COMPUTER NETWORKING

QUESTIONS
1. (a) Defining the following terms as they relate to computer networks:
Networking topology
Protocols
Bandwidth
Latency
(b) explain the OSI Reference Model. Describe the function of each layer .

(c) Differentiate between circuit switching and packet switching. Provide an example of where
each is used.
(d) what are key function of data Link layer in a net work ?

2. (a) Define the term IP address. Differentiate between IPv4 and IPv6
(b) Explain the difference between Unicast, Broadcast and Multicast communication in a
network
3. (a) What is Ethernet Discuss the main characteristics of Ethernet technology
(b) Write short notes on the following :
MAC Address
CSMA/CD
4. (a) Explain the concept of Routing in networks. Differentiate between static Routing and
Dynamic Routing

(b) Write an overview of TCP and its features how does it ensures reliable data transmission?

5. (a) Define the term Wireless LAN (WLAN ). List two major standards used in WLAN communication.

(b) What are the benefits and challenges of Wireless Networks compared to Wired Networks ?

6. (a) Discuss the concept of Congestion Control in network communication

(b) Describe the function of Domain Name System (DNS) and its importance in network communication.

Here are the answers to your questions about computer networking concepts:

### 1. (a) Defining Terms Related to Computer Networks

- **Networking Topology**: Refers to the arrangement or physical structure of a computer

network. It describes how different devices (nodes) are connected and communicate with each
other. Common types include star, ring, bus, mesh, and hybrid topologies.
- **Protocols**: A set of rules or standards that define how data is transmitted and received
across a network. Examples include TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP, and DNS.

- **Bandwidth**: The maximum rate at which data can be transmitted over a network
connection in a given amount of time, typically measured in bits per second (bps).

- **Latency**: The time delay experienced in a network when data is sent from one point to
another. It’s usually measured in milliseconds (ms) and affects the responsiveness of the
network.

### 1. (b) OSI Reference Model Explanation

The **OSI (Open Systems Interconnection)** model is a conceptual framework that

standardizes the functions of a telecommunication or computing system into seven abstraction
layers. Each layer serves a specific function and interacts with the layers above and below it.

1. **Physical Layer**: Deals with the physical connection between devices and the transmission
of raw bit streams over a physical medium.

2. **Data Link Layer**: Responsible for node-to-node data transfer, error detection, and
correction (e.g., Ethernet).

3. **Network Layer**: Manages data transfer between different networks, handling routing and
addressing (e.g., IP).

4. **Transport Layer**: Ensures reliable data transfer between systems and handles error
recovery and flow control (e.g., TCP).

5. **Session Layer**: Manages sessions or connections between applications (e.g., starting,

managing, and terminating connections).

6. **Presentation Layer**: Translates data between the application layer and the network,
handling encryption, compression, and data formatting.

7. **Application Layer**: Provides services for end-user applications, enabling them to

communicate over the network (e.g., HTTP, FTP).

### 1. (c) Circuit Switching vs Packet Switching

- **Circuit Switching**: A method of network communication where a dedicated

communication path or circuit is established between two nodes for the duration of the
communication session. Example: Traditional telephone networks.
- **Packet Switching**: Data is broken into small packets and each packet is sent independently
over the network. The packets may take different paths and are reassembled at the destination.
Example: The internet.

### 1. (d) Key Functions of the Data Link Layer

- Frame synchronization: Ensures the correct frames are sent and received.
- Error detection and correction: Detects and corrects errors that may occur during data
transmission.
- Flow control: Regulates the flow of data to ensure that the sender does not overwhelm the
receiver.
- Media access control (MAC): Determines how devices on the network gain access to the
medium and permission to transmit data.

---

### 2. (a) Definition of IP Address and Differences Between IPv4 and IPv6

- **IP Address**: A unique identifier assigned to each device connected to a network, used to
locate and identify the device on the network.

- **IPv4 vs IPv6**:
- **IPv4**: Uses 32-bit addresses, allowing for approximately 4.3 billion unique addresses.
Example: 192.168.1.1.
- **IPv6**: Uses 128-bit addresses, allowing for a vastly larger number of unique addresses
(approximately 340 undecillion). Example: 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334.

### 2. (b) Differences Between Unicast, Broadcast, and Multicast Communication

- **Unicast**: One-to-one communication where data is sent from one source to one
destination.

- **Broadcast**: One-to-all communication where data is sent from one source to all devices in
the network.

- **Multicast**: One-to-many communication where data is sent from one source to multiple
specific devices on the network.

---

### 3. (a) Ethernet and Its Main Characteristics

- **Ethernet**: A widely-used networking technology that defines the physical and data link
layers of wired networks. It enables communication between devices using the same protocols.
 **Main characteristics**:
- Operates in the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model.
- Uses MAC addresses for addressing devices.
- Utilizes CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection) to manage data
transmission.

### 3. (b) Short Notes

- **MAC Address**: A unique identifier assigned to network interfaces for communications at

the data link layer. MAC addresses are hardware addresses, typically burned into the network
card.

- **CSMA/CD**: A network protocol used in Ethernet that detects collisions during data
transmission. If a collision is detected, the devices stop transmitting and wait for a random
period before trying again.

---

### 4. (a) Routing in Networks and Static vs Dynamic Routing

- **Routing**: The process of determining the best path for data to travel across a network
from source to destination.

- **Static Routing**: Routes are manually configured by a network administrator. They don’t
change unless manually updated.

- **Dynamic Routing**: Routers automatically adjust and calculate the best path based on the
current network conditions using protocols such as OSPF, RIP, or BGP.

### 4. (b) Overview of TCP and Its Features

- **Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)**: A connection-oriented protocol used in networks

that ensures reliable data transmission.

**Features**:
- **Error Detection**: Uses checksums to detect errors in data.
- **Acknowledgement**: Each packet sent must be acknowledged by the receiver.
- **Sequencing**: Ensures packets are received and reassembled in the correct order.
- **Flow Control**: Controls the rate at which data is sent to prevent overwhelming the
receiver.

---
### 5. (a) Definition of Wireless LAN (WLAN) and Major Standards

- **Wireless LAN (WLAN)**: A wireless computer network that allows devices to connect and
communicate within a local area without the need for physical cables.

- **Major Standards**:
1. **IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax**: Standards that define the protocols for wireless networking.
2. **Wi-Fi**: A common technology based on the IEEE 802.11 standards.

### 5. (b) Benefits and Challenges of Wireless Networks Compared to Wired Networks

- **Benefits**:
- Mobility and flexibility: Devices can connect without physical cables.
- Easier installation and scalability: No need to lay cables, making it easy to expand.

- **Challenges**:
- Security: Wireless networks are more vulnerable to attacks.
- Reliability: Wireless signals can be affected by interference and physical obstacles.

---

### 6. (a) Concept of Congestion Control in Network Communication

- **Congestion Control**: Techniques used to prevent network congestion, which occurs when
too many packets are sent to a network, exceeding its capacity. Methods like TCP congestion
control and queue management help manage this.

### 6. (b) Function of DNS and Its Importance

- **Domain Name System (DNS)**: A hierarchical system that translates human-readable

domain names (e.g., www.example.com) into IP addresses (e.g., 192.0.2.1). It allows users to
access websites using easy-to-remember names instead of numeric IP addresses.

**Importance**:
- Simplifies the use of the internet.
- Enables scalability by allowing domain names to change without affecting end-users.