UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS: 2017/2018
EXAMINATION FOR THE DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
DIT402 FUNDAMENTALS OF COMPUTER NETWORKS
FULLTIME & PARTTIME
DATE: AUGUST, 2018 TIME: 2 HOURS
INSTRUCTIONS: Answer Question 1 AND any other TWO questions.
QUESTION ONE (COMPULSORY)
a) Define the following terms as used with networks [8 Marks]
(i) Internet
(ii) LAN
(iii) WAN
(iv) Token
(v) CSMA/CA
(vi) coaxial
(vii) modal dispersion
(viii) dumb terminal
b) Explain the difference between flow control and routing [4 Marks]
c) Explain TWO impairments that affect UTP cables [4 Marks]
d) Using an example explain what a MAC address is [3 Marks]
e) Describe the changes that a packet goes through as it travels across the 7 layers of the OSI
reference model in a network [6 Marks]
f) Name two classes of IP addresses and explain the difference [2 Marks]
g) List any two dedicated links used as media access methods [1 Mark]
QUESTION TWO
a) Outline the three main threats that face data in networks [6 Marks]
b) Describe the Logical threats that affect computer networks and their mitigation [6 Marks]
c) Discuss any encryption method [4 Marks]
d) Describe how the dial-back access control method works [4 marks]
QUESTION THREE
a) Describe the following network devices and their function. Give a disadvantage of each
[9 Marks]
(i) Router
(ii) Bridge
(iii) Hub
(iv) Repeater
b) Discuss the CSMA media access method [4 Marks]
c) Outline two advantages and one disadvantage of CSMA/CD [3 Marks]
d) Discuss one flow control method used in computer networks [4 Marks]
QUESTION FOUR
a) Define guided media [2 Marks]
b) Describe the optical fiber operation [4 Marks]
c) You are to give advice on media selection. Compare the transmission line to infrared links
[4 Marks]
d) Describe the distance vector routing algorithm. An example could be included [7 Marks]
e) Explain baseband signaling [3 Marks]
QUESTION FIVE
a) Define the following terms used with compter networking [4 Marks]
(i) bandwidth
(ii) data-rate
(iii) RJ45
(iv) baud
b) Name six topologies in computer networks. Describe them briefly [6 Marks]
c) Discuss the 10 Base T LAN [5 Marks]
d) Describe the ATM WAN [5 Marks]
