Computer Network Assignment – Detailed Answers
Q1. Define a computer network. Explain the key components of a data
communication system and the characteristics of an effective communication
system.
Computer Network:
A computer network is a collection of interconnected computers and devices that communicate with each
other to share data, resources, and services. Networks allow users to exchange information quickly and
efficiently using communication links and protocols. Examples include the Internet, LAN (Local Area
Network), and WAN (Wide Area Network).
Key Components of a Data Communication System:
1. Sender:
The sender is the device that sends data or information. It can be a computer, mobile phone, server, or any
communication device.
2. Receiver:
The receiver is the device that receives the transmitted data. The receiver interprets and processes the
received information.
3. Message:
A message is the actual information or data being communicated. It may include text, audio, video, images,
or files.
4. Transmission Medium:
The transmission medium is the physical path through which data travels from sender to receiver.
Examples are twisted pair cable, fiber optic cable, radio waves, and satellite communication.
5. Protocol:
Protocols are a set of rules that govern communication between devices. They define how data is
transmitted, formatted, and received. Examples include TCP/IP, HTTP, and FTP.
Characteristics of an Effective Communication System:
1. Delivery:
The communication system must deliver data to the correct destination.
2. Accuracy:
Data should be transmitted without errors or corruption during communication.
3. Timeliness:
Data must reach the destination on time, especially in real-time applications like video conferencing.
4. Low Jitter:
Variation in packet arrival time should be minimum to ensure smooth communication, especially in
multimedia transmission.
5. Reliability:
The system should consistently provide proper communication without failures.
Q2. Explain the OSI Model with neat diagram. Briefly describe the functions of
each layer.
OSI Model:
The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) Model is a seven-layer architecture developed by ISO to
standardize network communication. Each layer performs a specific function and communicates with the
layers above and below it.
OSI Layer Diagram:
7. Application Layer
6. Presentation Layer
5. Session Layer
4. Transport Layer
3. Network Layer
2. Data Link Layer
1. Physical Layer
Functions of Each Layer:
1. Physical Layer:
This layer deals with the transmission of raw bits through physical media. It defines cables, connectors,
voltage levels, and data rates.
2. Data Link Layer:
It provides error detection, framing, and flow control. It ensures reliable communication between two
directly connected devices.
3. Network Layer:
This layer is responsible for routing, logical addressing, and path determination. IP addressing works at this
layer.
4. Transport Layer:
It ensures reliable data transfer between source and destination. Functions include segmentation, flow
control, and error recovery. TCP and UDP work at this layer.
5. Session Layer:
This layer establishes, maintains, and terminates communication sessions between applications.
6. Presentation Layer:
It performs data translation, encryption, and compression. It ensures that data is presented in a readable
format.
7. Application Layer:
This is the topmost layer that provides services directly to users. Applications like email, web browsers, and
file transfer operate here.
Advantages of the OSI Model:
• Standardizes network communication.
• Simplifies troubleshooting.
• Supports interoperability between devices.
• Allows independent development of layers.
Q3. What is the role of the Physical Layer? Explain different types of
transmission media with suitable examples.
Role of the Physical Layer:
The Physical Layer is the first layer of the OSI model. It is responsible for transmitting raw binary data over
communication channels. It defines hardware specifications such as cables, connectors, signal types,
voltage levels, and transmission modes.
Main Functions of the Physical Layer:
• Transmission of bits from one device to another.
• Definition of electrical and mechanical specifications.
• Data encoding and signal conversion.
• Determination of transmission rate.
• Establishment and termination of physical connections.
Types of Transmission Media:
Transmission media are communication channels through which data travels. They are classified into two
categories:
1. Guided Media (Wired Media):
a) Twisted Pair Cable:
It consists of two insulated copper wires twisted together. It is inexpensive and commonly used in
telephone lines and LANs.
Example: Ethernet cable.
b) Coaxial Cable:
It contains a central conductor, insulation, metallic shield, and outer cover. It provides better noise
protection than twisted pair cables.
Example: Cable TV networks.
c) Fiber Optic Cable:
It transmits data in the form of light signals. It offers very high speed, large bandwidth, and low signal loss.
Example: Internet backbone and high-speed broadband connections.
2. Unguided Media (Wireless Media):
a) Radio Waves:
These waves can travel long distances and are used in wireless communication.
Example: Radio broadcasting and Wi-Fi.
b) Microwaves:
Microwaves are used for point-to-point communication and satellite transmission.
Example: Mobile communication and satellite TV.
c) Infrared Waves:
Infrared communication is used for short-range communication and cannot pass through walls.
Example: TV remote controls.
Conclusion:
The Physical Layer plays a vital role in network communication by ensuring the proper transmission of
signals through suitable transmission media.
Q4. What is framing? Explain different framing techniques such as byte
stuffing and bit stuffing with examples.
Framing:
Framing is the process of dividing a continuous stream of data into identifiable units called frames. It is
performed at the Data Link Layer. Framing helps the receiver identify the beginning and end of each
message.
Need for Framing:
• Proper synchronization between sender and receiver.
• Error detection and control.
• Efficient data transmission.
• Identification of data boundaries.
Types of Framing Techniques:
1. Character Count Method:
In this method, a field in the header specifies the number of characters in the frame. The receiver counts
characters to determine the end of the frame.
2. Byte Stuffing:
Byte stuffing is used when frames contain special flag bytes marking the beginning and end of a frame.
Working:
If the flag byte appears inside the data, an extra escape character is inserted before it to differentiate it from
actual frame boundaries.
Example:
Suppose the flag byte is F and escape character is E.
Original Data: A F B
After Byte Stuffing: A E F B
The receiver removes the escape character and reconstructs the original data.
3. Bit Stuffing:
Bit stuffing is used in bit-oriented protocols such as HDLC.
Working:
Whenever five consecutive 1s occur in the data, the sender automatically inserts a 0 bit.
Example:
Original Data: 111110111
After Bit Stuffing: 1111100111
The receiver removes the stuffed 0 bit during decoding.
Advantages of Framing:
• Provides organized data transmission.
• Helps in error detection.
• Ensures synchronization.
• Improves communication reliability.
Q5. Explain error detection and correction techniques in the Data Link Layer.
Error Detection and Correction:
During data transmission, signals may get corrupted because of noise, interference, or attenuation. The
Data Link Layer uses error detection and correction techniques to ensure reliable communication.
Error Detection Techniques:
1. Parity Check:
A parity bit is added to data bits to make the number of 1s either even or odd.
Example:
Data: 1011001
Even parity bit added: 1
If parity does not match at the receiver side, an error is detected.
2. Checksum:
In checksum technique, data is divided into segments and added together. The complement of the sum is
sent with the data. The receiver performs the same calculation to detect errors.
3. Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC):
CRC is a powerful error detection method. The sender divides the data by a predefined binary divisor and
appends the remainder to the frame. The receiver performs the same operation to check for errors.
Error Correction Techniques:
1. Hamming Code:
Hamming code can detect and correct single-bit errors by using redundant bits at specific positions.
2. Automatic Repeat Request (ARQ):
In ARQ, the receiver requests retransmission if errors are detected.
Types of ARQ:
• Stop-and-Wait ARQ
• Go-Back-N ARQ
• Selective Repeat ARQ
Importance of Error Detection and Correction:
• Improves reliability of communication.
• Reduces data corruption.
• Ensures accurate delivery of information.
• Enhances network performance.
Conclusion:
Error control techniques are essential for maintaining data integrity and reliable communication in computer
networks.