DEDAN KIMATHI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

University Examination 2014/2015.

STAGE I EXAMINATION FOR THE

DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

DIT 0302: NETORK ESSENTIALS

DATE: July 2014 TIME: 1½ hours

INSTRUCTIONS:

Answer Question 1 (compulsory - 30 marks) and any other TWO Questions (15 marks each).

Question 1(30 marks)

a) Define the term Computer Network. (1 mark)

b) List objectives of any data communication network. (3 marks)

c) Describe three benefits of a computer network. (3 marks)

d) There are two categories of networks. Briefly describe them and list an advantage and a
disadvantage of each. (4 marks)

e) Outline four characteristics of a LAN. (4 marks)

f) Using their function on a network, differentiate an active hub passive hub. (3 marks)

g) List any three rules to be followed when naming network devices. (3 marks)

h) Briefly discuss the asynchronous transfer mode as a WAN link standard, and list an advantage
and a disadvantage of using it. (4 marks)

i) Ethernet is a popular LAN architecture based on CSMA/CD. It has numerous implementations

referred to as Ethernet topologies. Briefly discuss the following Ethernet topologies:

i. 10BASE2 (2 marks)

ii. 10BASE-T (3 marks)

Question 2(15 marks)

a) As a network administrator of XYZ Company, you have been asked to create their LAN. It is
going to have 20 or fewer hosts.

i. Briefly describe the type of network topology you would employ and reasons why you
would implement it. (4 marks)

ii. You further decide to use a twisted pair cable as your network medium. Describe UTP
as a network, and give reasons why it would be suitable. (3 marks)

iii. List why you would implement a star physical topology over any other physical
topology, and state two disadvantages of using it. (6 marks)

b) Briefly describe how a router functions on a network to enhance communication. (2 marks)

Question 3

a) Define the term network model. (1 mark)

b) The OSI reference model is made up of seven layers. Briefly discuss how data is formatted
using the OSI reference model in terms of:

i. Application oriented layers (6 marks)

ii. Intermediate layer (2 marks)

iii. Network oriented layers (6 marks)

Question 4(15 marks)

a) Once information has been encoded into a format that can be transmitted, the next step is its
transmission which can be accomplished either in parallel or serial modes. Describe parallel and
serial modes of data transmissions as carried out in computer networks. (6 marks)

b) Both parallel and serial modes of transmission rely on asynchronous or synchronous

transmission. Briefly discuss how synchronous transmissions function when sending data.
(4
marks)

c) Describe the following types of data transmission and where they can be applied.

i. Simplex transmissions (1 mark)

ii. Half-duplex transmissions (1 mark)

 iii. Full-duplex transmissions (1 mark)

d) Using UTP for reference, describe how Ethernet networks ensure double-duplex transmission.
(2
marks)

Question 5(15 marks)

a) Differentiate a MAC address from an IP address. (4 marks)

b) Describe four types of modems. (8 marks)

c) State any three advantage of using wireless networks over wired networks. (3 marks)