Competency based MCQs

1. Which of the following is the function of a network interface card (NIC) in a computer network?

a) To connect computers and other devices to the network. b) To store and share files and resources. c) To
direct data packets to the correct destination network. d) To provide security for the network.

Answer: a) To connect computers and other devices to the network.

The chapter "class viii ch 1 computer networking" states that a network interface card (NIC) is an expansion
card that provides network access to a computer. It allows the computer to connect to a network through a
wired or wireless medium.

2. What is the difference between a client and a server in a client-server network?

a) A client is a computer that requests resources from a server, while a server is a computer that provides
resources to clients. b) A client is a software program, while a server is a hardware device. c) There is no
difference; they are the same thing. d) Clients are always connected to the internet, while servers are not.

Answer: a) A client is a computer that requests resources from a server, while a server is a computer that
provides resources to clients.

The chapter explains that in a client-server network, clients are computers that depend on servers for
resources such as files, printers, and email. Servers are computers that store and manage these resources and
provide them to clients upon request.

3. What is the advantage of using a mesh topology in a computer network?

a) It is easier to set up and maintain. b) It is more fault-tolerant, meaning that a failure in one node does not
affect the entire network. c) It is more scalable, meaning that it can easily be expanded to accommodate
more devices. d) All of the above.

Answer: b) It is more fault-tolerant, meaning that a failure in one node does not affect the entire network.

The chapter describes mesh topology as a network where every node is connected to every other node. This
redundancy provides fault tolerance, as data can still be transmitted even if one node fails. However, the
chapter also mentions that mesh topology can be more complex to set up and maintain compared to other
topologies.

4. What is the role of a router in a wide area network (WAN)?

a) To connect devices within a small geographical area, such as a home or office. b) To connect multiple
LANs together across a wider geographical area. c) To provide internet access to devices on the network. d)
All of the above.

Answer: b) To connect multiple LANs together across a wider geographical area.

While WANs can also provide internet access, their primary function is to connect geographically dispersed
LANs, allowing them to communicate and share resources. Routers play a crucial role in this process by
directing data packets between different LANs within the WAN.

5. What is the purpose of a firewall in a computer network?

a) To connect computers and other devices to the network. b) To store and share files and resources. c) To
monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic to protect the network from security threats. d)
To provide internet access to devices on the network.

Answer: c) To monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic to protect the network from
security threats.

Case study based MCQs

Case Study 1: School Network

A school is planning to set up a computer network for its students and teachers. The network needs to be
able to connect to the internet, as well as allow students to share files and printers. Which type of network
topology would be the most suitable for this scenario?

 A. Bus topology
 B. Star topology
 C. Ring topology
 D. Mesh topology
Answer: B. Star topology.
Explanation:

A star topology is a good choice for a school network because it is easy to set up and manage. Each
computer is connected to a central hub or switch, which makes it easy to add or remove devices.
Additionally, a star topology is more reliable than a bus topology, because a fault in one cable will not affect
the entire network.

Case Study 2: Home Network

A family wants to set up a home network to connect their computers, smartphones, and tablets to the
internet. They also want to be able to share files and printers between devices. Which type of network device
would they need?

 A. Router
 B. Switch
 C. Hub
 D. Modem
Answer: A. Router.
Explanation:

A router is a network device that connects two or more networks together. In this case, the router would
connect the home network to the internet. The router would also be able to route traffic between the different
devices on the home network, allowing them to share files and printers.

Case3 Study 3: Business Network

A business has multiple offices in different locations around the city. The business needs to set up a network
that allows employees in all of the offices to communicate with each other and share files. Which type of
network would be the most suitable for this scenario?

 A. Local Area Network (LAN)

 B. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
 C. Wide Area Network (WAN)
 D. Personal Area Network (PAN)
Answer: C. Wide Area Network (WAN).
Explanation:

A WAN is a network that covers a large geographical area, such as a city or even a country. This makes it
the ideal choice for a business with multiple offices in different locations. A WAN would allow employees
in all of the offices to communicate with each other and share files, regardless of their location.

Case Study 4: Gaming Network

A group of friends wants to set up a network to play games together online. They need a network that is fast
and reliable, with low latency. Which type of network technology would be the most suitable for this
scenario?

 A. Wi-Fi
 B. Bluetooth
  C. Ethernet
 D. Cellular
Answer: C. Ethernet.
Explanation:

Ethernet is a wired network technology that is known for its speed and reliability. It is also has low latency,
which is important for online gaming. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular networks can all be slower and more
prone to interference, which can make them less suitable for online gaming.

