1. Seven layers of the OSI reference.

Open System Interconnect is an open standard for all communication systems. OSI model
is established by International Standard Organization (ISO). This model has seven layers:

i. Physical Layer: This layer defines the hardware, cabling, wiring, power output, pulse rate
etc.
ii. Data Link Layer: This layer is responsible for reading and writing data from and onto the
line. Link errors are detected at this layer.
iii. Network Layer: This layer is responsible for address assignment and uniquely addressing
hosts in a network.
iv. Transport Layer: This layer is responsible for end-to-end delivery between hosts.
v. Session Layer: This layer maintains sessions between remote hosts. For example, once
user/password authentication is done, the remote host maintains this session for a while
and does not ask for authentication again in that time span.
vi. Presentation Layer: This layer defines how data in the native format of remote host should
be presented in the native format of host.
vii. Application Layer: This layer is responsible for providing interface to the application user.
This layer encompasses protocols which directly interact with the user.
2. What is P2p and Client-Server Networks? State clearly the differences between P2P and
Client-Server Network

P2P LAN is a simple, inexpensive network that typically connects less than 10 computers together.
Each computer on a P2P network can share hardware (such as printer), data or information located
on any other computer on the network. Each computer stores files on its own storage device. Thus,
each computer on the network contains both the network OS and Application software. Any
peripheral attached to any computer can be used by any other computer on the network. It is ideal
for very small business or home users. Windows OS has facilities for P2P networking.

Client-Server LAN is a network on which one or more computers act as a server and the other
computers on the network can request services from the server. A server controls access to the
hardware and software on the network and provides a centralized storage. The client must request
the permission from the server to use these resources. The server contains the network OS as well
as the application software while the client contains a single user OS and does not have to store
the application software.
3. What are the devices that function at the 7 layers of the OSI model?
i. Physical layer: hubs, repeaters, cable, fibers, wireless.
ii. Data-link layer: bridges, modems, network cars, 2-layer switches
iii. Network layer: routers, Brouters, 3-layer switches
iv. Transport layer: gateways, firewalls
v. Session layer: gateways, firewalls, PC’s
vi. Presentation layer: gateways, firewalls, PC’s
vii. Application layer: gateways, firewalls, all end devices like PC’s, phones, servers
4. What are the main functions of Bridges and Routers?

Bridges: operate at the data link layer (layer 2) of the OSI reference model. A bridge will filter,
forward or flood an incoming frame based on the MAC address of that frame. The main purpose
of a bridge is to connect two separate networks.
Router: is an intelligent connecting device that can send packets to the correct LAN segment to
take them to their destination. The main purpose of a router is to connect multiple networks and
forward packets destined either for its own networks or other networks. A router is considered a
layer-3 device.

5. List the different categories of UTP and explain 4 with its uses.

Five categories of UTP cable are defined by the TIA/EIA 568 standard:

i. CAT 3: this category of UTP is rarely used today. It is usually deployed in phone lines. It
supports 10mbps for up to 100 meters.
ii. CAT 4: this is typically used in token ring networks and supports 16mbps for up to 100
meters.
iii. CAT 5: this is used in ethernet-based LANs. It contains two twisted pair and supports
100mbps for up to 100 meters.
iv. CAT 5e: this is used in ethernet-based LANS. It contains four twisted pairs and supports
1Gbps for 100 meters.
v. CAT 6: this is used in ethernet-based LANS and data center networks. It contains four
tightly wound twisted pairs. It supports 1Gbps for up to 100 meters and 10Gbps for up to
50 meters.
6. Using appropriate table, compare any 5 categories of your choice in terms of:
i. Maximum Length
ii. Cable Type
iii. Application

UTP Cat Data Rate Maximum Length Cable Type Application

1 Up to 1mbps - TP Old telephone cable

2 4mbps - TP Token ring networks

3 10mbps 100m TP Token ring & 10Base-T Ethernet

4 16mbps 100m TP Token ring networks

5 100mbps 100m TP Ethernet, fast ethernet, token ring

5e 1Gbps 100m TP Ethernet, fast ethernet, gigabit ethernet

6 10Gbps 100m TP Gigabit ethernet, 10G ethernet (55 meters)

6a 10Gbps 100m TP Gigabit ethernet, 10G ethernet (55 meters)

7 10Gbps 100m TP Gigabit ethernet, 10G ethernet (100 meters)

