Unit -1 Computer Network and Communication
1. Write the full forms of the following abbreviations:
a) DSL – Digital Subscriber Line
b) bps – bits per second
c) LAN – Local Area Network
d) TCP/IP – Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol
e) IPv6 – Internet Protocol version 6
f) ISP – Internet Service Provider
g) RFID – Radio Frequency Identification
h) CAT6 – Category 6 (network cable standard)
i) NCP – Network Control Protocol
j) DNS – Domain Name System
2. Choose the correct answer from the given options:
i. Which of the following is a broadband Internet connection?
a) DSL b) Fiber optic
c) Cable internet d) All of the above
ii. What is throughput?
a) Theoretical speed of a network
b) Actual data transferred in a given time
c) Length of a network cable
d) Number of users
iii. What is a data packet?
a) A physical network device
b) A unit of data sent over a network
c) A type of wireless method
d) A security tool
iv. Which of the following is a type of bounded (guided) media?
a) Fiber optic b) Infrared
c) Microwave d) Laser
v. Which term refers to sending data from Earth to a satellite?
a) Downlink b) Modulate
c) Uplink d) Download
vi. What is the RJ45 connector mainly used for?
a) USB connections b) Telephone lines
c) Ethernet networking d) Fiber optics
vii. What is the connection pattern of computers in a network called?
a) Protocol b) Topology
c) Twisted pair d) Structure
viii. Which topology uses a hub to connect all devices?
a) Ring topology b) Bus topology
c) Star topology d) Hybrid topology
ix. What type of network connects LANs over large areas?
a) PAN b) MAN
c) WAN d) CAN
x. Which of the following are Internet services?
a) IRC b) Telnet
c) Email d) All of the above
xi. Which protocol is used to transfer files between computers?
a) FAQ b) IRC
c) FTP d) TPF
xii. What is the length of an IPv4 address?
a) 16 bits b) 32 bits
c) 64 bits d) 128 bits
xiii. What does an IP address identify?
a) A software
b) A network cable
c) A specific device on the network
d) A computer brand
xiv. Which protocol is commonly used for sending emails?
a) HTTP b) FTP
c) SMTP d) DHCP
xv. Which device strengthens weak network signals for long distances?
a) Switch b) Router
c) Repeater d) Bridge
3. Write short answers to these questions.
a) What is broadband? How is it different from dial-up connections?
Ans:Broadband is a high-speed internet connection that is always on. Dial-up uses telephone lines and connects slowly only when needed.
b) Define bandwidth. How is it measured?
Ans:Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transmitted in a given time. It is measured in bits per second (bps), like Mbps or Gbps.
c) What is a data packet in networking?
Ans: A data packet is a small unit of data sent over a network. Large data is broken into packets for transmission.
d) What is frequency in telecommunications?
Ans: Frequency is the number of signal waves that pass a point in one second. It is measured in Hertz (Hz).
e) What is the function of a repeater?
Ans: A repeater strengthens or regenerates signals so they can travel longer distances without losing quality.
f) What is a computer network? How is it useful?
Ans: A computer network is a group of connected computers that share data and resources. It is useful for communication, file sharing, and internet access.
g) Why is wireless communication becoming more popular today?
Ans: Wireless communication is popular because it is easy to use, mobile, and does not require cables.
h) Describe the RJ45 connector. Where is it commonly used?
Ans: RJ45 is a connector used for Ethernet cables. It is commonly used in LAN (Local Area Network) connections.
i) What is a media converter? Mention its main function.
Ans: A media converter is a device that changes one type of transmission signal to another (e.g., electrical to optical).
j) What is the difference between bandwidth and throughput?
Ans:Bandwidth is the maximum data capacity, while throughput is the actual data transferred.
k) How does Wi-Fi transmit data without cables?
Ans: Wi-Fi uses radio waves to send and receive data without cables.
l) How does data travel from one computer to another in a network?
Ans: Data travels in packets through cables or wireless signals, passing through devices like routers and switches to reach the destination.
m) How does data flow in a ring topology?
Ans: In ring topology, data travels in one direction around a circular path until it reaches the destination.
n) Mention one real-life use of satellite communication.
Ans: One real-life use is television broadcasting.
o) List two types of communication media and give one example of each.
Ans: - Wired media: Example – Optical fiber cable
- Wireless media: Example – Radio waves
4. Write long answers to these questions.
i. What is communication media?
Ans: Communication media refers to the path or channel through which data and information travel from one device to another in a computer network. Without communication media, devices cannot share information or communicate.
There are mainly two types of communication media:
Wired (Guided) Media:
In this type, data travels through physical cables. Examples include twisted pair cables, coaxial cables, and fiber optic cables. These are fast and secure but less flexible.
