UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS 2017
EXAMINATION FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN DATA
COMMUNICATIONS
MDCN 5301: ADVANCES IN DATA COMMUNICATION
DATE: DECEMBER, 2017 TIME: 2 HOURS
INSTRUCTIONS: Answer Question One & ANY OTHER TWO questions.
QUESTION ONE: 20 MARKS (COMPULSORY)
a) In the context of data communication, and with appropriate diagrams and examples describe
the following terms 6 Marks
i. Analog data and digital data
ii. Analog signal and digital signal
iii. Analog transmission and digital signal
b) Define the following terms 4 Marks
i. Error control
ii. Data encoding
iii. Data modulation
iv. Multiplexing
c) Describe the OSI seven layer model, name each of the layers in the model and draw a
diagram that shows the ordering of these layers, write a paragraph describing the areas of
function that each layer is responsible for. 6 Marks
d) Discuss the following error detection techniques 4 Marks
i. Longitudinal Redundancy Checking (LRC)
ii. Polynomial Checking
QUESTION TWO: 15 MARKS
a) Using appropriate examples explain the following data encoding schemes 4 Marks
a. Bipolar AMI
b. Pseudoternary
b) Describe the physical construction characteristics of the following transmission media and
their performance parameters. Discuss the various types of media highlighting the differences
between them. 6 Marks
i. Twisted pair
ii. Coaxial cable
iii. Optical Fiber cable
c) Using appropriate diagrams discuss the following multiplexing techniques 5 Marks
i. FDM
ii. TDM
iii. WDM
QUESTION THREE: 15 MARKS
Discuss the Wi-fi, Blue tooth, and Wireless LAN data communication technologies along the
following sub-titles 15 Marks
i. Descriptions and variations
ii. Technologies used in the implementation
iii. Standards used/applicable in the implementation
iv. Security issues and solutions
QUESTION FOUR: 15 MARKS
a) Contrast the OSI reference model with the TCP/IP reference model. Using a diagram show
the correspondence between relevant protocol layers in the two models
5Marks
b) Discuss the following wireless transmission media highlighting their performance parameters
6 Marks
i. Infrared
ii. Microwave
iii. Radio waves
c) Discuss the following protocols used in wireless data communication highlighting the
importance of each. 4 Marks
i. Mobile IP
ii. Wireless Application Protocol