7. What do you understand by Network Topology and list the different types of Network
topologies?

Network topology refers to layout of a network. Topology is a general description of how

computers are arranged or configured without regard to how they actually communicate.
i. Bus Topology

Advantages

- Cheap and easy to implement

- Requires less cable
- Does not use any specialized network equipment
Disadvantages
- Network disruption when computers are added or removed
- A break in the cable will prevent all systems from accessing the network
- Difficult to troubleshoot

ii. Ring Topology

Advantages

- Cable faults are easily located, making troubleshooting easier

- Ring networks are moderately easy to install
Disadvantages
- Expansion to the network can cause network disruption
- A single break in the cable can disrupt the entire network

iii. Star Topology

Advantages

- Easily expanded without disruption to the network

- Cable failure affects only a single user
- Easy to troubleshoot and isolate problems
Disadvantages
- Requires more cable
 - A central connecting device allows for a single point of failure
- More difficult to implement

iv. Mesh Topology

Advantages

- Provides redundant paths between devices

- The network can be expanded without disruption to current users
Disadvantages
- Requires more cable than the other LAN topologies
Complicated implementation

8. What do you understand by Computer Network?

A computer network is a collection of computers and devices connected by communications

channels that facilitates communication among users and allows users to share resources with other
users.

9. What are the reasons why we build computer network?

i. Facilitating communication: using a network, people can communicate effectively and
easily via email, instant messaging, chat rooms, telephony, video telephone, cells and
videoconferencing.
ii. Sharing hardware: in a networked environment, each computer on a network can access
and use laser printer or scanner that is connected to the network without being connected
to each computer.
iii. Sharing data and information: in a networked environment, any authorized computer
user can access data and information stored on other computers on the network.
iv. Sharing software: users connected to a network can access software (programs) on the
network. It cost less than buying individual copies of the software package for each
computer.
10. Mention benefits of WWW
i. Availability of mainly free information
ii. Low cost of initial connection
iii. Facilitates rapid interactive communication
iv. Facilitates the exchange of huge volumes of data
v. Facilitates management of companies’ information
vi. Facilitates the establishment of professional contact
11. What is a communication device?

Any type of hardware capable of transmitting data, instruction, and information between a sending
device and a receiving device. At the sending end, a communication device sends the data,
instruction, or information from the sending device to a communication channel. At the receiving
end, the communication device receives the signals from the communications channel. So,
basically a communication device connects or formats signals before sending or receiving to/from
a communications channel.

12. List the components of data communication and explain any 2.

i. Message: the data to be communicated could be in form of text, number, picture, sound,
video, or any combination of this.
ii. Sending/Receiving device: these are devices that initiate or accept the transmission of data,
instruction, or information.
iii. Communication device: this is any type of hardware capable of transmitting data,
instruction, and information between the sending device and the receiving devices. At the
sending end, a communication device sends the message from the sending device to a
communication channel. At the receiving end (receiving device), the communication
device receives the signal from the communication channel. Basically, a communication
device converts or formats signals before sending or receiving to/from a communication
channel. Common types of communication devices are: dial-up modems, ISDN & DSL
modems, cable modems, and NIC.
iv. Communication channel: a path along which data can be transmitted between the sending
and receiving devices. This channel, regardless of the medium used, can be classified as
operating in the simplex. Half-duplex, or full-duplex mode.
a. Simplex channel can transmit data in only one direction
b. Half-duplex channel can transmit data in either direction, but only one
direction at a time
c. Full-duplex channel allows data to be transmitted in both directions
simultaneously.
v. Communication software: consists of programs that helps you establish a connection to
another computer or network and manage the transmission of data. For two computers to
communicate, they must have compatible communications software. E.g. browsers

Transfer rate of various types of wireless transmission media

Channel Transfer rates

Broadcast radio Up to 54mbps
Cellular radio 96000 to 384kbps
Microwave Up to 150mbps
Communication satellite Up to 1Gbps
Infrared 1mbps to 4mbps
13. Network: interconnection of two or more related components.
14. List and explain the fundamental characteristics of data communications systems.
i. Delivery: the system must deliver data to the correct destination and must be received by
the intended recipient device or user and only be the device or user.
ii. Accuracy: the system must deliver the data accurately. Data that has been altered during
transmission becomes useless.
iii. Timeliness: the system must deliver data in a timely manner. Data delivered later are
useless.
15. Write short notes on UTP and STP with examples.

