoretical framework
before implementation, while the TCP/IP model was developed based on
practical implementation.
3. Focus: The OSI model is a generic model for communication, while the
TCP/IP model is specifically designed for the Internet Protocol Suite.
QUESTION 2
(a) Define data encapsulation as used in the layers of the OSI model.
Answer:
Data encapsulation is the process of adding headers and trailers to data as it moves
down the layers of the OSI model. Each layer adds its own information, creating a
protocol data unit (PDU) that contains data from the layer above and control
information for the current layer.
(b) Describe four functions of the transport layer of the OSI model.
Answer:
1. Segmentation and Reassembly: Breaks down large data packets into smaller
segments for transmission and reassembles them at the destination.
2. Flow Control: Manages the rate of data transmission to prevent
overwhelming the receiver.
3. Error Control: Provides mechanisms for detecting and correcting errors
during transmission.
4. Multiplexing and Demultiplexing: Allows multiple applications to use the
same network connection simultaneously.
(c) With the aid of a diagram, describe the User Datagram Protocol (UDP).
Answer:
(Diagram):
+-----------------+-----------------+
| Source Port | Destination Port|
+-----------------+-----------------+
| Length | Checksum |
+-----------------+-----------------+
| Data |
+-------------------------------------+
Description:
UDP is a connectionless protocol that operates at the transport layer. It provides a
simple, unreliable datagram service. UDP headers include source and destination
ports, length, and checksum fields. It doesn't guarantee delivery, order, or error
checking, making it suitable for applications where speed is more important than
reliability.
(d) With the aid of a diagram, represent the data 10110001 in the form of a
digital encoded wave form, and convert the digital encoded signal into unipolar
non-return to zero (NRZ), non-return to zero inversion (NRZ-I), differential
Manchester and pseudoternary encoding schemes.
Answer:
(Diagram - Digital Encoded Waveform):
_ _ _
||| ||
____| |___|_____| |____
10110001
(Conversion):
Unipolar NRZ:
o 1 = High voltage
o 0 = Low voltage
High Low High High Low Low Low High
NRZ-I:
o 1 = Transition (High to Low or Low to High)
o 0 = No transition
Transition No Transition Transition Transition No Transition No Transition
No Transition Transition
Differential Manchester:
o 1 = Transition at the beginning of the bit interval
o 0 = No transition at the beginning of the bit interval, transition at the
middle of the bit interval
Transition-Mid No Transition Transition-Mid Transition-Mid No Transition-
Mid No Transition-Mid No Transition-Mid Transition-Mid
Pseudoternary:
o 1 = Alternating positive and negative pulses
o 0 = Zero voltage
+Pulse 0 -Pulse -Pulse 0 0 0 +Pulse
QUESTION 3
(a) Differentiate between data terminal equipment (DTE) and data
communication equipment (DCE).
Answer:
DTE (Data Terminal Equipment): Devices that are the source or destination
of digital data, such as computers, terminals, and printers.
DCE (Data Communication Equipment): Devices that provide the interface
between DTE and the communication network, such as modems and
CSU/DSUs.
(b) Outline two examples of devices in each of (i) above.
Answer:
DTE:
1. Computer
2. Terminal
DCE:
3. Modem
4. CSU/DSU
(c) Outline two importance of network model.
Answer:
1. Standardization: Network models provide a standard framework for network
design, implementation, and troubleshooting, ensuring interoperability
between different devices and systems.
2. Troubleshooting: They help in identifying and resolving network problems
by breaking down the network into logical layers, making it easier to pinpoint
the source of the issue.
(d) Explain the three elements of a protocol as used in data communication.
Answer:
1. Syntax: The format of the data and control information in the protocol.
2. Semantics: The meaning of each section of the bits and how they are
interpreted.
3. Timing: The order and speed of data transmission and the rules for when
events occur.
(e) Describe three functions of IP protocol.
Answer:
1. Addressing: Assigns unique IP addresses to devices on a network for
identification and routing.
2. Routing: Determines the best path for data packets to travel from source to
destination.
3. Fragmentation and Reassembly: Breaks down large data packets into
smaller fragments for transmission and reassembles them at the destination.
(f) Explain three differences between TCP/IP model and OSI model.
(This is the same as Question 1(f), so refer to the answer above.)
