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Q1. What do you mean by Network?

Ans: A computer network is a system in which computers are connected to share information and
resources.

Q2. What are the benefits of computer networking?

Ans: Networking is very useful in communication. Its installation cost may be high but overall it gives
unlimited benefits. Following are the advantages of networking:

1. Programs security: networking provides facility for storing programs and software in read-only
mode on the server. It prevents unauthorized access. Tampering of the program is not possible.
2. Shared use of hardware: same hardware is used for running several programs. A single printer can
be connected through multiple computers.
3. Shared files: data files can be shared among the users over the network. These files can be opened
simultaneously by different users. Files can be stored y all the users in the defined area of server.
4. Reduced need for storage media: since all the work from the local nodes is stored on the server,
therefore, there is hardly any need of storage devices like floppy drive, hard disk and CD/DVD drive
on the local nodes.

Q3. What are the benefits of networking in homes?

Ans: The benefits of networking in homes are:

1. File sharing: Network file sharing between computers gives us more flexibility than using floppy
drives or Zip drives. Not only we can share photos, music files and documents, we can also use a
home network to save copies of all of our important data on a different computer.
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2. Printer/ peripheral sharing: once a home network is in place, it’s easy to then setup all of the
computers to share a single printer.
3. Internet connection sharing: using a hoe network, multiple family members can access the Internet
simultaneously without having to pay an ISP for multiple accounts.
4. Multi-player games: many popular home computer games support LAN mode where friends and
family can play together, if they have their computers networked.
5. Home entertainment: newer home entertainment products such as digital video records (DVRs) and
video game consoles now support either wired or wireless home networking.

Q4. How will you identify computers over a network?

Ans: A network address serves as a unique identifier for a computer on a network. When setup correctly,
computers can determine the addresses of other computers on the network and use these addresses to
send messages to each other.

One of the best known forms of network addressing is the Internet Protocol (IP) address. It consists of four
bytes (32 bits) that uniquely all computers on the public Internet.

Another popular form of address is Media Access Control (MAC) address. It is 6 bytes (48 bits) that
manufacturers of network adapters burn into their products to uniquely identify them.

Q5. Write the steps to determine the name of a computer over a network.

Ans: When computers are connected over a network, each computer must have a name. To determine the
name of a computer do these steps in different version of windows:

 Windows 98, NT:

1. Open the windows control panel by pressing the start button and select Settings>Control Panel
from the menu.
2. Double-click the Network applet. The network dialog appears.
3. Select the Identification tab of the network dialog. The computer name will be displayed in the
dialog box.
 Windows 2000 and 2003 server:
1. Right click My computer on the desktop and select Properties from the Popup menu. The System
Properties dialog will appear.
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2. Select the Network Identification tab. The computer name will be displayed in the dialog box.
 Windows 7:
1. Open Windows Explorer in windows 7 and go to the Network section.
2. Here you will see a network with all the computers and devices that are part of your network, which
are turned on at that time.
3. If you double-click or double tap a computer from your network, you will see what that computer is
sharing with the network. To access any of its shared resources, double-click or double-tap on it.

Q6. How will you find a device connected over a network using Command Prompt?

Ans: The best way to find all the devices connected on the same network is using the arp command.

 Open Command Prompt and run arp-a

 The IP address shown first, next to Interface, displays your network adapter’s IP address.
 There is a list of IP addresses and MAC addresses (physical addresses).
 All the IP addresses that start with the same numbers as your network adapter are n the same
network and/ or subnet as you are. They are all devices connected to your network.

Q7. What do you mean by Domain Name?

Ans: The Domain name system (DNS) is a hierarchical and distributed name service that provides a naming
system for computers, services and other resources on the Internet or other IP networks.

Q8. What are the different types of networks?

Ans: There are mainly five types of networks:

1. Personal Area Network (PAN): PAN is a computer network organized around an individual person.
Personal Area Network typically involves a cell phone and / or a handheld computing device. We
can transfer files including email, digital photos and music.

