DATA COMMUNICATION & COMPUTER NETWORK
1. What is data communication? Describe the five components of a data
communication system.
2. Differentiate between analog and digital signals used in data communication.
3. Define a computer network. List and explain the types of computer networks based
on size and distance.
4. What is the difference between LAN, MAN, and WAN? Give examples of each.
5. What do you understand by protocol? Explain the need for protocols in computer
networks.
6. Describe the OSI reference model. Explain the functions of each layer.
7. Compare the OSI model with the TCP/IP model in terms of structure and
functionality.
8. Define network standards. Why are standards important in networking? Name any
two standard organizations.
9. Define data transmission. What are the key differences between serial and parallel
transmission?
10. Explain the terms: simplex, half-duplex, and full-duplex transmission modes with
suitable examples.
11. Differentiate between analog and digital data transmission with examples.
12. What are the basic differences between analog signal and digital signal? Draw
waveforms to support your answer.
13. What are transmission impairments? Describe attenuation, noise, and distortion.
14. Define channel capacity. What are the factors that affect the capacity of a
communication channel?
15. Explain Shannon’s Capacity Theorem and its significance in data transmission.
16. What are the different types of transmission media? Classify them into guided and
unguided categories.
17. Compare twisted pair cable, coaxial cable, and optical fiber based on speed, cost,
and interference.
18. What is wireless transmission? Describe any two wireless transmission methods with
examples.
19. What is data encoding? Why is it necessary in data communication?
20. List and describe any three digital-to-digital encoding schemes.
21. What is NRZ (Non-Return-to-Zero)? Explain the difference between NRZ-L and NRZ-I
with diagrams.
22. Describe the Manchester and Differential Manchester encoding techniques.
23. Explain how digital data can be converted to analog signals using Amplitude Shift
Keying (ASK).
24. Differentiate between ASK, FSK, and PSK. Provide one use-case of each.
25. What is meant by Analog-to-Digital conversion? Describe PCM (Pulse Code
Modulation) with a block diagram.
26. Explain the concept of sampling in Analog-to-Digital conversion. What is Nyquist’s
Theorem?
27. Differentiate between asynchronous and synchronous transmission with suitable
diagrams.
28. What is error detection in data communication? Explain any two error detection
techniques.
29. What is parity check? How does it help in error detection?
30. Define line configuration. Compare point-to-point and multipoint configurations.
31. What is flow control? Explain the stop-and-wait and sliding window flow control
mechanisms.
32. What is multiplexing? Why is it needed in data communication systems?
33. Explain the working of Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM) with a neat diagram.
34. Compare synchronous Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) and Statistical TDM.
35. What is switching in computer networks? Explain circuit switching with a neat
diagram.
36. Differentiate between circuit switching and packet switching with at least three
points.
37. What are the basic principles of packet switching? Explain the advantages of packet
switching.
38. Explain the architecture and working of the X.25 protocol. What are its main layers?
39. Define network congestion. What are the main causes of congestion in a network?
40. Explain the effects of congestion on network performance.
41. What is congestion control? Describe any two congestion control techniques.
42. Explain the role of traffic management in data communication networks.
43. Define network topology. Explain different types of LAN topologies with diagrams.
44. What is LAN protocol architecture? Explain the functions of each layer involved.
45. What is Medium Access Control (MAC)? Explain its role in LAN communication.
46. Differentiate between a hub, switch, and bridge based on functionality.
47. What is a network bridge? How does it work in a LAN environment?
48. Explain the CSMA/CD access method used in Ethernet.
49. What is Ethernet? Describe its key characteristics.
50. Write a short note on Fiber Channel. How is it different from traditional Ethernet?
51. Explain the working of Wireless LAN (Wi-Fi). What are its advantages and limitations
compared to wired LANs?
52. What is the TCP/IP Protocol Suite? List and explain the layers involved in the TCP/IP
model.
53. Compare the OSI model and TCP/IP model with respect to layers and functions.
54. Describe the basic functions of the TCP protocol.
55. What are the functions of the IP protocol in the TCP/IP suite?
56. Explain the principles of internetworking. How does TCP/IP support internetworking?
57. What is the role of the Transport Layer in the TCP/IP model? Compare TCP and UDP.
58. Describe the working of Internet Protocol (IP) in detail. How does it handle
addressing and routing?
59. Explain how IP addressing works. What are IPv4 and IPv6, and how are they
different?
