Faculty of Information Technology, University of Moratuwa

BSc. (Hons) in Information Technology

Computer Networks – IN 2510- Tutorial 01
Level 2, Semester 2 -2016

1) What is Computer Network?

A Computer Network is a set of computers and other computing hardware devices

that are linked together through communication channels, for the purpose of sharing
resources, among a wide range of users.

There are many types of Computer Networks:

− Local Area Network (LAN)

− Wide Area Network (WAN)

− Personal Area Network (PAN)

− Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

2) What are the networking devices? Write down the main functions of each device?

Network devices are components used to connect computers or other electronic

devices together so that they can share files or resources.

Eg: Router, Hub, Switch, Modem, Wireless Access Point, Repeater, Bridge
3) What is transmission media? Write down the media and signal types?

Transmission media is a pathway that carries the information from sender to

receiver.

We use different types of cables or waves to transmit data. Data is transmitted

normally through electrical or electromagnetic signals.

4) What is the difference between UTP and STP cables?

The STP or Shielded Twisted Pair is a twisted pair cable that is additionally insulated by foil or/and
braided copper shielding. This additional shielding is able to prevent external electromagnetic signals from
affecting the signal traveling over the cable.

• Increase performance

• Ensure maximum bandwidth

• Higher cost

• Cable is heavier
UTP or Unshielded Twisted Pair is not using any additional shielding, except of the plastic sheath
around cable.

• Decreases the cost of the cable

• Less reliable in noise polluted areas

• Reduce performance
5) What is the command to save the configuration permanently? Specify the mode in your
answer.

Router# copy running-config startup-config

6) Briefly explain the change made by following configuration.

Router#configure terminal
Router(config)# enable password abc

User level passwords

(i) Console password
Router(config)# line console 0
Router(config-line)# password 123
Router(config-line)# login
Router(config-line)# exit

(ii) Telnet password

(iii) AUX password

Privilege level passwords

(i) Normal password
Router(config)# enable password class

(ii) Secret password

Router(config)# enable secret cisco

6) After configuring a router, which command can you use to observe all configurations?
Write the appropriate prompt in your answer.

Router# show running-config

7) What is a topology?

Network topology is the arrangement of the various elements (devices, links) of a

computer network.

I. Write down some topology types.

1) Bus Topology
2) Star Topology
3) Ring Topology
4) Mesh Topology
5) Tree Topology
6) Hybrid Topology

II. What are the advantages and disadvantagesof these topology types that you
mentioned above?

9) Briefly explain intranet and extranet?

Intranet
Is a private computer network that uses internet protocols and to securely share information
with its employees. Intranet used internally within the organization, which allows
employees and colleagues to connect. No outside parties are involved.

Extranet
The term Extranet is linked with Intranet. Extranet is a kind of computer network that allows the outside
users to access the Intranet of organization.
It is for outside authorized users and trusted partners of the organization who have access to the
information. This extends the intranet concept to provide a network that connects a company network to
the networks of its business partners, selected customers, or suppliers.