Section A — 1 Mark Questions
1. Define a computer network. [1 Mark]
Answer: A computer network is a collection of interconnected computing devices that share resources and data using communication protocols.
2. What is the primary purpose of a PAN? [1 Mark]
Answer: A Personal Area Network (PAN) is used for communication among personal devices within a very close proximity, typically within an individual's workspace.
3. Identify the network type that covers a large geographical area like a city. [1 Mark]
Answer: Metropolitan Area Network (MAN).
4. What is a network topology? [1 Mark]
Answer: Network topology refers to the geometric arrangement of the various elements (links, nodes, etc.) in a computer network.
5. Which network type spans the largest geographical distance? [1 Mark]
Answer: Wide Area Network (WAN).
6. State one common characteristic of a LAN. [1 Mark]
Answer: LANs generally have high data transfer speeds and are limited to a small geographical area like an office or building.
7. What is an internetwork? [1 Mark]
Answer: An internetwork is a collection of individual networks connected by intermediate networking devices to function as a single large network.
8. Name one application of computer networks. [1 Mark]
Answer: Resource sharing, such as sharing printers or file storage across multiple users.
9. Does a LAN typically require external telecommunication lines? [1 Mark]
Answer: No, a LAN is usually confined to a private property and does not require external leased lines.
10. Define the term node in a network. [1 Mark]
Answer: A node is any device connected to a network, such as a computer, printer, or server.
11. What does WAN stand for? [1 Mark]
Answer: Wide Area Network.
12. Give an example of a common network topology. [1 Mark]
Answer: Star topology.
13. Is a MAN larger than a LAN? [1 Mark]
Answer: Yes, a MAN covers a city-wide area whereas a LAN covers a smaller area like a building.
14. What is the main advantage of sharing hardware in a network? [1 Mark]
Answer: It reduces costs by allowing multiple users to access a single device like a high-end printer or server.
15. What is the full form of PAN? [1 Mark]
Answer: Personal Area Network.
16. Can a network improve data security? [1 Mark]
Answer: Yes, by allowing centralized data management and access control.
17. What is a common medium used in networks? [1 Mark]
Answer: Twisted pair copper wire or optical fiber cables.
18. Are all networks connected to the internet? [1 Mark]
Answer: No, private networks may operate as isolated systems (intranets).
19. What is meant by network scalability? [1 Mark]
Answer: It is the ability of a network to grow or add more devices without significant degradation in performance.
20. Define the term protocol in the context of networking. [1 Mark]
Answer: A protocol is a set of rules that governs how data is transmitted and received between devices on a network.
Section B — 2/3 Mark Questions
1. Differentiate between LAN and WAN. [3 Marks]
Answer: LAN covers a small area (room/building) with high speed and private ownership, while WAN covers a large area (country/continent), typically uses leased lines/satellites, and generally has lower speeds compared to LAN.
2. List two important applications of computer networks. [2 Marks]
Answer: 1. Resource Sharing: Users can share hardware like printers and software applications. 2. Communication: Enables efficient communication via email, instant messaging, and video conferencing.
3. What is a MAN and where is it used? [2 Marks]
Answer: A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) covers a geographical area such as a city. It is used to connect multiple LANs within a city to provide high-speed connectivity to offices or local government bodies.
4. Why is network topology important? [3 Marks]
Answer: Topology is crucial because it dictates: 1. Cost: The amount of cabling and hardware required. 2. Performance: How efficiently data travels. 3. Reliability: The ease of troubleshooting and the impact of a node failure on the rest of the network.
5. Explain the role of an internetwork. [2 Marks]
Answer: An internetwork connects different, independent networks together. This allows devices on physically separate and potentially different types of networks to communicate with each other seamlessly.
6. State two characteristics of a PAN. [2 Marks]
Answer: 1. It is centered around an individual's personal workspace. 2. It typically covers a very short range, usually within a few meters.
7. Describe the term 'Resource Sharing' in networking. [3 Marks]
Answer: Resource sharing allows multiple users on a network to access common resources. This includes hardware sharing (e.g., using a single laser printer among ten users), data sharing (e.g., accessing a central database), and software sharing (e.g., running applications from a network server).