Case Study 5: Security Network

A company wants to set up a network that is secure from unauthorized access. Which type of network
security measure would be the most effective?

 A. Password protection
 B. Firewalls
 C. Encryption
 D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above.
Explanation:

There are a number of network security measures that can be used to protect a network from unauthorized
access, and the most effective approach is to use a combination of these measures. Password protection can
help to prevent unauthorized users from logging on to the network, firewalls can help to block unauthorized
traffic, and encryption can help to protect sensitive data from being intercepted.

Competency-based fill in the blanks

1. A group of interconnected computers and peripheral devices is called a _____________.

2. A computer that provides resources and services to other computers on the network is called a
_____________.
3. The unique identification number assigned to each device on a network is called a(n)
_____________.
4. The process of converting digital signals into analog signals is called _____________.
5. A network that covers a small geographical area, such as a home or office, is called a
_____________.
Bonus:
6. A device that connects different networks is called a _____________.

Case study based true or false:

Case Study 1: Maya's Home Network

Maya is setting up a home network to connect her laptop, printer, and smartphone. She wants to be able to
share files between her devices and access the internet from all of them.

1. True or False: Maya can use a star topology to connect her devices.
2. True or False: A hub is a good choice for Maya's network if she wants to connect more devices in the
future.
3. True or False: Maya needs a modem to connect her network to the internet.
Case Study 2: Alex's School Network

Alex's school has a large network that connects all of the computers, tablets, and other devices in the
classrooms, library, and administrative offices.

4. True or False: Alex's school network is most likely a WAN.

5. True or False: A router is used to connect Alex's school network to the internet.

Case study based short answer type questions

Case Study 1: Maya's Cafe

Maya is opening a new cafe and wants to set up a network for her customers to connect to the internet and
for her staff to use for point-of-sale systems and inventory management. What type of network topology
would be most suitable for Maya's cafe, and why?

Answer: A star topology would be the most suitable network topology for Maya's cafe. In a star topology,
all devices are connected to a central hub or switch, which makes it easy to add or remove devices and
troubleshoot problems. Additionally, a star topology is more reliable than other topologies, such as a bus
topology, because a failure in one device will not affect the entire network.
Case Study 2: Omar's Online Gaming

Omar is an avid online gamer who wants to improve his internet connection speed for gaming. He has heard
about using a router with Quality of Service (QoS) features. How can QoS help Omar improve his gaming
experience, and what are some other things he can do to optimize his network for gaming?

Answer: QoS can help Omar improve his gaming experience by prioritizing gaming traffic over other types
of traffic on his network. This can help to reduce lag and improve his overall gaming performance. Other
things Omar can do to optimize his network for gaming include using a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi,
connecting his gaming console directly to the router with an Ethernet cable, and reducing the number of
devices connected to his network.
Case Study 3: Sarah's School Project

Sarah is working on a group project for school and needs to collaborate with her classmates on a chapter.
They want to be able to work on the chapter simultaneously and share it easily. What type of network would
be most suitable for Sarah and her classmates to use for their project, and why?

Answer: A cloud-based storage solution, such as Google Drive or Dropbox, would be the most suitable
option for Sarah and her classmates to use for their project. Cloud-based storage allows users to store and
access files from any device with an internet connection, making it easy for them to collaborate on the
chapter simultaneously. Additionally, cloud-based storage solutions often have built-in features that allow
users to share files and folders with others easily.
Case Study 4: David's Home Security

David is concerned about the security of his home network and wants to take steps to protect it from
hackers. What are some security measures that David can implement to make his home network more
secure?

Answer: There are a number of security measures that David can implement to make his home network
more secure, including:
 Using a strong password for his Wi-Fi network and changing it regularly.
 Enabling encryption on his Wi-Fi network.
 Installing a firewall on his router.
 Keeping his software and firmware up to date.
 Being cautious about what information he shares online.
Case Study 5: Aisha's Business Network

Aisha is starting a new business and needs to set up a network for her employees. She wants a network that
is reliable, secure, and scalable. What are some factors that Aisha should consider when choosing a network
topology and equipment?

Answer: When choosing a network topology and equipment for her business, Aisha should consider the
following factors:
 The size of her business and the number of employees who will need to be connected to the network.
 The types of applications that her employees will be using on the network.
 Her budget.
 Her security needs.

