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SPI 2105 Data Communication and Networks Year 1 Semester II

The document outlines questions for an exam on data communication and networks. It covers topics like network topologies, devices, transmission media, protocols, and the OSI model. Students are asked to identify appropriate designs given scenarios, explain network concepts, compare protocols and transmission media, and discuss the OSI model and its layers.

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kcalvinmwenda
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52 views3 pages

SPI 2105 Data Communication and Networks Year 1 Semester II

The document outlines questions for an exam on data communication and networks. It covers topics like network topologies, devices, transmission media, protocols, and the OSI model. Students are asked to identify appropriate designs given scenarios, explain network concepts, compare protocols and transmission media, and discuss the OSI model and its layers.

Uploaded by

kcalvinmwenda
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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UNIVERSITY EXAMINATION 2020/2021

YEAR 1 SEMESTER II EXAMINATION FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF


BUSINESS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY/BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN
SOFTWARE ENGINEERING

SPI 2105: DATA COMMUNICATION AND NETWORKS

DATE: Thursday, 20th May,2021 TIME: 11.00 am – 1.00 pm

INSTRUCTION: Attempt question 1 and any other 2 questions


Question One

Kirinyaga University requires a Network that will cater for their administrative
and student's needs. The users range from lecturers, administrative assistants and
students. All types of users need to access the internet through the network. The
university management also requires the network to support WIFI access. The
university members of staff need to access the university management information
system, which should not be accessed by the students.
The total number of expected users is 500 at any given time.
(a) Which is the most appropriate network topology for this network. Give the
reasons for your answer (2 marks)
(b)What network devices will be used while designing the network? Briefly explain
their use (8 Marks)
(c) What transmission impairments is the network likely to experience? (8
marks)
(d) What transmission medium will be used to connect the network? Give reasons
for your answer (2 marks)
(e) Four characteristics for effective data communication (4 marks)
(f) What are the Advantages of Server-Based Network? (3 marks)
(g) Explain some of the reasons for networking computers? (3marks)

Page 1 of 3
Question Two

There are several different network topologies:


(a) Bus
(b) Ring
(c) Mesh
(d) Tree
From the above four of the above topologies:
(i) Draw a clearly labelled diagram;
(ii) Briefly describe its layout;
(iii) Discuss its advantages and disadvantages. (5 marks
each)

Question Three

The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) 7-layer model, sometimes called


the International Standards Organization (ISO) 7-layer model, is a critical
model for modern computer networking.
(a) In the correct sequence from either end, identify the seven layers of the
ISO/OSI 7-layer model. (4 marks)
(b) Briefly explain the function of each layer. (2 marks each - 14
marks)
(c) What are the advantages of the OSI model? (2 marks)

Question Four
(a) Briefly discuss the main differences between TCP (Transmission Control
Protocol) and UDP (User Datagram Protocol). (8 marks)
(b) With the aid of diagrams, explain what is meant by each of the terms:
amplitude modulation, frequency modulation and phase modulation.
(12 marks)
Question Five
(a) Local Area Networks (LANs) require an 'access method' which
determines how computers share a common transmission medium.
Write down the two main approaches for controlling this sharing in
wired networks. Briefly explain how each approach operates.
(8 marks)
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(b) Compare four transmission media used in LANs and WANs in
terms of maximum data rates and other limitations. (8marks)

(c) Briefly explain the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) network


reference model by emphasizing the importance of layers for
functional communication requirements. (4 marks)

Page 3 of 3

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