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Mid Exam Instructions for Network Management

This document contains instructions for a midterm exam for a Network Management course at Sarhad University in Peshawar. It provides details on submitting exam answers, including saving the file in a specific format and uploading it to the university portal before the deadline. It also contains three exam questions - the first asks students to compare different network architectures and types of networks; the second asks about network protocols, levels of protocols, and flow control; the third asks about transmission media and optical fiber.

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Syed Yahya Shah
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
18 views5 pages

Mid Exam Instructions for Network Management

This document contains instructions for a midterm exam for a Network Management course at Sarhad University in Peshawar. It provides details on submitting exam answers, including saving the file in a specific format and uploading it to the university portal before the deadline. It also contains three exam questions - the first asks students to compare different network architectures and types of networks; the second asks about network protocols, levels of protocols, and flow control; the third asks about transmission media and optical fiber.

Uploaded by

Syed Yahya Shah
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Sarhad University, Peshawar

Department: Computer Science Program: BS

Course & Course Code : Network Management – IT340 Examination: Mid Term Spring 2020
*Student Name: Total Marks: 30 (30% Weightage)
*Registration #
Instructor: Engr. Bashir Khan
*Student Email:

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE STUDENTS:


Answer All Questions in the same Question Paper under each question/section subsequently.
Before uploading, save the same file in this format MID EXAM_DEPARTMENT_COURSE_Student Name_Reg#.doc
Upload it at your SUIT PORTAL before the deadline. Answer Sheet sent through EMAIL will not be accepted.
The total size of this file should not exceed 1MB at the time of uploading it at portal so don’t insert images.
Just type the answers under each question, avoid inserting images and follow the instructions at SUIT Portal.

Attempt All Questions.

Q#1: Briefly answer the following questions:


a. Computer networks are classified based on various factors. Network architecture is one of
the factors. Compare all the network architectures i.e. client server architecture, peer to
peer architecture, and hybrid architecture. Also give your opinion which network
architecture is best to implement in a network.
b. Networks are distinguished based on their geographical span. A network can be as small
as distance between your mobile phone and Bluetooth headphone, and as large as the
internet itself, covering the whole geographical world. Compare Personal Area Network
(PAN), Campus Area Network (CAN), and Local Area Network (LAN) based on these
parameters: Ownership of network, Geographical area covered, Design and maintenance,
Communication medium, Bandwidth, and data rates (speed).

Solution#1
Q.1 (A) (ANS).

Network Architecture
computer network can be discriminated into various types depending upon architecture
such as Client server, Pere to Pere, Hybrid.

Client Server Architecture is a computing model in which the server hosts, delivers and
manages most of the resources and services to be consumed by the client. This type of
architecture has one or more client computers connected to a central server over a network
or internet connection. This system shares computing resources. Client/server
architecture is also known as a networking computing model or client/server network
because all the requests and services are delivered over a network.

Peer-to-peer architecture (P2P architecture)


is a commonly used computer networking architecture in which each workstation, or node,
has the same capabilities and responsibilities. It is often compared and contrasted to the
classic client/server architecture, in which some computers are dedicated to serving others.

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P2P may also be used to refer to a single software program designed so that each instance
of the program may act as both client and server, with the same responsibilities and status.

Hybrid Architecture
A hybrid architecture definition is a combination of having on-premises sources
with cloud sources. OK, that’s easy enough to understand. For most companies, it’s
certainly an essential component to have a hybrid cloud for your cloud adoption.
Therefore, selecting the right cloud source benefits your company for a clever
Hybrid Integration Platform strategy. The end goal — your business benefits.

Q.1 (B) (ANS).


PAN:
PAN is a computer network formed around a person. It generally consists of a computer,
mobile, or personal digital assistant. PAN can be used for establishing communication
among these personal devices for connecting to a digital network and the internet.

LAN:
A Local Area Network (LAN) is a group of computer and peripheral devices which are
connected in a limited area such as school, laboratory, home, and office building. It is a
widely useful network for sharing resources like files, printers, games, and other
application. The simplest type of LAN network is to connect computers and a printer in
someone's home or office. In general, LAN will be used as one type of transmission
medium.
It is a network which consists of less than 5000 interconnected devices across several
buildings.
CAN:
A Campus Area Network is made up of an interconnection of LANs within a specific
geographical area. For example, a university campus can be linked with a variety of
campus buildings to connect all the academic departments.

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Q#2: Briefly answer the following questions:


a. Why we use network protocols. Justify your answer by giving an example?
b. What do we mean by levels of protocols? Explain the three levels of protocols by giving
an example?
c. Write the names of protocols that were used at hardware level, software level and
application level?
d. Flow control and Ordered Delivery are the main functions of protocols. How protocols
control the flow of data and how it facilitates the ordered delivery of data?

Page 2 of 5
Solution#2
Q.2 (A) (ANS).