Once Aisha has considered these factors, she can choose a network topology and equipment that will meet
the needs of her business.
Acronyms:

1. NIC: What does NIC stand for?

2. WAN: What does WAN stand for?
3. LAN: What does LAN stand for?
4. Mbps: What does Mbps stand for?
5. Gbps: What does Gbps stand for?
6. Wi-Fi: What does Wi-Fi stand for?
7. SMTP: What does SMTP stand for?
8. TCP/IP: What does TCP/IP stand for?
9. HTTPS: What does HTTPS stand for?
10. ISP: What does ISP stand for?
11. DNS: What does DNS stand for?
12. VPN: What does VPN stand for?
13. MAC: What does MAC stand for?
14. UDP: What does UDP stand for?

Case study based Compare & Contrast

Sure, here are 5 case studies based on Compare & Contrast questions from the chapter titled "class viii ch 1
computer networking" in your Google Drive:

Case Study 1: Bandwidth in Rural vs. Urban Areas

Characters:
 Maya, a student living in a rural village with limited internet access
 Alex, a student living in a bustling city with high-speed internet access
Scenario: Both Maya and Alex are researching the same topic for a school project. Maya experiences
frequent buffering and slow loading times while trying to access online resources, while Alex can access
information quickly and efficiently.
Question: How does the difference in bandwidth between rural and urban areas impact Maya and Alex's
ability to access and process information?
Answer:

Maya's limited bandwidth in the rural area puts her at a disadvantage compared to Alex's high-speed internet
access in the city. This difference in bandwidth impacts their ability to access and process information in
several ways:

