UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS: 2018/2019
EXAMINATION FOR THE DIPLOMA IN BUSINESS INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY
DBIT401 COMPUTER NETWORKS AND MANAGEMENT
FULLTIME/PARTTIME
DATE: NOVEMBER, 2018 TIME: 2 HOURS
INSTRUCTIONS: Answer Question One & ANY OTHER TWO questions.
QUESTION ONE
a) Define a computer network and state any four factors to consider when evaluating computer networks
[5Marks]
b) Explain the function of the following network components
i) Bridge [2Marks]
ii) Repeater [2Marks]
iii) Router [2Marks]
c) Give any FOUR functions of a network operating system [4Marks]
d) With the aid of a diagram describe the following network topologies
i) Star-bus hybrid topology [3Marks]
ii) Mesh topology [3Marks]
e) Briefly describe the five components of a data communication system [5Marks]
f) Outline three differences between OSI and TCP/IP network reference models [3Marks]
g) State any three tools that are required to terminate a twisted pair cable [3Marks]
QUESTION TWO
a) State five requirements for setting up a wired Ethernet LAN [5Marks]
b) Explain advantages of wireless over wired networks [4Marks]
c) Describe the three main types of routing algorithms [6Marks]
d) Briefly describe the following types of computer networks
i) Local area network
ii) Metropolitan area network
iii) Wide area network
iv) Personal area network
v) Storage area network [5Marks]
QUESTION THREE
a) Draw a labelled diagram showing the seven layers of the OSI model [7Marks]
b) Explain the five factors to consider when choosing a wired transmission media [5Marks]
c) IP addresses can be assigned either statically or dynamically. Explain the difference between the two
stating where each is appropriate [4Marks]
d) Explain two causes of signal impairment in data communication [4Marks]
QUESTION FOUR
a) With the aid of diagrams, describe the following network architectures and state their advantages as well
as disadvantages
i) Client-server architecture [5Marks]
ii) Peer to peer architecture [5Marks]
b) There are different transmission modes characterized according to the direction of the exchanges explain
three such transmission modes [6Marks]
c) State how a university student can benefit from the internet [4Marks]
QUESTION FIVE
a) With the aid of a diagram describe the four layers that form the TCP/IP reference model [8Marks]
b) Describe any four types of servers found in a computer network. [8Marks]
c) State four factors that may cause congestion in computer networks [4Marks]