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2. Wide Area Network (WAN): It is a computer network that covers a far wider area than a LAN (Local
Area network). WANs cover cities, countries, continents and the whole world. A WAN is formed by
linking LANs together.

3. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): It is a computer network usually spanning a campus or a city,
which typically connects a few local area networks. A MAN often provides efficient connections to a
wide area network (WAN).

4. Local Area Network (LAN): It is a collection of devices connected together in one physical location,
such as a building, office, or home. A LAN can be small or large, ranging from a home network with
one user to an enterprise network with thousands of users and devices in an office or school.

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5. Campus Area Network (CAN): A campus area network is a network of multiple interconnected local
area networks in a limited geographical area. CAN is larger than a LAN. It is smaller than a MAN or
WAN.

Q9. What are the elements of a Local Area Network?

Ans: A LAN has the following elements:

1. Server: it is the main computer which acts as a host and provides data, software etc to the other
terminals linked with it. It serves the workstations. A LAN can also have more than one server.
2. Workstations: these are the computers attached to LAN. Without workstations LAN does not exist.
3. Network Interface Unit: it establishes connection between the networks. NIU is a device which is
attached to each workstation and server.
4. Communication channels: It means connecting with the cables. Three types of cables are used in
LAN installations.

Q10. What are the different types communication channels used in a LAN?

Ans: Three types of communication channels are used in a LAN installation which is as follows:

1. Twisted pair cables: these are like telephone cables.

2. Co-axial cables: these are like TV cables.
3. Fibre optical cables: these are newly introduced made of plastic or glass. These are durable.

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Q11. What are the uses of a LAN?

Ans: Following are the uses of a LAN:

1. Shared use of hardware and software: hardware and software can be shared. We don’t need equal
number of printers for equal number of terminals. Similarly we don’t need to load the software in
each terminal.
2. Communication: terminals can do the job of intercom. Messages can be transferred across the
users sitting in other rooms instantaneously.
3. Security: the LAN system has inbuilt security and it is virtually not possible to get hold of other files.
4. Addition/ removal of terminals: as and when needed, new terminals can be added to the existing
ones and old terminals can be detached.
5. Multi services at a single window: A customer can avail various types of facilities at a single window
in various departments.

Q12. What are the limitations of a LAN?

Ans: The following are some limitations of LAN if not installed / used properly:

1. The maintenance cost of the complete system is enough high.

2. High quality software has to be used for the system.
3. Until and unless the server is started, the terminals attached with it will not function.

Q13. What do you mean by Topology?

Ans: Network topology is the physical arrangement of devices and connections in a network. It is a way
to describe how devices are connected to each other and how data moves through the network.

Q14. Explain different types of network topologies in detail.

Ans: There are five type of topologies used in networks:

1. Linear Bus:
A linear bus topology consists of a main run of cable with a terminator at each end. All nodes (file
server, workstations and peripherals) are connected to the linear cable.

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Advantages of linear bus:

1. Easy to add/ remove nodes in a network.

2. Requires only one cable
3. It is less expensive.
4. It broadcasts the messages to each device which are connected through the cable.
5. It is easy to maintain
6. In case of any computer failure, there will be no effect on other devices.

Disadvantages:

1. Entire network shuts down if there is a break in the main cable.

2. The messages are broadcast, so we cannot send private messages.
3. Terminators are required at both the ends of the backbone cable.
4. Difficult of identify the problem if the entire network shuts down.
5. It takes more time to pass the messages from one place to another place.
6. Not meant to be used as a stand-alone solution in a large building.
2. Ring topology:
It is called Ring topology because it forms a ring. A Ring topology contains wiring that allows
information to pass from one device to another in a circle or ring. The token Ring protocol uses this
type of topology.

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Advantages:
1. This type of network topology is very organizes. Each node sends the data when it receives an
empty token. This helps to reduce the chances of collision.
2. Each computer has equal access to resources.
3. Each computer has equal access to resources.
4. All the traffic flows in only one direction at very high speed.
5. There is no need for network server to control the connectivity between workstations.
6. Additional components do not affect the performance of network.