STP cables comes with twisted wire pair covered in metal foil. This makes it more indifferent
to noise and crosstalk.
 UTP has seven categories, each suitable for specific use. In computer networks, Cat-5, Cat-5e,
and Cat-6 cables are mostly used. UTP cables are connected by RJ45 connectors.
16. Types of Transmission Medias

Transmission media consists of materials or techniques capable of carrying one or more signals. It
can be baseband or broadband. Baseband media can transmit only one signal at a time while a
broadband media can transmit multiple data simultaneously. DSL, CATV, & Satellite offer
broadband transmission.

Types of TM are:

Physical TM: uses wire, cable, and other tangible materials to send communications signals. This
include twisted pair cable, coaxial cable, and fiber optic cables. These cables typically are used
within buildings or undergrounds.
Wireless TM: these are used when it is inconvenient, impractical or impossible to install cables. It
enables the sending and receiving devices to communicate without using physical TM. Wireless
TM used in communications include: broadcast radio, cellular radio, microwaves, communications
satellites, and infrared.
17. Ethernet: refers to a particular set of technologies and standards for networking that uses a bus
topology.
18. Ethernet network types
i. 10Base5:

19. List three different MAC addresses destination types and give their hexadecimal
representations.

20. Write short note on CSMA/CD.

Ethernet networks use a system called Carrier Sense, Multiple Access/Collision Detection to
determine which computer should used the shared cable at a given moment.

“Carrier Sense” means that each machine on the network examines the cable before sending a data
packet. If another machine is using the network, the node detects traffic and wait until the cable is
free. If it detects no traffic, the node will send its data packet.

“Multiple Access” means that all machines have equal access to the wire and access to the cable
is assigned on a strictly first come first served basis.
21. Brouter: a device that functions as both a bridge and a router. It can forward data between
networks (serving as a bridge) but can also route data to individual systems within a network
(serving as a router). The main purpose of a bridge is to connect two separate networks.
22. Coaxial cables provide high bandwidth rates of up to 450 mbps. There are three categories of
coax cables namely: RG-59 (Cable TV), RG-58 (Thin Ethernet), and RG-11 (Thick Ethernet).
RG stands for Radio Government. Cables are connected using BNC connector and BNC-T.
BNC terminator is used to terminate the wire at the far ends.
SECTION B
1. Any device capable of transmitting data between the sending device and the receiving
device is called communications channel
2. A sending or receiving device initiates or accepts the transmission of data
3. RG-58 is a coaxial cable with less shielding used for 10Base2 Ethernet.
4. The bit per second transmission capability of a channel is called bandwidth
5. The network topology that uses all the four pairs of UTP is called 100BaseT4
6. A Token Ring MAU using STP can support up to 260 number of nodes
7. A network device that converts binary digits to electrical signals and vice versa is called
Modem
8. Ayo said he uses UTP network. This tells you that Ayo uses Information not enough
9. Node identification is the responsibility of layer 2 (Data Link)
10. A network device that connects heterogeneous network is called Router
11. The layer that is responsible for source to destination delivery is called Layer 3 (Network
layer)
12. The following devices uses communication satellite except None
13. Breaking messages into packets is at layer 4 (Transport Layer)
14. The key difference between 10BaseT, 10Base5, and 10Base2 is All
15. In 10BaseT network, the pair of UTP for downloading data are at pin positions 3 and 6
16. Which of these is the function of the application layer of the OSI? Answer: All
17. A cable that connects two or more MAU is called Hub
18. A device that filters and forwards traffic based on MAC address is called Bridge
19. A coaxial cable consists of a single copper wire surrounded by three layers: an insulating
material, a woven or braided metal and a plastic outer coating
20. Dialog control is the duty of Session layer (Layer 5)
Acronyms
ISDN: Integrated Services Digital Network
DSL: Digital Subscriber Line
NIC: Network Interface Card
MODEM: Modulate (to change into analogue signals) and Demodulate (to convert analogue
signals into digital signals)
WAN: Wide Area Network
MAN: Metropolitan Area Network
LAN: Local Area Network
CSMA/CD: Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Detection
CA: Collision Avoidance
MAC: Media Access Control
CRC: Cyclic Redundancy Check
U/STP: Unshielded/Shielded Twisted Pair
FCFS: First Come First Serve