QUESTION 4
(a) Describe four characteristics of LAN networks.
Answer:
1. High Data Transfer Rates: LANs typically offer high bandwidth and data
transfer speeds.
2. Limited Geographical Area: They cover a small geographical area, such as
an office, building, or campus.
3. Shared Resources: Devices on a LAN can share resources like printers, files,
and internet connections.
4. Centralized Administration: LANs are often managed by a central authority,
allowing for easier control and security.
(b) With the aid of a diagram, describe frequency division multiplexing.
Answer:
(Diagram):
[Channel 1] [Channel 2] [Channel 3] [Channel 4]
| | | | |
| f1 | f2 | f3 | f4 |
-------------------------------------------------- Time
Description:
Frequency division multiplexing (FDM) divides the available bandwidth into multiple
non-overlapping frequency channels. Each channel is assigned to a different user or
data stream. This allows multiple signals to be transmitted simultaneously over a
single communication medium.
(c) Outline two disadvantages of (i) above.
Answer:
1. Bandwidth Wastage: If a channel is not being used, its bandwidth is wasted.
2. Guard Bands: FDM requires guard bands (unused frequency ranges) between
channels to prevent interference, further reducing the effective bandwidth.
(d) Outline three characteristics of fiber optics.
Answer:
1. High Bandwidth: Fiber optic cables offer extremely high bandwidth,
allowing for very fast data transmission.
2. Low Signal Attenuation: Signals can travel long distances with minimal
signal loss.
3. Immunity to Electromagnetic Interference: Fiber optic cables are not
affected by electromagnetic interference, providing reliable and secure
communication.
(e) Describe three features of radio waves as a wireless transmission medium.
Answer:
1. Omnidirectional Propagation: Radio waves can travel in all directions,
making them suitable for broadcasting and mobile communication.
2. Penetration: Radio waves can penetrate through walls and other obstacles,
allowing for communication in various environments.
3. Frequency Dependence: The characteristics of radio waves vary depending
on their frequency, affecting their range, penetration, and data carrying
capacity.
(f) With the aid of a diagram, describe sky wave propagation mode.
Answer:
(Diagram):
[Transmitter]
\
\ [Ionosphere]
\/
X
/\
/ \
/ \
[Receiver]
Description:
Sky wave propagation uses the ionosphere, a layer of the Earth's atmosphere, to
reflect radio waves back to the Earth's surface. This allows for long-distance
communication beyond the horizon. The ionosphere's properties vary with time of day
and solar activity, affecting the range and quality of the signal.
QUESTION 5
(a) Define the term routing metric as used in TCP/IP model.
Answer:
A routing metric is a value assigned to a route by a routing protocol. It is used to
determine the best path for data packets to travel from source to destination. Metrics
can be based on factors like hop count, bandwidth, delay, and cost.
(b) Explain three routing metrics apart from communication cost.
Answer:
1. Hop Count: The number of routers a packet must pass through to reach its
destination.
2. Bandwidth: The data transfer capacity of the links along a route. Higher
bandwidth links are generally preferred.
3. Delay: The time it takes for a packet to travel from source to destination.
Lower delay routes are preferred for real-time applications.
(c) Differentiate between OSPF and RIP as routing algorithms.
Answer:
RIP (Routing Information Protocol): A distance-vector routing protocol that
uses hop count as its metric. It is simple to configure but has limitations in
terms of scalability and convergence speed.
OSPF (Open Shortest Path First): A link-state routing protocol that uses a
more sophisticated metric based on link cost. It is more complex but offers
better scalability and faster convergence.
(d) With the aid of a diagram explain a circuit switched network.
Answer:
(Diagram):
[Device A] --- [Switch] --- [Device B]
Description:
In a circuit-switched network, a dedicated physical circuit is established between the
sender and receiver before communication begins. This circuit remains active for the
duration of the communication, providing a guaranteed bandwidth and connection.
The switch manages the establishment and maintenance of the circuit.
(e) Outline three disadvantages of (i) above.
Answer:
1. Inefficient Bandwidth Utilization: The dedicated circuit remains active even
if there is no data being transmitted, leading to inefficient bandwidth
utilization.
2. Blocking: If all circuits are in use, new connections cannot be established,
resulting in blocking.
3. Setup Time: It takes time to establish a circuit before communication can
begin, leading to delays.