 Speed: Alex can download information and load webpages much faster than Maya, allowing him to
be more efficient with his time.
  Quality: Maya may experience choppy video and audio streaming due to low bandwidth, while Alex
can enjoy high-quality multimedia content without interruption.
 Quantity: Alex can access a wider range of online resources and information due to his faster
connection, while Maya may be limited by slow loading times and data caps.
Case Study 2: Wired vs. Wireless Networks in Schools
Characters:
 Oakwood Middle School, a traditional school with a wired network infrastructure
 Pinewood Middle School, a modern school with a wireless network infrastructure
Scenario: Both Oakwood and Pinewood Middle Schools are looking to improve their technology
infrastructure to support student learning. Oakwood considers upgrading its wired network, while Pinewood
considers implementing a wireless network.
Question: Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of wired and wireless networks in a
school setting, considering factors such as cost, security, reliability, and accessibility.
Answer:
Wired Networks:
Advantages:
 Stability: Wired networks offer a more stable and reliable connection, which is crucial for online
learning activities.
 Security: Wired networks are generally considered more secure than wireless networks, as they are
less susceptible to hacking and interference.
 Performance: Wired networks can provide faster and more consistent data transfer speeds compared
to wireless networks.
Disadvantages:
 Cost: Installing and maintaining a wired network infrastructure can be expensive, especially in large
schools.
 Mobility: Wired networks restrict students' mobility within the classroom or school, limiting flexible
learning arrangements.
 Scalability: Expanding a wired network can be complex and time-consuming, making it less
adaptable to changing needs.
Wireless Networks:
Advantages:
 Mobility: Wireless networks offer greater flexibility and mobility for students and teachers, allowing
them to move around the classroom or school with their devices.
 Scalability: Wireless networks are easier to expand and adapt to changing needs compared to wired
networks.
  Cost: In some cases, wireless networks can be more cost-effective to install and maintain, especially
in existing buildings.
Disadvantages:
 Security: Wireless networks are more vulnerable to security threats like hacking and unauthorized
access compared to wired networks.
 Performance: Wireless network performance can be affected by factors like signal strength,
interference, and the number of users, leading to slower speeds and potential connectivity issues.
 Reliability: Wireless networks may be more susceptible to disruptions and outages compared to
wired networks.
Case Study 3: Client-Server vs. Peer-to-Peer Networks in Home Use
Characters:
 The Sharma family, a small family with basic internet needs for browsing and email
 The Patel family, a large family with diverse internet needs for gaming, streaming, and file sharing
Scenario: Both the Sharma and Patel families are looking for a home network solution that meets their
individual needs and internet usage patterns.
Question: Compare and contrast the suitability of client-server and peer-to-peer networks for home use,
considering factors like security, performance, manageability, and cost.
Answer:
Client-Server Networks:
Advantages:
 Security: Client-server networks offer better centralized security management, making it easier to
control access and protect devices from threats.
 Performance: Dedicated server machines can provide better performance for demanding tasks like
streaming and gaming, especially in large households with multiple users.
 Manageability: Client-server networks are easier to manage and troubleshoot, as the central server
acts as a single point of control.
Disadvantages:
 Cost: Setting up and maintaining a client-server network can be more expensive than a peer-to-peer
network due to the additional hardware required.
 Complexity: Client-server networks require more technical expertise.
Case Study 4: Star vs. Bus Network Topologies
Characters:
 Smalltown Tech, a small business setting up a basic office network for shared internet and file
access.
 MegaCorp HQ, a large corporation requiring a network with high redundancy and scalability for
critical business operations.
Scenario: Smalltown Tech wants a simple and cost-effective network setup, while MegaCorp HQ needs a
reliable and expandable network to support its growing workforce and data demands.
Question: Compare and contrast star and bus network topologies for their suitability in different business
environments, considering factors like cost, reliability, scalability, and ease of setup.
Answer:
Star Topology:
Advantages
 Reliability: Individual device failures on a star topology have limited impact on the rest of the
network, enhancing overall reliability.
 Scalability: Easy to add or remove devices in a star topology without disrupting the other parts of
the network.
 Performance: Provides dedicated bandwidth to devices in a star topology, leading to better
performance in high-traffic scenarios.
Disadvantages
 Cost: Requires more cabling than a bus topology, increasing costs, especially in larger networks.
 Central Point of Failure: The central switch in a star topology creates a potential single point of
failure, meaning if the switch fails, the entire network goes down.
Bus Topology:
Advantages
 Cost: One of the most cost-effective topologies for small setups due to minimal cabling.
 Simplicity: Easy to set up and maintain a bus topology, making it suitable for small businesses with
limited IT resources.
Disadvantages:
 Reliability: A single cable break in a bus topology can bring down the entire network, making it less
reliable.
 Performance: Performance in a bus topology decreases as more devices are added due to shared
bandwidth.
 Scalability: Limited scalability in a bus topology, as it becomes increasingly difficult to manage
with more devices.
Case Study 5: Website Protocols - HTTP vs. HTTPS
Characters:
 Sammy, a casual internet user visiting various websites for news and entertainment.
 Olivia, an online shopper making purchases and entering credit card information.
Scenario: Sammy needs to know if all websites need the same level of security, while Olivia wants to
ensure her personal and financial data is protected when shopping online.
Question: Compare and contrast the use of HTTP and HTTPS protocols, highlighting the importance of
choosing the appropriate protocol based on the sensitivity of data being exchanged.
Answer
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol):
 Purpose: Standard protocol for unencrypted data exchange over the web. Suitable for accessing
websites where no sensitive information is transmitted.
 Security: HTTP connections are vulnerable to interception, meaning hackers can steal data like
usernames and passwords in transit.
HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure):
 Purpose: Encrypted variation of HTTP, making it the preferred choice for websites handling
sensitive information like login credentials, financial details, and personal data.
 Security: HTTPS encrypts communication between the user's browser and the website, making it
significantly more difficult for hackers to intercept data.
Key Takeaways:
 Websites displaying a padlock icon and "https://" in the URL indicate a secure connection.
 It's essential to use HTTPS for activities that involve sharing sensitive information like online
shopping, banking, or accessing confidential data.

