This document is an examination paper for the Diploma in Computer Science at St. Paul's University, focusing on Computer Networks and Data Communication for the May-August 2023/2024 semester. It includes compulsory and optional questions covering topics such as network devices, data transmission, IP addressing, and OSI model layers. The paper consists of various sections requiring definitions, explanations, and discussions of networking concepts and technologies.
This document is an examination paper for the Diploma in Computer Science at St. Paul's University, focusing on Computer Networks and Data Communication for the May-August 2023/2024 semester. It includes compulsory and optional questions covering topics such as network devices, data transmission, IP addressing, and OSI model layers. The paper consists of various sections requiring definitions, explanations, and discussions of networking concepts and technologies.
This document is an examination paper for the Diploma in Computer Science at St. Paul's University, focusing on Computer Networks and Data Communication for the May-August 2023/2024 semester. It includes compulsory and optional questions covering topics such as network devices, data transmission, IP addressing, and OSI model layers. The paper consists of various sections requiring definitions, explanations, and discussions of networking concepts and technologies.
This document is an examination paper for the Diploma in Computer Science at St. Paul's University, focusing on Computer Networks and Data Communication for the May-August 2023/2024 semester. It includes compulsory and optional questions covering topics such as network devices, data transmission, IP addressing, and OSI model layers. The paper consists of various sections requiring definitions, explanations, and discussions of networking concepts and technologies.
UN I VE R S I TY Private Bag 00217 Limuru, KENYA S T
SE R VANT S OF GO D AND HUMANI TY Tel: 020-2020505/2020510/0728-669000/0736-424440
SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION AND COMPUTER STUDIES
DIPLOMA IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
MAY - AUGUST 2023/2024 SEMESTER
DCS1203: COMPUTER NETWORKS AND DATA COMMUNICATION
DATE: AUGUST, 2023 2 HOURS
INSTRUCTIONS: SECTION A IS COMPULSORY. ANSWER ANY OTHER TWO QUESTIONS IN SECTION B. SECTION A: COMPULSORY
QUESTION ONE (30 MARKS)
a) Distinguish a network router from a switch (2 Marks) b) Explain TWO advantages of radio transmissions (2 Marks) c) Given the IP address 223.13.1.8 find the class and the network address to which the address belong; (3 Marks) d) Convert 10111012 to a decimal number. (2 Marks) e) Given that data is sent at the rate of 3Mbps calculate the number of bits that will be affected by 12milliseconds duration of noise. (3 Marks) f) Discuss FOUR feature of a peer-to-peer network (4 Marks) g) Computer Network uses distributed processing in which a task is divided among several computers. Discuss THREE benefits of distributed processing. (6 Marks) h) Use FOUR points to argue the case for using star topology. (8 Marks)
1|Page SECTION B: ANSWER ANY TWO QUESTIONS FROM THIS SECTION
QUESTION TWO (20 MARKS)
a) Define the term computer architecture (1 Mark) b) Explain the term multiplexing and cite TWO of its benefits (3 Marks) c) Discuss THREE advantages of a router (6 Marks) d) Light travels on a straight line. Explain TWO basic technologies used in fiber optic to allow light travel through it though it may have curves and bends. (4 Marks) e) Data transmission may be in parallel or serial mode. Using well labelled diagrams distinguish between the two approaches under serial mode, Synchronous and Asynchronous. (6 Marks)
QUESTION THREE (20 MARKS)
a) Distinguish between an IP Address and MAC Address (2 Marks) b) Discuss the various classes of IPv4 Address (3 Marks) c) Explain subnetting and how necessary it is in networking. (4 Marks) d) Using THREE main points, contrast between a Bridge and a Router as used in networking. (6 Marks) e) Routing metrics are the network variables used to determine the best route to the destination. Expound on FIVE such metrics and costs of a route. (5 Marks)
QUESTION FOUR (20 MARKS)
a) Draw a well labelled diagram of a coaxial cable (3 Marks) b) A large network may be subdivided into smaller networks called subnets. Evaluate THREE reasons for subdividing a large network. (3 Marks) c) Discuss the functions of the following layers of the OSI reference model: i. Transport layer (2 Marks) ii. Data link layer (2 Marks) d) Illustrate how Post Office Protocol version 3 (POP3) works (6 Marks) e) Explain FOUR advantages of Post Office Protocol (POP3) as a message access agent (4 Marks)
2|Page QUESTION FIVE (20 MARKS) a) Discuss the THREE main causes of signal impairment (6 Marks) b) Internetwork can be categorized as intranet or extranet. Expound on the FOUR advantages accrued from an intranet. (8 Marks) c) Discuss THREE demerits of Route Information Protocol (RIP) (6 Marks)
