a) What are the three types of computer networks based on their size?
LAN (Local Area Network) – Covers a small geographical area like a home,
school, or office.
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) – Covers a city or large campus.
WAN (Wide Area Network) – Covers a very large geographical area, even
worldwide (e.g., the Internet).
b) Identify at least three key differences between a MAN and a WAN
Coverage area
a. MAN: Covers a city or metropolitan region.
b. WAN: Covers countries or continents.
Ownership
c. MAN: Often owned/maintained by one organization (or sometimes shared).
d. WAN: Usually managed by multiple providers/ISPs.
Speed & Latency
e. MAN: Generally faster and lower latency due to smaller distance.
f. WAN: Slower and higher latency due to long-distance transmission and
multiple networks involved.
c) How is data transmitted over a fiber optic cable?
Fiber optic cables use light signals instead of electricity. A laser or LED sends light
pulses through the glass or plastic fiber core. Data is encoded into these pulses (on/off
patterns representing binary 1s and 0s). At the other end, a photodetector converts the
light pulses back into electrical signals that computers can understand
d) Identify at least three advantages of fiber optic cables over CAT 6 cables
Higher bandwidth – Fiber supports much faster data rates.
Longer distance – Fiber can transmit data over kilometers without signal loss, while
CAT 6 is limited to ~100 meters.
Immunity to electromagnetic interference – Fiber isn’t affected by electrical noise,
unlike copper cables.
e) What is a converged network?
A converged network is a single network infrastructure that carries multiple types of
traffic—such as data, voice (VoIP), and video—rather than having separate networks
for each service.
f) How are networking technologies changing the home environment?
Smart devices/IoT: Homes now have smart TVs, speakers, security cameras, and
appliances connected to Wi-Fi.
Cloud services: Families use streaming platforms, cloud storage, and online gaming.
Wireless standards: Faster Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi 6/6E) enables smoother streaming and
multiple device connections.
Remote work & learning: Home networks support video conferencing and VPNs.
g) What are some basic security threats and solutions to both small and large networks?
Threats:
Malware (viruses, ransomware, worms)
Phishing attacks
Unauthorized access/hacking
Denial-of-Service (DoS/DDoS) attacks
Data interception (man-in-the-middle attacks)
Solutions:
Use firewalls and antivirus software
Apply strong passwords and multi-factor authentication
Regularly update software/firmware
Use encryption for sensitive data and secure Wi-Fi (WPA3)
For large networks: deploy Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems
(IDS/IPS), VPNs, and strict access controls