Wireless (Unguided) Media:
In this type, data travels through air using signals like radio waves. Examples include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and satellite communication. These are flexible and easy to use but may be slower or less secure.
Communication media is very important because it helps in data transfer, internet access, file sharing, and communication between devices.
ii. Differentiate between LAN and MAN.
Ans: LAN (Local Area Network) and MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) are two types of networks based on their coverage area.
A LAN covers a small area such as a classroom, office, or school. It is commonly used in homes and schools where devices are connected within a limited space. LAN provides high speed, is easy to maintain, and has low cost. It is usually owned and controlled by a single organization.
On the other hand, a MAN covers a larger area like a city or town. It connects multiple LANs together. For example, a network connecting different branches of an organization across a city is a MAN. It is more expensive than LAN and requires more infrastructure. It may be managed by government or large organizations.
In summary, LAN is small, fast, and low-cost, while MAN is larger, more complex, and more expensive.
iii. Explain the differences between client-server and peer-to-peer network architectures.
Ans: Client-server and peer-to-peer are two different types of network architectures.
In a client-server network, there is a central computer called a server that controls the network. All other computers (clients) request services and resources from the server. The server manages data, security, and user access. This type of network is more secure and organized. It is used in banks, offices, and large organizations.
In a peer-to-peer network, all computers are equal and there is no central server. Each computer can act as both a client and a server. Devices share resources directly with each other. This type of network is simple and low cost but less secure and harder to manage.
The main difference is that client-server has centralized control and high security, while peer-to-peer has no central control and is cheaper but less secure.
iv. Suppose your school wants to set up a network in three separate buildings. What type of network should be used? Justify your answer by explaining how it would support communication, file sharing, and internet access.
Ans: If a school wants to connect three separate buildings, the most suitable network type is a MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) or an extended LAN using high-speed connections.
This is because the buildings are located in different places but still within the same campus or nearby area. A MAN can connect multiple LANs from each building into one large network.
This network would support communication by allowing teachers and students in different buildings to send messages and share information easily. It would support file sharing by connecting all buildings to a central server where files and data are stored. It would also provide internet access by connecting all buildings through a common router or internet connection.
Technologies like fiber optic cables or wireless links can be used to connect the buildings. This ensures fast, reliable, and efficient networking across the school.
v. Create a network model for your home that includes three PCs, one printer, and one mobile device connected to the internet. Describe the devices, connection types (wired or wireless), and technologies (router,switch or Wi-Fi) you would use.
Ans: A simple home network can be designed using three computers (PCs), one printer, one mobile device, a router, and optionally a switch.
The router acts as the main device that connects the home network to the internet. It also provides Wi-Fi for wireless connections. The three PCs and the printer can be connected to the router using Ethernet cables (wired connection). If there are not enough ports, a switch can be used to connect multiple devices.
The mobile device connects to the network using Wi-Fi (wireless connection). The printer can be shared among all computers through the network.
In this model, wired connections provide faster and more stable communication for PCs and printer, while wireless connection gives flexibility for mobile devices. This setup allows all devices to share files, use the printer, and access the internet easily.
vi. Which network type would be more suitable for a small office: client- server or peer-to-peer? Justify your answer by comparing features like cost, security, scalability, and management.
Ans: For a small office, a client-server network is more suitable than a peer-to-peer network.
Although peer-to-peer networks are cheaper and easier to set up, they have many limitations. They provide less security, no centralized management, and are difficult to maintain as the number of computers increases.
On the other hand, a client-server network provides better security because data is stored and managed by a central server. It offers centralized control, making it easier to manage users and resources. It is also more scalable, meaning it can grow easily as the office expands. Even though it has higher cost, it is more reliable and efficient for professional use.
Therefore, a client-server network is the best choice for a small office because of its security, management, and future growth capability.
vii. Design a simple layout for a school computer lab network using at least one switch, 10 computers, and internet access. Explain your design choices and how the devices would communicate with each other.
Ans: A simple network layout for a school computer lab can include 10 computers, one switch, and one router.
All 10 computers are connected to the switch using Ethernet cables. The switch acts as a central device that connects all computers and allows them to communicate with each other. The switch is then connected to a router, which provides internet access.
In this setup, when one computer sends data to another, the switch helps in transferring the data quickly and efficiently. The router connects the entire lab to the internet, allowing students to browse websites and use online resources.
This design is simple, cost-effective, and easy to manage. It provides fast communication between computers and reliable internet access, making it suitable for a school lab environment.
End of Unit-1 Computer Network and Communication
