COMPUTER NETWORK

QUESTION#1
1) NETWORK
A network typically refers to a collection of interconnected entities or nodes that can exchange
information,data,or resources.These entities can be various things, such as
computers ,devices,people,or even organizations, and they are linked together through
communication channels like wires or wireless connections.Networks can serve various
purposes,including data transmission,sharing resources like printers or internet access,and facilitating
communication between connected entities.There are many types of networks,social networks,and
telecommunications networks,each designed for specific functions and applications.
2) LINK
A link, in the context of the internet and computing , is a reference or connection between two web
pages,documents,or resources.Its typically a clickable element,often displayed as underlined or
differently colored text,that allows users to navigate from one location to another on the internet or
within a document.Links are fundamental for browsing the web and accessing information by clicking
on them to open new pages or resources.
3) NODE
In a general computing context, a “node” can refer to various things,but it commonly represents one
of the following:
1. Network Node:In networking, a node can be a device such as a computer or router that is part of
a network and has a unique address.
2. Graph Theory:In graph theory, a node (or vertex) is a fundamental unit that ,along with
edges,forms a graph.Nodes represent connections or relationships between these entities.
3. Programming:In programming and data structures, a node often refers to a fundamental building
block in data structures like linked lists, trees, or graphs.It contains data and reference to other nodes.
4. Blockchain:In blockchain technology,a node is a device or computer that participates in the
decentralized network,maintaining a copy of the blockchain ledger and helping to validata
transactions.
The specific meaning of “node” depends on the context in which it is used.
4) GATEWAY OR ROUTER
A gateway or router is a networking device that connects different networks together,such as a local
area network (LAN) to the internet or multiple LANs to each other.It serves as a traffic
manager,directing data packets between devices within a network and those on external
networks.Routers use routing tables and protocols to determine the most efficient path for data to
travel,ensuring data reaches its intended destination across networks.Gateways can also perform
additional functional,such as protocol translation and security filtering ,depending on their
configuration and purpose.
5) POINT- TO- POINT LINK
A point to point link,often referred to as a P2P link, is a type of communication or connection between
two specific endpoints or nodes in a network.This link establishes a direct and dedicated connection
between the two points,allowing data to be transmitted directly from one to the other without the
need for intermediate devices or routing.
Point-to-point links are commonly used in various network configurations,such as point-to-point
communication over serial connections,dedicated leased lines,or even wireless links between two
specific devices.They offer a simple and efficient way to establish reliable and secure communication
between two distinct locations or devices.

QUESTION#2
An effective and efficient network typically adheres to the following criteria:
1. Reliability:The network should be available and operational when needed,with minimal
downtime.
2. Performance:It should provide low latency, high bandwidth,and fast data transfer speeds to meet
user requirements.
3. Scalability:The network should be able to accommodate growth in terms of users,devices,and
data traffic without a significant decrease in performance.
4. Security:Robust security measures should be in place to protect against unauthorized access,data
breaches, and other cyber threats.
5. Manageability:The network should be easy to configure,monitor, and maintain to minimize
operational costs.
6. Quality of service (QoS):Prioritization of network traffic to ensure critical applications or services
receive the necessary bandwidth and latency while maintain overall network performance.
7. Redundancy:Implementing redundancy through backup links or devices to ensure continued
operation in case of failures.
8. Scalabe Addressing:Efficient IP addressing and sub-netting to manage devices and routing
efficiently.
9. Compatibility:Support for a variety of devices,protocols,and operating systems to facilitate
seamless communication.
10. Cost-effectiveness:Achieving the desired network capabilities within budget constraints.
11. Monitoring and Reporting:Tools and protocols to monitor network performance and generate
reports for troubleshooting and optimization.
12. Documentation:Comprehensive documentation of network configuration,policies, and procedures
for troubleshooting and future reference.
Meeting these criteria ensures that a network can deliver reliable, high-performance connectivity
while being manageable and secure.

