NAME: JOY KAVULUNZE

REGISTRATION NUMBER: SCT121-C004-0436/2023

NETWORK ESSENTIALS ASSIGNMENT

a) Explain the concept on ICT For Development

The Internet, a global network of interconnected computers, has revolutionized the way we
live, communicate, and access information.

Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) is a dynamic

field that explores the intersection of technology and development. The following are the
contents on ICT4D:

1. Definition and Scope:

o ICT4D refers to the strategic use of information and communication
technologies (ICTs) to address development challenges and enhance human
well-being.
o It encompasses a wide range of applications, from basic connectivity to
advanced digital solutions.
2. Key Components:
o Information Technologies (IT): These include hardware (computers,
smartphones, servers) and software (applications, databases, operating
systems).
o Communication Technologies (CT): These involve networks (internet,
mobile, satellite) and communication protocols.
3. Objectives and Impact:
o Empowerment: ICT4D aims to empower individuals, communities, and
organizations by providing access to information, education, and economic
opportunities.
o Inclusion: It strives for digital inclusion, bridging the gap between those with
access to technology and those without.
 o Sustainable Development: ICT4D contributes to achieving the United
Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by leveraging technology
for social, economic, and environmental progress.
4. Areas of Application:
o Education: E-learning platforms, digital classrooms, and online resources
enhance learning opportunities.
o Healthcare: Telemedicine, health information systems, and mobile health
apps improve healthcare delivery.
o Agriculture: ICTs aid in crop monitoring, weather forecasting, and market
access for farmers.
o Governance: E-governance, citizen engagement, and open data promote
transparency and accountability.
o Economic Development: E-commerce, digital payments, and
entrepreneurship platforms boost economic growth.
5. Challenges and Considerations:
o Infrastructure: Ensuring reliable connectivity, especially in rural and remote
areas.
o Affordability: Making technology accessible to all, regardless of income.
o Digital Literacy: Promoting skills to navigate and utilize ICTs effectively.
o Privacy and Security: Balancing convenience with data protection.
o Sustainability: Ensuring long-term viability of ICT4D initiatives.
6. Examples of ICT4D Projects:
o Mobile Money: Services like M-Pesa in Kenya enable financial transactions
via mobile phones.
o Community Information Centres: Establishing centres with internet access
in underserved regions.
o Open Data Platforms: Sharing government data for informed decision-
making.
o Disaster Response: Using ICTs during emergencies for coordination and
relief efforts.

b) Explain the key differences between IPV6 and IPV4

IPV6 means Internet Protocol Version 6 and the IPV4 stands for the Internet Protocol
Version 4.And thus the difference between the two versions are as follows:

Address Length:

o IPv4: It uses a 32-bit address length, expressed as four decimal numbers

separated by dots (e.g., 192.168.0.1).
o IPv6: It employs a 128-bit address length, represented by eight hexadecimal
numbers separated by colons (e.g.,
2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334).
2. Address Format:
o IPv4: Addresses are written in decimal notation (e.g., 192.168.1.1).
o IPv6: Addresses are written in hexadecimal notation (e.g.,
2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334).
3. Address Space:
o IPv4: Provides a limited address space due to its 32-bit length. The total
number of unique IPv4 addresses is finite.
o IPv6: Offers an enormous address space—over 1,000 times larger than
IPv4. This abundance of addresses accommodates the growing number of
connected devices.
4. Security:
o IPv4: Basic security features; additional security mechanisms need to be
implemented separately.
o IPv6: Built-in security features, including data authentication and encryption.
IPv6 connections are inherently more secure.
5. Header Format:
o IPv4: Has a more complex header structure.
o IPv6: Features a simpler and more efficient header format, contributing to
faster internet connections.
6. Multicast and Broadcast:
o IPv4: Uses broadcast addresses, which force all devices on a network segment
to process packets. This can be inefficient.
o IPv6: Utilizes multicast groups for efficient communication without
unnecessary overhead.
 7. Subnetting:
o IPv4: Employs class-based subnetting.
o IPv6: Uses subnetting to adjust network sizes within a given address space.
8. Mobile Device Support:
o IPv4: Limited support for mobile devices.
o IPv6: Enhanced support for mobile connections, facilitating quicker and safer
connections

c) Describe the Following Terms

i. Repeater

Refers to a network component that amplifies/boosts the current signal to the destination
device

ii. Gateway

A Gateway is a network entity that connects computers from one network to another
network .A gateway is a type of router

iii. Bridge

A Bridge is a network component that connects several nodes. Once a Bridge receives a
signal, it retransmits the signal to all the other ports except for the intended port that is
supposed to receive the signal and later it quickly learns the MAC addresses of the devices
connected to the ports.

The Bridge is a type of Switch that at first has the functionality of a hub and later learns the
MAC addresses of the devices that are directly connected to the ports .The Bridge is both a
layer one and a layer two device.