Disadvantages:

1. It is very difficult task to add some computer.

2. Each packet data has to pass through all the computers between source and destination. This
makes it slower than star topology.
3. If one workstation or port goes down, the entire network gets affected.
4. We cannot send private message.

3 Star Topology:
In Star topology all the nodes are connected with a central device called HUB. And all the sharing of
Data is only possible though HUB. The HUB or concentrator manages and controls all functions of
the network. It also acts as repeater for the data flow.

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Advantages:

1. Easy to install and wire.

2. No disruptions to the network while connecting or removing devices.
3. Easy to detect faults and to remove parts.
4. It is less expensive due to less cable.

Disadvantages:

1. In Star topology, we must require a network device like HUB, Switch etc.
2. If two nodes want to share data, it is possible only through HUB.
3. If HUB is failed then the entire network is failed.
4. We can’t send private data.
4 Mesh Topology:

In a mesh topology, every node is connected to every other node in the network. This provides redundant
paths between nodes and allows for every node to act as a router. A mesh topology is therefore very fault
tolerant – if one link fails, there are alternate routes that can be taken.

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Advantages of Mesh Topology

 It is very fault tolerant. If one node in the network goes down, the rest of the nodes can still
communicate with each other.
 All nodes in a mesh network have a dedicated connection to every other node in the network. This
means that there is no single point of failure and the network can continue to operate even if one
node fails.

Disadvantages of Mesh Topology

 It can be expensive to implement because each node needs its own dedicated connection to every
other node in the network. This can make mesh topology impractical for large networks.
 Mesh topology can be complex to configure and manage.

Applications of Mesh Topology

Mesh topology is often used in large networks, where reliability and redundancy are important.
Mesh topology can also be used in small networks, where it can offer some advantages over other
topologies.

There are two types of mesh topologies in computer networks:

 Full mesh

Every device in the network is directly connected to every other device. This topology offers the highest
level of redundancy and fault tolerance, but it's more expensive and complex to implement.

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 Partial mesh

Some, but not all, nodes are connected to each other. This topology strikes a balance between efficiency
and reliability, and it's less expensive than full mesh.

5. Tree Topology:

A tree topology combines the characteristics of linear bus and star topologies. In computer
networking, tree topology is a type of network topology that resembles a tree. In a tree topology, there
is one central node (the “trunk”), and each node is connected to the central node through a single path.
Nodes can be thought of as branches coming off of the trunk.

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Advantages:

1. Point –to-point wiring for individual segments.

2. Easily extendable.
3. If a particular branch fails, it does not affect rest of the network.
4. Supported by several hardware and software vendors.

Disadvantages:

1. Overall length of each segment is limited by the type of cabling used.

2. If the backbone fails, entire network fails.
3. Difficult to troubleshoot.

Q15. What do you mean by Token Ring?

Ans: A token ring is a data link for a local area network (LAN) in which all devices are connected in a ring or
star topology and pass one or more tokens from host to host. A token is a frame of data transmitted
between network points.

Q16. How does a token ring work?

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Ans: A token ring is a local area network (LAN) protocol that uses a token to control which host can
transmit data on a closed ring of devices:

 Token passing: A token is passed around the ring from host to host, and only the host that has
the token can transmit data.
 Token release: When a station receives data, it releases the token.
 Ring monitor: One station is responsible for monitoring the ring and recovering from runaway
tokens or frames.

Q17. Name the different network technologies.

Ans: Following are the different network technologies:

1. Ethernet
2. CSMA/CD (carrier Sense Multiple Access/ Collision Detection)
3. Bluetooth
4. Token Bus
5. Token Ring

Q18. Write a short note on Ethernet.

Ans: Ethernet is the most widely- installed local area network technology. An Ethernet LAN typically uses
coaxial cable or special grades of twisted pair wires. The most commonly installed Ethernet systems are
called 10BASE-T and provide transmission speed upto 10Mbps.

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Q19. Write a short note on WLAN.

