UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS: 2016/2017
EXAMINATION FOR THE DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
DIT402 FUNDAMENTALS OF COMPUTER NETWORKS
SUPPLEMENTARY / SPECIAL EXAMINATION
DATE: JULY, 2017 TIME: 1 1/2 HOURS
INSTRUCTIONS: Answer any THREE questions.
QUESTION ONE
(a) Name two types of optical fiber and briefly explain the features of each and their advantage.
Use diagrams generously [6 Marks]
(b) Name any two hardware equipment used in the lower three layers of the OSI model. In each
case give the operation and application [8 Marks]
(c) Give two disadvantages of networks [2 Marks]
(d) Give the features of the 10baseT network [4 Marks]
QUESTION TWO
(a) Explain the meaning of the following terms as used in networks; medium, attenuation,
cross-talk, EMI, multiplexing [10 Marks]
(b) A computer network is generally classified according to its topology.
i. Define topology [2 Marks]
ii. Show two physical topologies [4 Marks]
iii. Give one advantage and disadvantage of each topology above [4 Marks]
QUESTION THREE
(a)
i. Explain the difference between media access and switching. [2 Marks]
ii. Explain how node-to-node communication is established using the token passing
[6 Marks]
(b) Routing is an important aspect of networking.
i. Define routing [2 Marks]
ii. Briefly explain two routing algorithms [6 Marks]
(c) Give two differences between LANs and WANs [4 Marks]
QUESTION FOUR
(a) Outline four layers of the OSI model and their functions [8 Marks]
(b) Switching allows hardware or software to create temporary connections between two
devices.
i. Describe the difference between packet switching and message switching
[2 Marks]
ii. Mention two methods of packet switching [6Marks]
(c) Using a diagram show the difference between OSI and TCP/IP layers [4 Marks]
QUESTION FIVE
(a) Give two applications of computer networks [2 Marks]
(b) Give two disadvantages of computer networks [2 Marks]
(c) Name two types of servers found on computer networks [2 Marks]
(d) Give three differences between the Transmission line and the optical fiber [6 Marks]
(e) Discuss biometric and encryption techniques in maintaining security of computer networks
[8 Marks]