Real life implementation based questions

Scenario: Imagine a small cafe named "Coffee Corner" decides to upgrade its network infrastructure to
improve customer experience and operational efficiency.
Questions:
1. Network topology: Considering the cafe's layout and customer traffic patterns, which network
topology (e.g., star, mesh, bus) would be most suitable for ensuring reliable internet connectivity
throughout the cafe? Explain your reasoning.
2. Network devices: What specific network devices (e.g., routers, switches, access points) would
Coffee Corner need to implement its chosen network topology? Justify your selections based on the
cafe's requirements.
3. Internet bandwidth: How can Coffee Corner determine the appropriate internet bandwidth
considering the expected number of customers and their internet usage patterns (browsing,
streaming, online payments)?
4. Security measures: What security measures should Coffee Corner implement to protect its network
and customer data (e.g., Wi-Fi password encryption, access controls)? Explain your choices.
5. Network management: How can Coffee Corner ensure the smooth operation and maintenance of its
network (e.g., monitoring tools, regular updates)? What potential challenges might they face in
managing their network?
Research based scenarios
Topic 1: The Impact of Network Protocols on the Security of Personal Data
 Research question: How can network protocols be designed and implemented to better protect
personal data from unauthorized access and misuse?
 Character: A team of cybersecurity researchers at a university are working to develop new network
protocols that are more resistant to hacking and other cyberattacks. They are focusing on protocols
that use strong encryption, authentication, and authorization mechanisms.
 Potential outcomes: The development of more secure network protocols could help to protect
personal data from being stolen, used for identity theft, or sold on the black market.
Topic 2: The Use of Blockchain Technology in Network Management
 Research question: How can blockchain technology be used to improve the efficiency and security
of network management?
 Character: A startup company is developing a new network management system that uses
blockchain technology. The system would allow for secure and transparent record-keeping of
network activity, as well as automated decision-making based on predefined rules.
 Potential outcomes: The use of blockchain technology in network management could lead to more
efficient and secure networks, as well as reduced costs for network operators.
Topic 3: The Ethical Implications of Artificial Intelligence in Network Optimization
 Research question: What are the ethical implications of using artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize
network traffic flow?
 Character: A group of ethicists and AI researchers are studying the potential benefits and risks of
using AI in network optimization. They are concerned about the potential for AI to be used to
discriminate against certain users or to violate their privacy.
 Potential outcomes: This research could help to develop ethical guidelines for the use of AI in
network optimization, ensuring that it is used in a fair and responsible manner.
Topic 4: The Role of Social Media in Disaster Response
 Research question: How can social media be used more effectively to coordinate disaster relief
efforts?
 Character: A non-profit organization is developing a new social media platform that would be
specifically designed for use in disaster response. The platform would allow for real-time
communication between relief workers, volunteers, and affected communities.
 Potential outcomes: This research could lead to the development of new tools that help to save lives
and reduce suffering in the aftermath of disasters.
Topic 5: The Future of Virtual Reality in Education
  Research question: How can virtual reality (VR) be used to create more engaging and immersive
learning experiences?
 Character: A team of educators and VR developers are creating a new VR-based learning
experience that would allow students to explore different historical periods and cultures.
 Potential outcomes: This research could lead to the development of new educational tools that make
learning more fun and effective for students of all ages.

Problem-solving questions :

Problem 1: Maya's Messy Network

Maya is setting up a home network for her family, which includes her parents, two younger siblings, and
herself. They have a variety of devices that need to be connected, including laptops, tablets, smartphones, a
gaming console, and a smart TV. Maya wants to make sure that everyone has a fast and reliable internet
connection, but she is also concerned about security.

 What type of network topology (bus, star, mesh, etc.) would be best for Maya's home network?
Explain your reasoning.
 What are some of the security risks that Maya should consider when setting up her network? How
can she mitigate these risks?
 What hardware and software does Maya need to purchase to set up her network?
Problem 2: The School's Slow Wi-Fi

Mr. Johnson, the principal of a small elementary school, is having problems with the school's Wi-Fi
network. The network is slow and unreliable, and students and teachers are constantly complaining about
dropped connections and buffering videos. Mr. Johnson knows that a reliable internet connection is essential
for modern education, and he wants to find a solution to the problem.

 What are some of the possible causes of the slow Wi-Fi network?
 What troubleshooting steps can Mr. Johnson take to diagnose the problem?
 What upgrades or changes could Mr. Johnson make to improve the speed and reliability of the
network?
Problem 3: The Café's Connection Crisis

Emma owns a popular coffee shop that has become a hotspot for students and professionals to work and
relax online. However, Emma has been getting complaints about the slow and unreliable internet
connection. She knows that she needs to upgrade her network to accommodate the growing demand, but she
is not sure where to start.
  What factors should Emma consider when choosing a new internet service provider (ISP) for her
coffee shop?
 What type of network equipment does Emma need to purchase to support a large number of users?
 How can Emma ensure that her network is secure and protects her customers' data?
Problem 4: The Gamer's Lag

Alex is a passionate gamer who is constantly frustrated by the lag he experiences when playing online
games. He has a fast internet connection, but he still experiences delays and stuttering, which makes it
difficult to compete with other players.

 What are some of the possible causes of lag in online gaming?

 How can Alex test his internet connection to identify the source of the problem?
 What steps can Alex take to reduce lag and improve his online gaming experience?
Problem 5: The Smart Home Security Dilemma

The Williams family is excited to set up a smart home system with devices such as smart lights, thermostats,
and security cameras. However, they are also concerned about the security risks associated with connecting
these devices to their home network.

 What are some of the security risks associated with smart home devices?
 How can the Williams family secure their smart home network and protect their privacy?
 What resources can the Williams family use to learn more about smart home security?