Data Communications and Networking 5E

-Forouzan
Chapter-1 Introduction
~Practice Set Questions~

Q1-1. Why are Protocols needed?

Protocols are needed to define the rules and conventions for
communication between network devices. They ensure that data is
transmitted in a structured, reliable, and understandable manner,
enabling different devices, regardless of their underlying hardware and
software, to communicate effectively. Protocols manage how data is
formatted, transmitted, received, and acknowledged across the network.

Q1-2. What are the two types of line configuration?

The two types of line configuration are:
1. Point-to-Point: A dedicated link connects two devices directly.
2. Multipoint: Multiple devices share a single communication link.

Q1-3. Name the four basic network topologies, and cite

an advantage of each type.
1. Mesh Topology: Every device is connected to every other device.
Advantage: High redundancy and fault tolerance since each
connection is independent.
2. Star Topology: All devices are connected to a central hub.
Advantage: Easy to add new devices, and failure of one device
doesn’t affect the rest of the network.
3. Bus Topology: All devices share a single communication line.
Advantage: Simple and easy to set up, requiring less cable than
other topologies.
4. Ring Topology: Devices are connected in a circular fashion.
Advantage: Data transmission is orderly and predictable, with each
device having exactly two neighbours.
Q1-4. Explain the difference between a required RFC and
a recommended RFC.
 Required RFC: Defines protocols or technologies that are essential
for network operation and must be implemented by all systems on
the network.
 Recommended RFC: Defines protocols or technologies that are
considered beneficial but are not mandatory for network operation.
Implementation is suggested but not required.

Q1-5. When a resident uses a dial-up or DLS service to

connect to the Internet, what is the role of the telephone
company?
The telephone company acts as an Internet Service Provider (ISP). It
provides the physical connection through its telephone lines, allowing the
resident’s modem to connect to the Internet. The company also provides
network services such as IP address assignment, DNS, and routing traffic
between the user and the Internet.

Q1-6. What is an internet? What is the Internet?

 An internet: Refers to any network of networks, where multiple
networks are interconnected using routers to form a larger network.
 The Internet: Refers specifically to the global system of
interconnected computer networks that use the Internet protocol
suite (TCP/IP) to link devices worldwide.

Q1-7. What are the advantages of a multipoint

connection over a point-to-point one?
Multipoint connections are more cost-effective because multiple devices
can share a single communication link, reducing the amount of cabling
and ports needed. They are also more efficient for communication in
scenarios where devices do not need dedicated connections.
Q1-8. What is the first principle discussed in this chapter
for protocol layering that needs to be followed to make
the communication bidirectional?
The first principle is that each layer should perform a well-defined
function. In protocol layering, this means each layer on the sending side
should have a corresponding layer on the receiving side to handle the
communication in reverse, enabling bidirectional communication.

Q1-9. Identify the five components of a data

communication system.
 Message: The information to be communicated.
 Sender: The device that sends the data message.
 Receiver: The device that receives the data message.
 Transmission Medium: The physical path through which the
message travels.
 Protocol: The rules that govern data communication.

Q1-10. What is the difference between half-duplex and

full-duplex transmission modes?
 Half-Duplex: Communication can occur in both directions, but not
simultaneously. Devices take turns to send and receive data.
 Full-Duplex: Communication can occur in both directions
simultaneously, allowing both devices to send and receive data at
the same time.

Q1-11. Categorize the four basic topologies in terms of

line configuration.
 Mesh Topology: Point-to-Point
 Star Topology: Point-to-Point (between devices and the central
hub)
 Bus Topology: Multipoint
 Ring Topology: Point-to-Point (between each pair of devices in the
ring)

Q1-12. What are the three criteria necessary for an

effective and efficient network?
  Performance: Measured in terms of throughput and latency,
determining how fast and reliable the network is.
 Reliability: Ensures consistent service with minimal failures or
downtimes.
 Security: Protects data and resources from unauthorized access
and ensures data integrity.

Q1-13. How many point-to-point WANs are needed to

connect n LANs if each LAN should be able to directly
communicate with any other LAN?
The number of point-to-point WANs needed is n(n-1)/2. This is based on
the formula for combinations, as each LAN needs a direct link to every
other LAN.

Q1-14. For n devices in a network, what is the number of

cable links required for a mesh, ring, bus, and star
topology?
 Mesh Topology: n(n−1)2\frac{n(n-1)}{2}2n(n−1) cables
 Ring Topology: n cables (one for each connection in the ring)
 Bus Topology: 1 cable (shared by all devices)
 Star Topology: n cables (one for each connection to the central
hub)

Q1-15. Explain the difference between an Internet draft

and a proposed standard.
 Internet Draft: A working document or a work in progress that may
be updated, revised, or discarded. It is not a formal standard.
 Proposed Standard: A specification that has been reviewed and is
considered stable and well-understood. It is on the path to becoming
a formal Internet standard but requires further review and testing.

Q1-16. When we use local telephones to talk to a friend,

are we using a circuit-switched network or a packet-
switched network?
We are using a circuit-switched network. In this type of network, a
dedicated communication path is established between the two parties for
the duration of the call.

Q1-17. What are some of the factors that determine

whether a communication system is LAN or WAN?
 Geographic Scope: LANs cover a small geographical area, such as
a single building or campus, while WANs cover a larger area, such as
a city, country, or even globally.
 Ownership: LANs are typically owned, operated, and managed by a
single organization, whereas WANs can be a network of multiple
LANs connected across public or leased telecommunication lines.
 Transmission Technology: LANs usually use faster and simpler
technologies like Ethernet, while WANs use technologies like MPLS,
Frame Relay, or ATM, which can handle long-distance transmission
and interconnectivity across diverse regions.

Q1-18. In a LAN with a link-layer switch, Host1 wants to

send a message to Host3. Since communication is
through the link-layer switch, does the switch need to
have an address? Explain.
Q1-19. Explain the difference between the duties of the
IETF and IRTF.
The IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force) and IRTF (Internet
Research Task Force) are both organizations that focus on the
development and advancement of internet technologies, but they have
different roles and responsibilities.
IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force)
 Focus: The IETF is responsible for the development and
standardization of protocols and technologies used on the Internet.
Its work is more practical and focused on the implementation of
technologies that are ready for deployment.
 Duties:
o Developing technical standards (known as RFCs, or Request for
Comments) for the internet, such as TCP/IP, HTTP, and DNS.
 o Ensuring interoperability, scalability, and security of internet
protocols.
o Providing guidance and best practices for the operation of the
Internet.
o Facilitating the deployment of these standards across the
internet community.
IRTF (Internet Research Task Force)
 Focus: The IRTF is focused on long-term research related to the
Internet. Its work is more experimental and exploratory, often
dealing with new or emerging areas of internet technology that are
not yet ready for standardization.
 Duties:
o Conducting research on future internet protocols, architecture,
and technology.
o Fostering collaboration between academic, industrial, and
government research communities to explore new ideas.
o Providing a forum for discussion of innovative and experimental
technologies that may shape the future of the Internet.
o Producing experimental documents and reports, which may
eventually lead to the development of new IETF standards.
In summary, the IETF is focused on the standardization and deployment
of existing technologies, while the IRTF is focused on research and the
exploration of future technologies that might one day be standardized.
Tabular Difference:
IETF IRTF
- IETF stands for Internet - IRTF stands for Internet
Engineering Task Force Research Task Force
- User access different - Users conduct research
internet standards on internet standards
- Open membership is - Chargeable service are
allowed to access the allowed in IRTF
internet technologies in
IETF
- It has no limitations to - IRTF standards have
learn about the such limitations to learn
technologies about the technologies