Chapter-1

2 MARKS

1. Define bit rate and baud rate.

Bit rate refers to the number of bits that are transmitted per unit of time, usually measured in
bits per second (bps).
Baud rate, on the other hand, refers to the number of signal or symbol changes that occur per
second in a communication channel. It is also known as symbols per second and is typically
measured in baud.

2. Define following term:

i) Protocol: A protocol refers to a set of rules and standards that govern the exchange of data
between devices in a network. It defines the format, timing, sequencing, and error control of
data transmission.

ii) Bandwidth: Bandwidth refers to the capacity of a communication channel to transmit data.
It is typically measured in hertz (Hz) and represents the range of frequencies that can be
accommodated for transmitting signals. In networking, it is often used to describe the data
transfer rate or the amount of data that can be transmitted in a fixed amount of time.

3. Define computer network and state applications of computer network.

A computer network is a collection of interconnected devices, such as computers, servers,

printers, and other hardware, that are linked together to facilitate communication and resource
sharing.

Applications of computer networks include:

1. Resource Sharing
2. Communication

4. State need of computer network.

The need for a computer network includes:

1. Resource Sharing: Networks allow multiple users to access shared resources, such as
printers, files, and databases, leading to efficient resource utilization.
2. Communication: Networks enable seamless communication through email, instant
messaging, video conferencing, and other collaborative tools, enhancing connectivity and
collaboration among users.

4 MARKS

1. Explain components of data communication with neat diagram.

Components of data communication include:

1. Message: The information or data to be communicated from the source to the destination.

2. Sender: The device that initiates the communication process by creating and sending the
message.

3. Receiver: The device that receives the message sent by the sender.

4. Transmission Medium: The physical path through which the message travels from the
sender to the receiver. This can include wired mediums such as cables or optical fibers, as
well as wireless mediums like radio waves or microwaves.
5. Protocol: The set of rules and conventions that govern the data communication, including
formatting, timing, error checking, and data representation.

6. Encoder and Decoder: These components are responsible for encoding the message into a
format suitable for transmission and decoding it at the receiving end.

2. Describe various modes of data communication.

The various modes of data communication include:

1. Simplex Mode: In simplex mode, data travels in only one direction, from the sender to the
receiver. The receiver is only able to receive data and cannot send any back. An example of
this is a keyboard sending data to a computer.

2. Half-Duplex Mode: In half-duplex mode, data can travel in both directions, but not
simultaneously. The communication can switch between sending and receiving, but not both
at the same time. Walkie-talkies are an example of devices that use half-duplex mode.

3. Full-Duplex Mode: In full-duplex mode, data can be transmitted and received

simultaneously. This allows for two-way communication to occur at the same time, such as in
a telephone conversation.

These modes of data communication provide different capabilities for transmitting and
receiving data, and their use depends on the specific communication requirements of the
devices and systems involved.

3. Explain with diagram client-server and peer to peer network architecture.

Client-Server Network Architecture:

In a client-server network architecture, multiple clients (such as computers, smartphones, or
other devices) are connected to a central server. The server provides resources, such as files,
data, or services, to the clients upon request. The clients initiate requests for resources, and
the server responds to these requests by providing the requested resources. This architecture
is commonly used in enterprise environments and on the internet.

Peer-to-Peer Network Architecture:

In a peer-to-peer network architecture, all devices in the network can act as both clients and
servers. Each device can share its resources directly with other devices in the network
without the need for a central server. This architecture is often used for file sharing,
collaborative applications, and decentralized systems.

4. Consider a computer with 8 computers; which network architecture should be used peer to
peer or client-server? Justify your answer.

For a network with 8 computers, the Peer-to-Peer Architecture would be a good choice as the
Client-Server Architecture will be a potential overkill for a small network with limited
resource sharing and communication needs.
Here's a brief justification for Peer-to-Peer Architecture:

Peer-to-Peer Architecture:
- Justification: In a small network with 8 computers, a peer-to-peer architecture may be
suitable if the primary purpose is simple file sharing and basic resource access. Each
computer can act as both a client and a server, allowing for decentralized resource sharing
and collaboration.
- Benefits: Easy setup, low cost, and no dependency on a central server for basic file sharing
and communication needs.

