Chapter – 1

[Network Concept]
Class 8

C. Answer the following questions.

a) Define the term computer network. What are its advantages?
Ans: A computer network consists of two or more computers that are linked in order to share
resources such as printers, exchange files and allow communication.
Some of the advantages of computer networks are:
• Resource Sharing
• File Sharing and Remote Database Access
• Ease of communication
b) State the types of computer networks based on the geographical area covered by them.
Ans: The following are the types of networks based on the geographical area covered –
Personal Area Network (PAN): It is organised around a person. It is used for
communication between devices such as phones, personal digital assistants, printers and
laptops that are in close proximity.
Local Area Network (LAN): A LAN is a computer network that is limited to a local area
such as a laboratory, a school or an office building. Cables (wires) or low-power radio
waves (wireless) are used for the connections in a LAN.
Campus Area Network (CAN): A CAN is a computer network that connects multiple local
area networks (LAN) in a limited geographical area.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): A MAN is a computer network that connects
computers within a metropolitan area, which could be a single large city, multiple cities
and towns, or any given large area with multiple buildings. A MAN is larger than a local
area network (LAN) but smaller than a wide area network (WAN).
Wide Area Network (WAN): A WAN is a computer network that spans a wide geographical
area. A WAN may be spread across cities, countries and continents. A WAN is formed
by connecting LANs and MANs.
c) Write a note on twisted pair and coaxial cables
Ans: Twisted Pair Cable: It consists of a pair of insulated wires twisted together. The use of
two wires twisted around each other helps to reduce disturbances in the signals. The
twisted pair cable is often used in two or more pairs, all within a single cable.
Twisted pair cabling comes in two varieties —
• Shielded (Shielded Twisted Pair or STP) and
• Unshielded (Unshielded Twisted Pair or UTP).
Coaxial Cable (coax): A Coaxial cable is an electrical cable with a conductor at its
centre. The inner conductor is surrounded by a tubular insulating layer. The insulating
layer is surrounded by a conductive layer called the shield, which is finally covered
with a thin insulating layer on the outside.
d) Give the advantages of Optical fibre cables.
Ans: Advantages of optical fibre cables are:
i. It consists of a central glass core surrounded by several layers of protective material.
It transmits data in the form of light rather than electronic signals, thus eliminating the
problem of electrical interference.
ii. It transmits signals over much longer distances.
 iii. It has the capability to carry data at a very high speed.
e) What is bus topology?
Ans: In bus topology, all the computers are connected to a single cable called the bus. The
transmission of data from any computer travels through the length of the bus in both the
directions and can be received by all other computers on the network. If the address of a
computer is that of the intended recipient, it accepts the data; otherwise, the data is rejected.
The advantage of the bus topology is that it is quite easy to set up.
The disadvantage is the network cannot function if there are breaks in the bus.
f) How is a hub different from a switch?
Ans: Main difference is –
HUB SWITCH
In Hub when one computer sends data on the The switch sends the incoming data to the
network, the hub simply forwards the desired destination only. It records the
packets to all the other computers connected addresses of all the computers connected to
to it. Each computer is responsible for it. So, when a packet is received, the switch
determining which packets are destined for determines the destination device. If the
it and which are to be ignored. destination device is connected, the switch
forwards the packet only to that destination
device.

g) Discuss some common threats to network security.

Ans: Common threats are:
Virus: A computer virus spreads itself from one computer to another and interferes with the
normal operations of a computer. Viruses attach themselves to any type of file and spread
when these infected files are copied to other computers.
Worm: A worm is a computer program that uses computer networks to send copies of itself to
other computers on a network. A worm can spread without any human action too. It replicates
itself without the knowledge of the user. Worms can cause severe harm to a computer
network such as blocking the network and reducing the speed of the network.
Trojan Horse: A computer program that appears to be useful software but causes damage once
installed or executed onto your computer system is known as a Trojan horse or a Trojan.
After getting installed, it allows unauthorised access to the computer and allows your
computer to be remotely controlled by someone else and can cause loss of personal and
confidential information.
Data Theft: Data theft means where people break into computer networks to either disrupt their
functioning or to steal confidential information.
h) What is a firewall?
Ans: A firewall is used to prevent unauthorised access to a computer network. A firewall can be
implemented as software, hardware, or a combination of both. All data or messages entering
or leaving a computer network pass through a firewall. A firewall examines each message
and blocks those that do not meet the specified security criteria.
i) How is microwave transmission different from radiowave transmission?
Ans: The main differences are –
 Microwave Radiowave
Microwave communications are unidirectional. Radiowave communications are omni
directional.

Microwave propagation is line-of-sight In this, communication can be happened all

communication. They can be used for terrestrial directions from the source, so that the
communication or for satellite communication transmitter and receiver do not have to be
so, the towers with antennas mounted on them carefully aligned physically.
need to be in direct sight of each other.

Microwaves can pass through the earth’s Radio waves are easy to generate, can travel
atmosphere easily and can be used to transmit long distances and penetrate through
information between satellites and the earth’s buildings easily. So, they are widely used
base station. for communication both indoors and
outdoors