Network protocols are sets of established rules that dictate how to format, transmit and
receive data so computer network devices -- from servers and routers to endpoints -- can
communicate regardless of the differences in their underlying infrastructures, designs or
standards.

To successfully send and receive information, devices on both sides of a communication


exchange must accept and follow protocol conventions. Support for network protocols can be
built into software, hardware or both.

Example

Network protocols take large-scale processes and break them down into small, specific tasks or
functions. This occurs at every level of the network, and each function must cooperate at each level
to complete the larger task at hand. The term protocol suite refers to a set of smaller network
protocols working in conjunction with each other.

Q.2 (B) (ANS).

A protocol is a mutually agreed-upon format for doing something. Low-level


protocols define the electrical and physical characteristics. ... High-level
protocols deal with the formatting of data. TCP (transmission control protocol) and
IP (Internet protocol) are examples of high-level network protocols

Types Of Protocol

The first network-level protocol is the Address Resolution Protocol (ARP).

The second network-level protocol is the Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP).

Internet Protocol.

Q.2(C) (ANS).

Application, Software, Hardware level protocol names


1 Layered network protocols
2 Transport layer TCP
3 TCP three-way handshakes
4 TCP windowing and flow control
5 TCP Reliability

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6 Transport layer – UDP
7 Transport layer – ports
8 Internet layer – IPv4
Q.2(D) (ANS).
Two types of mechanisms can be deployed to control the flow:
Stop and Wait
This flow control mechanism forces the sender after transmitting a data frame to stop and wait until
the acknowledgement of the data-frame sent is received.

Sliding Window

In this flow control mechanism, both sender and receiver agree on the number of data-frames after which
the acknowledgement should be sent. As we learnt, stop and wait flow control mechanism wastes
resources, this protocol tries to make use of underlying resources as much as possible.

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Q#3: Briefly answer the following questions:


a. The media over which the information between two computer systems is sent, called
transmission media. First briefly justify all transmission medias. Then Critically analyse
all transmission media by comparing it with one another. Explain which transmission
media is best and why. Justify your answer?
b. Discuss about optical fiber. Why optical fiber is best for communication. Justify your
answer by comparing optical fiber with other transmission media used in the network.

Solution#3
Q.3 (A) (ANS).

1. Guided Media: 
It is also referred to as Wired or Bounded transmission media. Signals being transmitted are directed
and confined in a narrow pathway by using physical links. 

There are 3 major types of Guided Media: 

1. Twisted Pair Cable: 


It consists of 2 separately insulated conductor wires wound about each other. Generally,
several such pairs are bundled together in a protective sheath. They are the most widely used
Transmission Media. Twisted Pair is of two types: 

2. Coaxial Cable:
It has an outer plastic covering containing 2 parallel conductors each having a
separate insulated protection cover. Coaxial cable transmits information in two
modes: Baseband mode(dedicated cable bandwidth) and Broadband mode(cable

Page 4 of 5
bandwidth is split into separate ranges). Cable TVs and analog television networks
widely use Coaxial cables.
 2. Unguided Media: 
It is also referred to as Wireless or Unbounded transmission [Link] physical medium is
required for the transmission of electromagnetic signals. 
 Optical Fibre Cable:
It uses the concept of reflection of light through a core made up of glass or plastic. The core is
surrounded by a less dense glass or plastic covering called the cladding. It is used for transmission of
large volumes of data. 

The cable can be unidirectional or bidirectional. The WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplexer)
supports two modes, namely unidirectional and bidirectional mode.

 Radiowaves:
These are easy to generate and can penetrate through buildings. The sending and receiving
antennas need not be aligned. Frequency Range:3KHz – 1GHz. AM and FM radios and
cordless phones use Radiowaves for transmission. 

 (ii) Microwaves:
It is a line of sight transmission i.e. the sending and receiving antennas need to be properly
aligned with each other. The distance covered by the signal is directly proportional to the
height of the antenna. Frequency Range:1GHz – 300GHz. These are majorly used for mobile
phone communication and television distribution. 

 (iii) Infrared – 
Infrared waves are used for very short distance communication. They cannot penetrate through
obstacles. This prevents interference between systems. Frequency Range:300GHz – 400THz. It
is used in TV remotes, wireless mouse, keyboard, printer, etc.

 Q.3 (B) (ANS).


 A technology that uses glass (or plastic) threads (fibers) to transmit data. A fiber optic cable consists of a bundle of
glass threads, each of which is capable of transmitting messages modulated onto light [Link] optics has
several advantages over traditional metal communications lines:Fiber optic cables have a much
greater bandwidth than metal cables. This means that they can carry more [Link] optic cables are less
susceptible than metal cables to interference. Fiber optic cables are much thinner and lighter than metal wires.
Data can be transmitted digitally (the natural form for computer data) rather than analogically.