5. Draw network architecture for client-server network with one file server, one print server
and 5 client connected to it via network devices.

6. Compare LAN vs MAN vs WAN on basis of speed, congestion, maintenance and area
coverage.

Aspect LAN (Local Area MAN (Metropolitan WAN (Wide Area

 Network) Area Network) Network)
Speed High Moderate to High Moderate to Low
Congestion Low Moderate High
Maintenance Relatively Easy Moderate Complex
Area Coverage Small City-wide Global

7. Compare Analog and Digital signal.

Characteristic Analog Signal Digital Signal

Representation Continuous waveform Discrete representation
representing using binary digits
Nature Variable and continuous Fixed and discrete
Quality Prone to distortion and noise Less susceptible to
distortion and noise
Transmission Susceptible to interference Resistant to interference and
and attenuation attenuation

Chapter-2

2 MARKS

1. Define guided and unguided transmission media.

Guided transmission media refers to the physical medium through which the signals are
transmitted, and the signals are guided along a specific path. Examples include twisted-pair
cables, coaxial cables, and fiber-optic cables.

Unguided transmission media, on the other hand, does not have a specific physical path for
the signals and instead transmits signals through the air or space. Examples include wireless
communication technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and satellite communication.
2. Compare guided and unguided media.

Characteristic Guided Media Unguided Media

Physical Path Signals are guided along a Signals are not guided along
specific path a specific path
Examples Twisted-pair cables, coaxial Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, satellite
cables, fiber-optic communication

3. List four unguided media.

Four examples of unguided media are:

1. Radio waves
2. Microwaves
3. Infrared
4. Satellite communication

4. List types of multiplexing.

The types of multiplexing include:

1. Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM)

2. Time Division Multiplexing (TDM)
3. Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM)
4. Code Division Multiplexing (CDM)

4 MARKS
1. Draw neat diagram of twisted pair cable and state its type.

A twisted pair cable consists of a pair of insulated copper wires twisted together. This
twisting helps to reduce electromagnetic interference from external sources, making it
suitable for transmitting data signals. Twisted pair cables are commonly used in Ethernet
networks for data transmission.

There are two main types of twisted pair cables:

1. Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP): This type of cable does not have additional shielding to
protect against interference. It is commonly used in Ethernet networks for connecting devices
within a building.
2. Shielded Twisted Pair (STP): This type of cable has additional shielding to provide
protection against electromagnetic interference. It is often used in environments where there
are higher levels of interference, such as industrial settings.

2. Draw neat sketch of fiber optics cable. Give transmission characteristics of fiber optics
cable. State its applications.

A fiber optics cable consists of one or more transparent fibers made of glass or plastic, each
capable of transmitting messages modulated onto light waves. These fibers are typically
encased in a protective jacket for strength and durability.

Transmission Characteristics of Fiber Optics Cable:

1. High Bandwidth: Fiber optics cables have a high bandwidth, allowing for the transmission
of large amounts of data at high speeds.
2. Low Attenuation: These cables exhibit low signal loss over long distances, making them
suitable for long-haul transmissions.
3. Immunity to Electromagnetic Interference: Fiber optics cables are not susceptible to
electromagnetic interference, providing secure and reliable data transmission.
4. Lightweight and Compact: Fiber optics cables are lightweight and take up less space
compared to traditional copper cables.

Applications of Fiber Optics Cable:

1. Telecommunications: Used for long-distance communication, including telephone,
internet, and cable television services.
2. Data Networking: Commonly used in local area networks (LANs), wide area networks
(WANs), and data centers for high-speed data transmission.
3. Medical Imaging: Fiber optics cables are utilized in medical devices for imaging and
endoscopy procedures.
4. Military and Aerospace: These cables are used in military and aerospace applications due
to their secure and reliable data transmission capabilities.