Ans: A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is a type of network that allows devices to connect and
communicate wirelessly within a localized area, such as home, office, or campus. WLANs use radio waves
to transmit data, providing greater flexibility and mobility for users.

Q20. Differentiate between LAN and MAN.

Ans:

Parameter LAN MAN

Full Form LAN stands for Local Area Network. MAN stands for Metropolitan Area
Network.
Definition and LAN is a network that usually connects a small MAN is a comparatively wider network
Meaning group of computers in a given geographical area. that covers large regions- like towns, cities,
etc.
Network The LAN is private network. Hospitals, homes, The MAN can be both private or public.
Ownership schools, offices, etc., may own it. Many organizations and telecom operators
may own them.
Maintenance and Very easy to design and maintain. Comparatively difficult to design and
Designing maintain.
Speed LAN offers a very high Internet speed. MAN offers a moderate Internet speed.

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Congestion The congestion in the network is very low. It exhibits a higher network congestion.
Communication LAN typically allows a single pair of devices to MAN allows multiple computers to
Allotment establish a communication. But it may also interact simultaneously with each other.
support more computers.
Uses Schools, homes, colleges, hospitals, offices, etc., It basically covers a city, a small town, or
can privately use it. any given area with a bigger radius than
the LAN.

Q21. Differentiate between MAN and WAN.

Ans:

Key MAN WAN

MAN stands for Metropolitan Area WAN stands for Wide Area Network. It
Network. It is a medium-sized connects countries and spans a broad
Definition
network that can cover a broad geographic area. As an example,
area such as cities and towns. consider the Internet.

The speed of data transmission in a

MAN is higher than that of a The speed is less as compared to
Speed
MAN.
WAN.

Network Propagation Delay is Network Propagation Delay is high in

Delay
average in MAN. WAN.

MAN has moderate congestion as

Congestion WAN has high congestion than LAN.
compared to WAN.

Fault Tolerance of MAN is higher

Fault Fault Tolerance of WAN is lower than
Tolerance MAN.
than WAN.

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Designing and maintaining a MAN is Designing and maintaining a WAN is

Maintenance
complex and costly. more complex and costly than MAN.

Q22. Differentiate between Intranet and Internet.

Ans:

Internet Intranet

Internet is a huge network that connects An intranet is a network connection similar to the internet but it
computer networks across the world. It uses is limited by the users within an organization. It can include
the Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP). several LANs or leased lines in the wide-area network.

The internet enables the exchange of a huge

It enables the exchange of limited information between limited
amount of (unlimited) information between the
and authorized people of a particular firm.
connected users.

The intranet has all the information, resources, programs,

It provides access to all types of information.
events, and more related to a company.

It is a public network. It is a private network.

The internet has multiple users. Anyone can Intranet has limited users. Only certain people with login
access it. credentials are authorized to use Intranet.

The Internet consists of several intranets. It is like a part of the Internet.

It is a wide and insecure network. Internet is a Intranet is a limited and secure network. It has a pre-installed
global network with low privacy. There is the firewall that protects the privacy of the firm against unauthorized
possibility of leaks of data and information access or hackers.

Q23. Differentiate between Intranet and Extranet.

Ans:
Parameters Intranet Extranet
1. Scope An intranet allows for restricted access An extranet expands access by allowing non-
to only members of an organization. members such as suppliers and customers to use
company resources.
2. Type of network Intranet is basically a private computer An extranet is also a private network but it
network that uses network connectivity involves the organization as well as its partners
and internet protocols within an like suppliers, vendors and partners.
organization.
3. Communication Intranet does not use public Extranet uses public communication system.
communication system.

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Q24. What are the methods of data transmission? Explain in detail.

Ans: Method of data transmission means the direction of data flow between two linked devices. There are
three ways for transmitting data from one location to another.
1. Simplex: - In this mode of transmission, the data can be transmitted in only one direction. Devices
connected to such a circuit are either a send only or Receive only devices. Example: radio and T.V
transmissions.