 Fiber optics cable provides more bandwidth for carrying more data than
copper cables with the same diameter. Faster Speeds. The core of fiber
optic cable allows to carry signals at a speed thirty-one percent slower than
the speed of light but faster than copper cables.

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Page 5 of 5

Common questions

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The three levels of protocols include low-level protocols, which define physical and electrical characteristics such as Ethernet, ensuring signal transmission across the network infrastructure . Network-level protocols like ARP and ICMP facilitate device communication and network connectivity by translating IP addresses and managing error messages . Finally, high-level protocols such as TCP and IP are responsible for data packet formatting and reliable transmission between devices, coordinating data transfer across different applications and networks . Each protocol level plays a critical role in maintaining overall network functionality and efficiency.

Optical fiber excels with higher bandwidth and faster speeds than coaxial cables, being less susceptible to interference due to its use of light signals . Unlike coaxial cables, which transmit data electrically and can suffer from signal loss over long distances, optical fiber maintains signal integrity effectively . Compared to wireless mediums like radiowaves, optical fiber offers secure and high-speed connections but requires physical installation, whereas radiowaves enable wireless and less secure transmission with potential interference issues . Hence, for high-speed, long-distance, and secure data transmission, optical fiber is advantageous over other transmission mediums.

Optical fiber plays a critical role in modern communications due to its ability to transmit large volumes of data at high speeds with minimal interference . Compared to copper wiring, fiber optics offer greater bandwidth, essential for supporting data-intensive applications . Fiber cables are lighter and thinner, simplifying installation over long distances without degrading signal quality . However, they may require a higher initial investment than copper wiring. The advantages of fiber optics—in terms of speed, capacity, and reliability—outweigh the drawbacks of installation costs and complexity.

Client-Server architecture involves centralized servers that manage resources and services consumed by clients, ideal for networks that require control and efficiency in resource allocation . Peer-to-Peer architecture allows each node in the network to have equal responsibilities, suitable for networks that prioritize resource sharing and decentralization . Hybrid architecture combines elements of on-premises and cloud sources, providing flexibility and scalability, making it suitable for businesses adopting cloud technologies . For scalable network infrastructure, Hybrid architecture might be the most suitable due to its flexibility and ability to integrate cloud resources effectively.

Network protocols at the hardware level facilitate data transmission through electrical and physical specifications, such as Ethernet . At the software level, protocols like TCP manage data packets, ensuring correct sequencing and error correction . At the application level, protocols like HTTP allow web browsers and servers to communicate effectively . Flow control mechanisms like Stop and Wait and Sliding Window Protocols manage data flow, preventing congestion and ensuring orderly delivery by allowing sender and receiver to coordinate data frame acknowledgments . These protocols work across layers to maintain seamless data transmission.

Radiowaves are utilized for applications such as AM/FM radio and cordless phones, offering the advantage of penetrating through buildings without requiring alignment between antennas . They operate over a broader frequency range compared to microwaves, making them versatile for various broadcasting uses. Conversely, microwaves are used in line-of-sight communications like mobile phone networks and TV broadcasts, providing higher frequencies and bandwidth but requiring precise antenna alignment . Each suits specific wireless applications depending on range, frequency, and alignment requirements.

PAN is typically owned by a single user and covers a small range, facilitating communication between personal devices . LAN is generally owned by an organization or individual, covering areas like homes or office buildings, designed for high-speed data transfer among connected devices . CAN covers larger areas like university campuses, linking multiple LANs to facilitate extensive connectivity and communication across buildings . Each network type serves different scopes, with PAN suited for personal use, LAN for organizational environments, and CAN for larger educational or corporate campuses.

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) architecture is advantageous for decentralized networks where nodes share equal roles and resources, as seen in file-sharing applications like BitTorrent . It allows robust scalability and reduces reliance on central servers. However, its limitations include potential security challenges due to lack of centralized authority, difficulties in managing large-scale deployments, and variability in data availability and speed since it relies on node participation . P2P architecture is well-suited for specific applications where decentralization and resource sharing are prioritized over centralized control and reliability.

Network protocols establish standard rules for data formatting, transmission, and reception, enabling different systems to communicate effectively regardless of their internal architecture . They ensure interoperability by defining universally accepted procedures that every device must follow, thus allowing diverse hardware and software configurations to exchange information smoothly . For example, TCP/IP protocols enable devices across the internet to connect and share data seamlessly, demonstrating how protocols facilitate communication between heterogenous network components.

Fiber optic technology offers several advantages for large-scale data networks, including high bandwidth, fast data transmission speeds, and reduced susceptibility to electromagnetic interference, making it ideal for high-demand environments . Its capacity for long-distance data transmission with minimal loss supports expansive networks such as those of telecom providers and data centers. However, the high installation and material costs of fiber optics, along with the technical expertise required for deployment and maintenance, may be prohibitive for smaller organizations . Despite these drawbacks, the benefits of scalability and performance make fiber optics a preferred choice for extensive network infrastructures.

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