FACU

LTY OF COMPUTER ENGINEERING INFORMATICS AND COMMUNICATIONS

NAME: PREVELEDGE TAWODZERA

REGISTRATION NUMBER: R231518C

COURSE: DATA COMMUNICATION AND NETWORKS

Department: ANALYTICS AND INFORMATICS

Assignment 1
1a. Loopback Address

A loopback address is a special IP address that is used for testing and diagnostic purposes on
a network device. It allows a device to send network traffic to itself. It allows a device to
communicate with itself. It is primarily used for troubleshooting and testing purposes, such as
checking if TCP/IP is functioning correctly on a local machine.
b. Network Address

A network address is a way to uniquely identify a network. This is crucial for routing data
packets to the correct destination.In the context of IP (Internet Protocol) networking, the
network address is part of an IP address.
c. Broadcast Address
The broadcast address is used to send data to all devices on a specific network segment or
subnet. It is utilized for various network services, such as DHCP and ARP, to communicate
with all devices on a local network simultaneously.
2. Transmission Media is broadly classified into two groups. Distinguish between the two,
citing examples.
Guided Media

Definition: Guided media refer to transmission media that provide a physical path for signals
to travel. The signals are confined to a specific path and do not spread out in all directions.
Examples:
Twisted Pair Cable: Commonly used in telephone networks and local area networks (LANs).
It consists of pairs of insulated copper wires twisted together to reduce interference.
Coaxial Cable: Used for cable television and internet connections. It consists of a central
conductor, insulating layer, a metallic shield, and an outer insulating layer.
Fiber Optic Cable: Uses light to transmit data through thin strands of glass or plastic. It is
known for high bandwidth and long-distance transmission capabilities.
Unguided Media
Definition: Unguided media, also known as wireless media, allow signals to travel through
the air or space without a physical conductor. The signals can spread out and may be received
by any device within range.
Examples:
Radio Waves: Used for broadcasting audio and video signals, as well as for various
communication systems like mobile phones and Wi-Fi.
Microwaves: Utilized for point-to-point communication systems, satellite communication,
and some types of wireless networks.
Infrared: Used for short-range communication, such as remote controls and some wireless
devices like infrared data association

3. With the help of a diagram, explain the Crossover Cable wiring layout.

The crossover cable wiring layout typically follows the T568A and T568B standards. Below
is a diagram illustrating the pinouts for both ends of a crossover cable:
End A (T568A): The first end of the crossover cable is wired according to the T568A standard.

End B (T568B): The second end is wired according to the T568B standard.

Crossing Pairs: The key feature of a crossover cable is that the transmit and receive pairs are
swapped:
 Pin 1 (TX) on one end connects to Pin 3 (RX) on the other end.
 Pin 2 (TX) connects to Pin 6 (RX).

4. Draw the structure of a MAC frame.

Preamble (7 bytes): A sequence of bits used for synchronization, helping the receiver align its
clock with the sender's transmission.
Start Frame Delimiter (1 byte): Marks the beginning of the frame, indicating where the actual
data starts.
Destination MAC Address (6 bytes): The unique hardware address of the intended recipient
device, ensuring the frame reaches the correct destination.
Source MAC Address (6 bytes): The unique hardware address of the sending device, allowing
the recipient to identify who sent the frame.
EtherType/Length (2 bytes): Indicates the type of protocol being carried in the payload (like
IPv4 or IPv6) or specifies the length of the payload in some cases.
Payload/Data (46-1500 bytes): The actual data being transmitted, such as network packets. This
is where the useful information resides.
Frame Check Sequence (4 bytes): A checksum value used to detect errors in the frame. It
ensures that the data has not been corrupted during transmission.

5. Differentiate between synchronous and asynchronous modes of communication.

Feature Synchronous Asynchronous

Definition Occurs in real-time with simultaneous Does not require simultaneous
presence presence
Feedback Immediate feedback is possible Delayed feedback, responses at
convenience
Examples Phone calls, video conferences, face-to- Emails, text messages,
face meetings discussion forums
Advantages Quick decision-making, enhanced Flexibility in response time,
collaboration suitable for different time
zones
Disadvantages Requires coordination of schedules, Can slow down decision-
availability making, potential for
miscommunication
Interaction Style Direct interaction Indirect interaction

6. Discuss the role of Standards in data communications and networking .

a. Interoperability

 Definition: Standards enable different devices and systems from various manufacturers
to work together seamlessly.
 Importance: This ensures that components such as routers, switches, and network
cables can communicate effectively, regardless of the brand.
b. Compatibility
 Definition: Standards define specifications for protocols, interfaces, and data formats.

 Importance: Ensures that new devices can integrate into existing networks without
requiring significant changes.
7. Describe how devices in an Ethernet network implement CSMA/CD to avoid and detect
collisions.
1. Carrier Sensing

Before a device (referred to as a node) transmits data, it first listens to the network to check if
the medium is free. This is known as "carrier sensing." If the channel is clear, the device
prepares to send its data.

2. Transmission

Once the device detects that the channel is idle, it begins to transmit its data. The
transmission occurs in packets, and the device continues to monitor the network while
sending data.

3. Collision Detection

While transmitting, the device simultaneously listens to the network to detect any collisions.
A collision occurs when two or more devices attempt to send data at the same time. If a
collision is detected, the devices will notice that the signal on the network is different from
what they are sending.

4. Collision Handling

When a collision is detected, the following steps are taken:

 Jamming Signal: Each device involved in the collision sends a jamming signal to
ensure that all nodes on the network are aware of the collision. This signal is typically
a brief burst of noise that indicates a collision has occurred.
 Backoff Algorithm: After sending the jamming signal, each device waits a random
amount of time before attempting to retransmit. This is known as the backoff period.
The random backoff helps to avoid repeated collisions by reducing the chance that the
same devices will attempt to retransmit simultaneously.

5. Retransmission

After the backoff period, the devices again check the network. If the channel is clear, they
will retransmit their data. This process of sensing, transmitting, detecting collisions, and
backing off continues until the data is successfully transmitted without collisions.

effectively, minimizing the chances of collisions and ensuring smooth communication

between devices.