UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS: 2018/2019
EXAMINATION FOR THE DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
DIT402 FUNDAMENTALS OF COMPUTER NETWORKS
FULLTIME/PARTIME
DATE: DECEMBER, 2018 TIME: 2 HOURS
INSTRUCTIONS: Answer Question ONE AND any other TWO questions.
QUESTION ONE
a) With regard to networks
i. Define the term local area network [1 Mark]
ii. Discuss three distinct advantages of networks [3 Marks]
b) Give the difference between LAN and WAN networks. Give examples. [4 Marks]
c) Using relevant example show the difference between the physical (MAC) address and the
logical (IP) address as used in computer networks [4 Marks]
d) Define base-band signaling as used in networks [2 Marks]
e) Explain the meaning of multiplexing. [2 Marks]
f) Outline two types of the following networking/internetworking devices [6 Marks]
i. hubs
ii. routers
iii. bridges
g) Explain the statement “star-ring”. A suitable diagram may be used. [4 Marks]
h) Explain the following with regard to data transfer [4 Marks]
i. baud rate
ii. data rate
iii. RL factor
iv. bandwidth
QUESTION TWO
a) Describe four component of a computer network [4 Marks]
b) Describe one distance vector routing algorithm. Briefly outline the operation [6 Marks]
c) Explain two functions of network interface cards (NIC) [4 Marks]
d) Describe key features of peer-to-peer based networks. Name any disadvantage [4 Marks]
e) List two types of servers and their roles [2 Marks]
QUESTION THREE
a) Communication media is needed for data transmission in networks.
i. Explain the difference between guided and unguided media [2 Marks]
ii. For a small LAN explain why you would recommend twisted pair media [2 Marks]
iii. List two types of optical fiber in the market today [2 Marks]
iv. Outline four advantages of optical fiber over coaxial cable [4 Marks]
b) Describe the following four impairments found in communication media [8 Marks]
i. Modal dispersion
ii. cross-talk
iii. EMI
iv. attenuation
c) Explain the importance of Signal-to-Noise ratio [2 Marks]
QUESTION FOUR
a) Network models use a layered approach to solving communication issues.
i. Describe how data changes as it moves from a lower layer to a higher layer
[2 Marks]
ii. Discuss the roles of the top three layers of the OSI model [6 Marks]
iii. Describe how the TCP/IP protocol stack manages packet transfer [6 Marks]
b) Outline the operation of the token passing media access method [4 Marks]
c) Give any two advantages of token passing [2 Marks]
QUESTION FIVE
a) Give in full the following common network acronyms [10 Marks]
i. CSMA/CA
ii. UTP
iii. OSI
iv. LAN
v. FDM
vi. IP
b) Define the term protocol as used in networks [1 Mark]
c) Describe the need for congestion control algorithms in networks [2 Marks]
d) Name one congestion control algorithm [1 Mark]
e) With the aid of suitable diagrams give three common network topologies. For each give an
example. [6 Marks]