TRANSMITTER DATA FLOW RECEIVER

2. Half- duplex: - In half- duplex method, the communication can take place in both directions, but
only in one direction in a given time. Example: A walkie- talkie.

TRANSMITTER RECEIVER AND

AND RECEIVER TRANSMITTER

3. Full –Duplex: - In full duplex method, the communication can take place in both directions at the
same time. Example: telephone or mobile phone.

TRANSMITTER RECEIVER AND

AND RECEIVER TRANSMITTER

Q24. What is a communication channel? What are the characteristics of an ideal communication
channel?
Ans: By communication channel we mean a medium through which electrical signals can be transmitted.
Following are the characteristics of an ideal communication channel:-

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 It can transmit maximum amount of electro- magnetic signals from the transmitter to the receiver
with minimum cost.
 It is not affected by the noise in the communication channel or collision in the way.
 It is not affected by the large distance between the transmitter and the receiver.
 It sends the message to the receiver in minimum time.
Q25. What do you mean by transmission channel? Explain different media of transmission.
Ans: Main medium used for different communication is called transmission channel. Transmission channel
is of two types:
 Guided Medium: - contains wires for transmission. For example: twisted pair cables, coaxial cables,
optical fiber etc. guided media is also known as bound media.
 Unguided Medium: - Based on Wave transmission. For example: radio waves, microwaves, satellite
signals, etc. Unguided media is also known as unbound media.
Q26. What are different types of wired technologies? Explain.
Ans: The different types of wired technologies make use of wires and cables and are also known as the
guided media for communication. These are:
 Two wire open line: This is the simplest transmission channel. It contains two wires of copper and
each wire is insulated from each other. This type of wire is used for shorter distances like 50 metres.
Data communication rate is 19200 bps.
 Twisted pair cable: Twisted pair cable is a popular, cost-effective guided transmission medium
used in LANs and telephone networks, consisting of pairs of insulated copper wires twisted
together to reduce crosstalk and electromagnetic interference (EMI). This type of cable can
cover longer distances upto 1 km.

 Coaxial cable: It is a shielded copper cable designed for high- frequency signal transmission with
minimal interference, widely used in broadband internet, cable television and telephone networks.
Data transfer rate can be upto 100 megabytes per second.

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 Optical Fibre cables: Optical fibre cables use pulses of light through glass or plastic strands to
transmit data at high speeds over long distances. Data transfer rate is higher upto 1000 megabytes
per second. This cable is highly secure.

Q27. What are different wireless technologies?

Ans: Wireless technologies make use of waves and signals for data transmission. Different types of wireless
technologies are as follows:
 Bluetooth
 Wifi
 WiMax
 GPS
 Infra Red communication
 Radio and microwave channels
 Satellite

Q28. Explain Bluetooth in detail.

Ans: Bluetooth is a low-power, short range wireless technology operating in the 2.4 GHz ISM band,
designed for creating Personal Area Network. Range of Bluetooth depends on its class and there are
three classes of Bluetooth. These are:
 Class 1 transmitting at 100mW with a range of 100 metres.
 Class 2 transmitting at 2.5 mw with a range of 10 metres.
 Class 3 transmitting at 1mW with a range of fewer than 10 metres.

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Q29. Give the examples of class 1, 2 and 3 Bluetooth devices.

Ans: Class 1: Industrial Bluetooth modules, USB Bluetooth Headsets.
Class 2: Standard smartphones and Bluetooth speakers.
Class 3: Wireless mouse, low peripherals.

Q30. Write a short note on Wi-Fi.

Ans: Wi-Fi stands for Wireless Fidelity. It is a popular wireless networking technology that allows devices
like computers, laptops, smartphones and IoT devices to connect to a Local Area Network. WiFi is
widely installed in cafes, airports, and many other public buildings.
Working of Wi-Fi:
 Access point/ Router: A router connected to an Internet source acts as a central hub. It converts
wired Internet signals into radio signals.
 Wireless Adapter: Devices have built-in Wi-Fi chips that act as adapters to receive these signals.
 Service Set Identifier (SSID): The technical name for a Wi-Fi network that devices connect to.