QUESTION#3
Name the factors that affect the performance of the network
ANSWER:
Several factors can affect the performance of a network.Some of the key factors include:
1. Bandwidth:The amount of data that can be transmitted over the network in a given amount of
time.Higher bandwidth generally leads to better performance.
2.Latency:The delay in data transmission from source to destination.Lower latency is preferred for
real-time application like video conferencing and online gaming.
3.Packet Loss:When data packets are lost or dropped during transmission,it can degrade network
performance, especially for streaming or VoIP services.
4.Jitter:Variability in packet arrival times.Consistent packet timing is crucial for real-time applications.
5.Network Congestion:Overloaded networks can experience slowdowns as traffic competes for
limilted resources.
6.Network Topology:The physical or logical layout of network components can impact
performance.Star,mesh,or bus topologies have different characteristics.
7.Quality of Service (QOS) Settings:Network devices can be configured to prioritize certain types of
traffic over others, influencing performance for specific applications.
8.Hardware and Software:The quality and capabilities of network equipment
(routers, switches,cables) and the efficiency of networking software can affect performance.
9.Distance and Geographic Location:The physical distance between devices and the geographical
location of servers can impact latency and overall network performance.
10.Security Measures:Network security protocols and firewalls can introduce overhead,affecting
performance to some extent.
11.Interference:Wireless networks can suffer from interference from other electronic devices or
neighboring networks, which can degrade performance.
12.Traffic Patterns:The nature of the data traffic,such as bursty or continuous, can impact network
performance.
13.Network Load:The number of devices and users simultaneously using the network can influence
performance during peak times.
14.DNS Resolution:The time it takes to resolve domain names into IP addresses can affect how quickly
website load.
15.Protocol Efficiency:The efficiency of network protocols used for data transmission can impact
performance.Newer protocols often often improvements.
16.Service Provider:The quality and capacity of the internet service provider s network can
significantiy affect network performance.
Its important to consider these factors when designing,managing,or troubleshooting a network to
ensure optimal performance for the intended use cases.

QUESTION#4:
What is physical and wireless media?

ANSWER:
Physical media refers to tangible communication channels or mediums used to transmit data
or information.These include traditional forms like copper wires,optical,fibers,and coaxial
cables.Physical media can carry various types of signals,such as electrical or light signals,such
depending on the technology used.

Wireless media,on the other hand,refers to communication channels that transmit data without the
need for physical connections.This includes technologies like Wi-Fi,Bluetooth,radio waves,and cellular
networks.
Wireless media relies on electromagnetic waves to carry information from one point to
another,enabling wireless communication between devices.
In summary,physical media involves tangible cables or wires,while wireless media uses
electromagnetic waves for communication without physical connections.Both have their advantages
and are used in different applications.

QUESTION#5:
What is Star connectivity (topology) in the computer network?

ANSWER:
Star connectivity,also known as a star topology,is a type of network topology commonly used
in computer networks.In a star topology,all devices (such as computers,printers,or other networked
devices)are connected directly to a central hub or switch.Each device has its own dedicated
connection to the central hub.

Key characteristics of a star topology include:

1. Central Hub:The central hub or switch serves as a central point of connection for all devices in the
network.It can be a physical device like a network switch or a logical point in the case of a virtualized
network.
2. Point-to-Point Connections:Each device in the network is connected directly to the central hub
using its cable or connection.This arrangement forms a point-to-point connection between the hub
and each device.
Isolation:If one device experiences a connection issue or fails,it typically does not affect the
connectivity of other devices in the network.This isolation can be an advantage in terms of network
reliability.
3. Scalability:Star topologies are relaively easy to expand.You can add new devices to the network by
connecting them to the central hub without affecting existing connections.
4. Maintenance:Troubleshooting and maintenance are simplified because its easier to identify and
address issues when each connection is separate.
5. Centralized Control:The central hub or switch can provide centralized control and management of
the network.
However,there are some potential drawbacks to a star topology,including:
1. Dependency on the central Hub:If the central hub fails, the entire network can become non-
functional.This single point of failure can be a disadvantage in terms of network reliability.
2. Cost:Setting up a star topology may require more cabling and hardware (central hub/switch)
compared to other topologies like bus or ring.
3. Limited Distance:The length of the cables used in a star topology can limit the physical distance
between the central hub and connected devices.
Despite these limitations,star topologies are widely used in modern Ethernet LANs (Local Area
Networks) due to their ease of installation,scalability,and manageability.They are particularly well-
suited for small to medium-sized networks where the benefits of centralized control and ease of
troubleshooting outweigh the potential drawbacks.

QUESTION#6:

Briefly describe TCP/IP model with the help of diagram?

ANSWER:

The TCP/IP model is a conceptual framework used to understand how network protocols
work together to enable communication over the internet.It consists of four layers:
1. Application Layer:This layer represents the software and protocols that end-user applications use
to communicate over the network.Examples include HTTP for web browsing and SMTP for email.
2. Transport Layer:The transport layer ensures reliable data transfer between devices.It includes
protocols like TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and UDP (User Datagram Protocol).
3. Internet layer:This layer is responsible for routing packets of data between different networks.The
primary protocol at this layer is IP (Internet Protocol).
4. Link Layer:The link layer deals with the physical connection between devices on the same
network.It includes protocols for data link control and physical network media,such as Ethernet.

Here’s a simplified diagram:

Data flows down through the layers on the sender’s side and up through the layers on the receiver’s
side,with each layer adding its own functionality to enable end-to-end communication.