UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS: 2018L
EXAMINATION FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN
DATA COMMUNICATIONS
MDC6101 COMPUTER NETWORKS
DATE: DECEMBER, 2018 TIME: 2 HOURS
INSTRUCTIONS: Answer Question One & ANY OTHER TWO questions.
QUESTION ONE [20 MARKS]
a) Explain any five routing metrics used by routing protocols to determine the best path for
a packet. 5 Marks
b) Explain any six different ways in which computer networks differ from each other.
6 Marks
c. Most modern telecommunication companies are adopting digital communication
/transmission for a number of reasons. Briefly discuss any four (4) of them. 4 Marks
d. Compare and contrast the similarities of switches and bridges. 5 Marks
QUESTION TWO [15 MARKS]
a) Explain the procedure for creating a single user account with the Active Directory
Administrative Center in Windows Server 2012. 4 Marks
2
b) The TestKing network is shown below:
Based on the diagram above, which destination addresses will Host A use to send data to Host B?
2 Marks
c) The network infrastructure contains three categories of network components namely:
devices, media and services. Discuss in detail the role of each of these components.
6 Marks
d) Explain briefly three specific features of WANs. 3 Marks
QUESTION THREE [15 MARKS]
a) Describe briefly the following computing environments:
(i) Centralized computing 2 Marks
(ii) Distributed computing 2 Marks
(iii) Client/server computing 2 Marks
b) Discuss the following motivations for computer networks:
(i) Communication, Collaborative work and Intranet 2 Marks
(ii) Mix and Match 2 Marks
(iii) High Reliability 2 Marks
c) How are WANs different from LANs? 3 Marks
QUESTION FOUR [15 MARKS]
a) The convergence of the many different communication media onto a single network platform
is fueling exponential growth in network capabilities. There are three major trends that are
contributing to the future shape of complex information networks. Discuss. 6 Marks
b) Describe the sequence of events that occur between computer and modem during
communication. 6 Marks
c) TCP/IP protocols had several important features that allowed them to meet the need for
worldwide data communication. Explain briefly any three of these features. 3 Marks