Q31. Write a brief note on WiMax.

Ans: WiMax stands for Worldwide interoperability for Microwave Access. It is a wireless communication
standard designed to provide high-speed, long-range broadband internet access. It is based on IEEE
802.16 family of standards. Because it can be used over relatively long distances, it is an effective
solution for delivering broadband to home and for creating wireless “hot spots” in places like airports,
college campuses and small communities

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Q32. Write a short note on GPS.

Ans: GPS stands for Global Positioning System is a satellite based navigation system that helps determine
the exact location of a place on Earth. It was developed by the United States Department of Defense
and is now widely used by civilians around the world. GPS is used in many fields such as navigation,
transportation, disaster management, mapping, surveying and military operations. It helps people find
directions, track vehicles, locate places and improve safety during travel.

Q33. Write a brief note on Infrared communication.

Ans: Infrared communication is a type of wireless communication that uses infrared light to transmit data
between two devices over short distances. It is a common, inexpensive and easy to use wireless
communication technology.

Q34. What do you mean by Radio Based Systems?

Ans: Radio-based systems are communication technologies that use radio waves (electromagnetic waves with
frequencies ranging from 3 kHz to 300 GHz) to transmit information—voice, data, or video—through space
without wires.

Basic Components of a Radio Communication System

A functional radio system consists of three main parts:

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 Transmitter: Converts information (sound, data) into high-frequency electrical signals, modulates
them onto a carrier wave, and boosts their power.

 Antenna: A conductor that radiates the electrical signals into space as EM waves (Transmitting
Antenna) or captures waves and converts them back to electrical signals (Receiving Antenna).

 Receiver: Picks up the weak radio signals from the antenna, tunes to the desired frequency,
amplifies it, and demodulates it to extract the original message.

Q35. What are the elements of a network?

Ans: Following are the elements of a network:

 Host: A host is any computer, server, or networked device (e.g., workstations, laptops, smartphones,
printers) connected to a computer network. It acts as a source or destination for data, assigned
a unique IP address to communicate with other nodes. Hosts provide services (servers) or
request services (clients).
 Node: In a network, a node is a connection point for data transmissions. A node can be a
computer or some other device, such as a printer. Every node has a unique network
address.
 Connectivity: It often refers to network connections, which embraces bridges, routers,
switches and gateways as well as backbone networks.
 Client and server Devices: Client devices (PCs, smartphones, browsers) initiate requests, while
server devices (dedicated, powerful computers) store data and provide resources, forming a
centralized network model. They interact via a request-response pattern using protocols, with
network infrastructure like routers and switches facilitating communication to ensure efficient data
exchange and service delivery.

Q36. Explain Client Server architecture.

Ans: Client-server architecture is a network model where client devices (users) request services, and
centralized servers (powerful computers) fulfill them. Clients handle user interface/local processing, while
servers manage data, security, and backend logic. It enables centralized control, resource sharing, and
improved scalability for networked applications.

Q37. Explain Peer to Peer (P2P) architecture.

Ans: A Peer-to-Peer (P2P) architecture is a decentralized network where each computer (node) acts as
both client and server, sharing resources directly without a central server. Ideal for small networks, it
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ensures high reliability and scalability, as every participant can contribute storage, bandwidth, or processing
power to the shared network.

[Link] are communication devices? Explain different communication devices in detail.

Ans: Computer communication devices are hardware components that enable computers to transmit and
receive data, instructions, and information over networks or with other devices. Key examples
include modems, network interface cards (NICs), routers, switches, bridges, gateways etc. These devices facilitate
connectivity, information sharing, and internet access.

Following are the different communication devices:

 Repeater: A repeater is a communication device used to increase the range of signals in a communication
system. It works by receiving a weak, attenuated signal, boosting its power, and retransmitting it to
ensure the data reaches its destination over long distances.