3. Compare UTP and STP on basis of Noise, Ease of handling, Cost and Speed.

Characteristic UTP (Unshielded Twisted STP (Shielded Twisted Pair)

Pair)
Noise More susceptible to external More resistant to external
electromagnetic interference electromagnetic interference
due to additional shielding
Ease of Handling Easier to handle and install Slightly less flexible and
due to flexibility and lighter heavier due to the additional
weight shielding
Cost Generally lower cost due to Higher cost due to the added
simpler construction shielding and manufacturing
complexity
Speed Typically used for lower- Can support higher speeds
speed applications such as and is suitable for
Ethernet environments with higher
interference levels

4. Explain Satellite Communication.

Satellite communication involves the use of artificial satellites in orbit around the Earth to
transmit and receive signals for various communication purposes. Here's how it works:

1. Satellite Transponders: Satellites are equipped with transponders, which receive signals
from ground stations, amplify them, and retransmit them back to Earth over a different
frequency.

2. Ground Stations: Ground stations, also known as Earth stations or satellite dishes, transmit
signals to satellites and receive signals from them. These ground stations are connected to
terrestrial communication networks.
3. Up-link and Down-link: Communication between ground stations and satellites occurs via
two links: the up-link, where signals are transmitted from Earth to the satellite, and the down-
link, where signals are received by Earth from the satellite.

4. Geostationary Orbits: Many communication satellites are placed in geostationary orbits,

where they orbit the Earth at the same speed as the Earth's rotation, making them appear
stationary relative to a fixed point on the Earth's surface. This allows for continuous
communication coverage over a specific region.

5. Applications: Satellite communication is used for various purposes, including television

broadcasting, internet access, telecommunication services (e.g., telephone calls), weather
forecasting, navigation systems (e.g., GPS), and remote sensing.

Overall, satellite communication provides global coverage and is particularly useful in areas
where terrestrial infrastructure is limited or impractical.

5. Explain TDM with the help of diagram.

Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) is a method of transmitting multiple data streams over a
common communication channel by allocating each stream a unique time slot within a
predefined time frame. Here's a brief explanation:

In TDM, data from different sources is interleaved in a time-dependent manner. Each data
stream is allocated a specific time slot within a recurring time frame. This allows multiple
signals to be transmitted sequentially over the same communication channel.

For example, in a TDM system with four input streams, each stream is assigned a time slot
within the overall transmission frame. The diagram would show the time axis divided into
discrete time slots, with each slot representing the duration allocated to a specific data stream.
The data from each source is transmitted during its designated time slot, and the process
repeats in a cyclic manner.

This method allows for the efficient sharing of the communication channel among multiple
sources, enabling simultaneous transmission and reception of data from different inputs.
6. Define multiplexing? Compare FDM and TDM.

Multiplexing is a technique used in communication systems to combine multiple signals into

a single transmission medium for efficient data transfer.
Characteristic FDM (Frequency Division TDM (Time Division
Multiplexing) Multiplexing)
Division Technique Divides the available Divides the transmission
frequency spectrum into channel into time slots.
multiple frequency bands.
Bandwidth Allocation Each signal is assigned a Each signal is allocated a
separate frequency band. specific time slot.
Signal Separation Signals are separated based Signals are separated based
on their frequency. on time.
Synchronization Requires precise frequency Requires precise time
synchronization between synchronization between
sender and receiver. sender and receiver.
Efficiency Less efficient for bursty data Efficient for bursty data as
as unused frequency bands time slots can be
cannot be reclaimed. dynamically allocated.
Applications Used in analog Commonly used in digital
communication systems like communication systems like
radio and television telecommunication
broadcasting. networks.

7. Explain with neat diagram working of circuit switching?

Circuit switching involves the following key steps:

1. Call Setup: When a user initiates a call, the circuit switching system establishes a dedicated
communication path between the caller and the recipient. This path is created by reserving the
necessary network resources, including physical links and switching equipment.

2. Dedicated Connection: Once the call setup is complete, a dedicated circuit is established
between the two parties. This circuit remains exclusively allocated to the communication
session for its entire duration, regardless of whether data is being transmitted or not.
3. Data Transfer: During the communication session, data is transmitted in a continuous
stream over the dedicated circuit. This ensures that the transmitted data arrives at the
destination in the same order it was sent, without being affected by congestion or contention
with other users.

4. Call Termination: When the communication session ends, the dedicated circuit is released,
and the network resources that were allocated for the call are freed up for use by other users.