8. What is the difference between physical and logical topology? [3 Marks]
Answer: Physical topology refers to the actual physical layout of wires and cables. Logical topology refers to the path data takes as it travels through the network, which may differ from the physical connections.
9. Name two benefits of using a computer network in an office. [2 Marks]
Answer: 1. Centralized administration and management. 2. Improved collaborative working environments by sharing files and data.
10. Explain why high speed is a characteristic of LAN. [2 Marks]
Answer: LANs are designed for limited, local areas. Because the transmission distance is short, there is minimal signal attenuation and noise, allowing for the use of high-bandwidth transmission media like optical fiber or high-grade twisted pair.
Section C — 5 Mark Questions
1. Explain the classification of computer networks based on geographical coverage. [5 Marks]
Answer:
Introduction
Computer networks are primarily classified based on the physical distance they cover, which dictates their hardware requirements and speed characteristics.
Categories
- PAN (Personal Area Network): Covers the smallest area, typically within a few meters of an individual. Examples include Bluetooth-enabled connections between a phone and a headset.
- LAN (Local Area Network): Operates within a building or a small campus. It offers high data transfer rates and low latency. LANs are typically owned and managed by a single organization.
- MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): Spans a city or a large campus. It serves as an interconnection between various LANs. Cable TV networks are a common example of MANs.
- WAN (Wide Area Network): Covers large distances like countries or continents. It uses long-distance transmission technologies like leased lines, fiber-optic backbones, and satellite links. The Internet is the largest example of a WAN.
2. Discuss the importance of computer networks in modern society with examples. [5 Marks]
Answer:
Introduction
Computer networks form the backbone of modern society, enabling global communication and information accessibility.
Key Applications
- Communication: Networks facilitate real-time communication through email, instant messaging, and VoIP (Voice over IP), bridging geographical gaps.
- Information Sharing: The World Wide Web allows instant access to vast amounts of knowledge, effectively turning the world into a global village.
- Resource Optimization: Organizations save significant costs by sharing expensive hardware (servers, storage, printers) among many employees.
- E-commerce and Banking: Modern financial systems rely entirely on secure, high-speed networks for online transactions and banking operations.
- Education: Remote learning and virtual classrooms are made possible by networking technologies, allowing students to access resources from anywhere.
3. Describe the concept of network topology and explain three common types. [5 Marks]
Answer:
Definition
Network topology is the structural arrangement of nodes and links in a network. It defines how devices are connected and how data flows between them.
Common Topologies
- Bus Topology: All nodes are connected to a single central cable called the 'bus'. It is simple to set up but difficult to troubleshoot, and a failure in the main bus causes the entire network to collapse.
- Star Topology: All nodes are connected to a central device like a switch or hub. It is easy to manage, and if one device fails, the rest of the network continues to function.
- Ring Topology: Each device is connected to two neighbors, forming a closed loop. Data travels in one direction. A break in the cable can interrupt the entire communication path.
4. Explain the primary characteristics of computer networks. [5 Marks]
Answer:
Introduction
Computer networks are characterized by their ability to facilitate data exchange and resource optimization efficiently.
Key Characteristics
- Reliability: Networks improve reliability by offering alternative paths for data transmission and providing data backup facilities on servers.
- Scalability: A well-designed network can easily accommodate new devices and users without causing a complete redesign.
- Efficiency: Networks streamline business processes by allowing multiple users to access shared files and databases simultaneously.
- Security: Networks allow for centralized authentication and authorization, ensuring that only authorized users can access sensitive files.
- Performance: Performance is measured by data transfer rates, response times, and the capacity to handle network traffic during peak loads.
5. Compare LAN, MAN, and WAN in a detailed tabular format. [5 Marks]
Answer:
| Feature | LAN | MAN | WAN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geographical Area | Small (Room/Building) | Medium (City) | Large (Country/Globe) |
| Speed | Very High | Moderate | Low to Moderate |
| Ownership | Private | Private or Public | Public/Distributed |
| Technology | Ethernet/Wi-Fi | Fiber/Cable TV | Satellite/Fiber Backbones |
| Complexity | Low | Medium | High |
The table above summarizes the fundamental differences. LAN is ideal for localized high-speed data exchange, while WAN is essential for global connectivity, and MAN bridges the gap between the two.