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 Bridge: A network bridge is a Data Link Layer (Layer 2) device that connects two or more LAN (Local Area
Network) segments to create a larger network. It works by examining the MAC addresses of incoming
data frames and forwarding them only to the necessary segment, reducing traffic congestion and
collisions.

 Router:A router is a networking device that operates at the network layer (Layer 3) of the OSI model.

Routers serve as the gateway between networks, such as when connecting a local network to the internet or linking

multiple LANs.

A router receives data packets from devices connected to a network. Once these packets arrive, the router checks

their destination based on their IP addresses, determining where they need to go. To make this decision, the router

refers to its routing tables, which serve as maps, guiding the optimal path for each data packet and avoiding packet

loss. Following the information in these tables, the router then forwards the data along the chosen path, whether it’s

within the local network or heading out to the internet.

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 Gateway: A gateway is a network node or device (like a router or proxy server) that connects two dissimilar
networks with different protocols, acting as an entry/exit point. It performs protocol conversion and packet
filtering to enable communication between different systems, such as a local network (LAN) and the internet.

 Hub: In computer networks, a hub refers to a networking device that serves as a central
connection point for multiple devices within a local area network (LAN). It operates at the
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physical layer of the OSI model. When a hub receives data from one device connected to it,
it transmits the information to all other devices connected to its ports, regardless of the
intended recipient.

This broadcasting nature can lead to collisions of data packets for larger networks
where multiple devices try to send data at the same time, resulting in interference
and decreased network performance. Due to this inefficiency, hubs have largely
been replaced by more advanced devices like switches. Hubs are cheap and simple
as compared to other devices, but they’re not great for handling lots of network traffic
because they can’t distinguish between devices.

 Switch: A switch in networking is a hardware device that operates at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI

model. It’s designed to connect multiple devices within a local area network (LAN) and efficiently manage the

traffic between them. Unlike a hub, a switch intelligently forwards data to specific devices rather than

broadcasting it to all connected devices.

Switches use MAC addresses to determine the source and destination of data packets, creating a dynamic table (MAC

table) that maps these addresses to the ports they are connected to. When a switch receives data, it analyzes the

destination MAC address and forwards the information only to the specific port where the intended recipient is located.

This way switches help reduce unnecessary network congestion and collisions, thereby optimizing network

performance.

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 MODEM: A modem (Modulator-Demodulator) is a networking device that connects your home or office
network to the internet service provider (ISP). It converts digital signals from computers into analog
signals for transmission over telephone/cable lines (modulation) and vice versa (demodulation),
enabling internet access.

Types of Modems:

o Internal Modem: Installed inside the computer on the motherboard.

o External Modem: A separate device connected via a cable to the computer.

o DSL/Cable Modem: Modern modems designed for high-speed broadband.

 LAN card: A LAN card, or Network Interface Card (NIC), is a hardware component (circuit board or chip) that
allows a computer to connect to a network. It acts as the physical interface between the computer and network
cable, enabling data transmission in LANs. Every NIC has a unique, permanent identification number called
the MAC address.

 Server: A server is a powerful computer in a network that stores data, manages resources, and provides
services (like websites, files, or emails) to other computers, known as clients. It acts as a central hub in

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a client-server model, handling requests and controlling access to shared information in networks like LAN or
the internet.

Q 39. Write the difference between Hub, Switch and Router.

Ans:

Hub Switch Router

HUB work on Physical Layer Switch work on Data Link Router work on Network Layer of
of OSI Model Layer of OSI Model OSI Model

Router is a routing device use to

HUB is Broadcast Device Switch is Multicast Device create route for transmitting data
packets

Switch is use to connect

Hus is use to connect device Router is use to connect two or
devices in the same
in the same network more different network.
network

Hub sends data in the form of Switch sends data in the Router sends data in the form
binary bits form of frames packets

Hub only works in half duplex Switch works in full duplex Router works in full duplex

Only one device can send Multiple devices can send Multiple devices can send data at
data at a time data at the same time the same time

Hub does not store any mac

Switch store MAC Address Router stores IP address
address or IP address

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