8. Compare circuit switched and packet switched network.

Aspect Circuit-Switched Network Packet-Switched Network

Resource Allocation Dedicated resources Shared resources allocated
reserved for entire duration dynamically for each packet
of call
Data Transmission Continuous stream of data Data broken into packets
over dedicated circuit and transmitted
independently
Efficiency Less efficient use of network More efficient use of
resources network resources
Call Setup Overhead Higher call setup overhead Lower call setup overhead
due to dedicated circuits due to dynamic resource
allocation

Chapter-3

2 MARKS

1. Enlist types of errors.

There are two main types of errors in data communication:

1. Single-bit errors: These errors occur when only one bit in the data is altered during
transmission.
2. Burst errors: Burst errors happen when multiple bits in a sequence are corrupted during
transmission, often caused by noise or interference affecting consecutive bits.

2. Compare LRC and VRC.

Aspect LRC (Longitudinal VRC (Vertical Redundancy

Redundancy Check) Check)
Scope Checks for errors within Checks for errors in the
each character or word vertical direction across a
data matrix
Application Typically used for serial data Typically used for parallel
transmission data transmission

3. Compare LRC and CRC.

Aspect LRC (Longitudinal CRC (Cyclic Redundancy

Redundancy Check) Check)
Error Detection Detects and corrects single- Detects a variety of errors
bit errors within each including burst errors and
character or word multiple-bit errors
Complexity Simpler to implement and More complex to implement
requires less computational and involves higher
overhead computational overhead

4 MARKS

1. Explain LRC with example.

Longitudinal Redundancy Check (LRC) is an error detection technique used in data

communication. It involves adding a parity bit to each character or word in the data stream to
detect errors. The parity bit is set so that the total number of 1s in the character, including the
parity bit, is even or odd, depending on the parity scheme used.
For example, let's consider a simple 4-bit LRC scheme. Suppose we have the following 4-bit
data words: 1101, 1010, and 1111.

To calculate the LRC for these data words, we can use even parity. The LRC for each bit
position is calculated by counting the number of 1s in that position across all the data words
and adding a parity bit to make the total number of 1s even.

For the given data:

1101
1010
1111

We calculate the LRC as follows:

LRC for bit 1: 1+1+1 = 3 (odd, so we add a 1 as the parity bit)
LRC for bit 2: 1+0+1 = 2 (even, so we add a 0 as the parity bit)
LRC for bit 3: 0+1+1 = 2 (even, so we add a 0 as the parity bit)
LRC for bit 4: 1+0+1 = 2 (even, so we add a 0 as the parity bit)

So, the LRC for the given data words is 1000.

During transmission, the LRC is recalculated at the receiving end, and if the recalculated
LRC does not match the received LRC, an error is detected.

2. Explain working of CRC with example.

Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) is an error detection technique used in data

communication. It involves generating a fixed-size check value (the CRC) based on the data
to be transmitted. The CRC is appended to the data and sent along with it. At the receiving
end, the CRC is recalculated, and if the recalculated CRC does not match the received CRC,
an error is detected.

Here's an example of how CRC works using a simple 3-bit CRC calculation:
Suppose we want to transmit the 4-bit data 1101. We can use a 3-bit CRC to generate a check
value.

1. The data word is left-shifted by the number of bits in the CRC (3 bits in this case), and
zeros are added to the right. So, 1101 becomes 1101000.

2. A divisor, known as the generator polynomial, is chosen. Let's use the 3-bit polynomial
101.

3. The CRC is calculated by performing a bitwise XOR operation between the left-shifted
data word and the generator polynomial. The remainder of this division is the CRC.

1101000 (data word)

XOR 101 (generator polynomial)
---------------
011 (CRC)

4. The CRC (011) is appended to the original data, so the transmitted 7-bit sequence becomes
1101011.

At the receiving end, the received 7-bit sequence is divided by the same generator
polynomial. If the remainder is zero, no error is detected. If the remainder is non-zero, an
error is detected.

This is a simplified example, but in practical applications, longer CRCs and more complex
generator polynomials are used to provide stronger error detection capabilities.