Unsolved Questions

Ans 1. Internet is a global network of interconnected computer networks, allowing computers and other devices
to communicate and share resources. It is often referred to as the ‘network of networks’. Internet facilitates the
exchange of information, data and services across different types of devices and platforms, connecting people
and organizations worldwide. It is also termed as ‘net’.

Ans 2. When two or more devices are connected to each other for reliable communication/transfer of data, it
constitutes a network. A network can consist of a computer, fax machine, printer, camera, cell phone, etc.

Ans 3. There are five types of topologies:

• Mesh topology

• Bus topology

• Star topology

• Ring topology

• Tree topology

Ans 4. The frequency range for radio waves is from 500 kHz to about 1000 MHz.

Ans 5. 18 Gigabit per second is equal to 18,000,000,000 bits per second.

Ans 6. (a) Bandwidth: The amount of data that can be passed along a communication channel in a given period
of time (1 second) is termed as bandwidth. It measures the information-carrying capacity of a line or a
network.The measuring unit of bandwidth is hertz (Hz).

(b) Bluetooth: Bluetooth refers to a telecommunication industry specification that defines how different devices
can be connected virtually and transfer information among themselves. Bluetooth technology is commonly used
in various portable devices such as laptops and PDAs to establish a wireless connection in the form of Wireless
LAN (WLAN).

(c) DNS: Domain Name System is a mechanism that translates human-readable domain names (for example,
www.w3schools.com) to their corresponding IP address (for example, 192.34.54.89).

(d) Data Transfer Rate: It is the amount of data transferred in one direction over a link divided by the time taken
to transfer it in bits per second (bps). The various measuring units are bits per second (bps) and bytes per second
(Bps) or baud, kilobits per second (Kbps), megabits per second (Mbps), gigabits per second (Gbps), terabits per
second (Tbps.)

1 Kbps=210 bps=1024 bps

1 Mbps=220 bps=1024 Kbps

1 Gbps=230 bps=1024 Mbps

1 Tbps=240 bps=1024 Gbps

(e) HTTP: HTTP stands for Hyper Text Transfer Protocol and is used to transfer all files and other data from one
computer to another on the World Wide Web. This protocol is used to transfer hypertext documents over the
internet. HTTP defines how the data is formatted and transmitted over the network.

Ans 7. Wide Area Network (WAN)Book XII 39

Ans 8. Star topology layout of 5 connecting computers:

Node 1

Node 2

Hub/Switch

Node 5

Node 3

Node 4

Star topology

Layout of 5 connecting computers in Bus topology:

Node 3

Node 2

Node 1

Terminator

Terminator

Node 5

Node 4

Bus topology

Ans 9. WWW: WWW stands for World Wide Web. It is an information service that can be used for sending and
receiving information over the internet through interlinked hypertext documents. The World Wide Web is based
upon client-server architecture where a client sends a request and the server processes that request and sends
responses. A WWW client is called a web browser and a WWW server is called a web server.

Internet: Internet is a network of networks. The computers are connected through World Wide Web that
comprise a large network and share a common communication protocol (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet
Protocol, TCP/IP). It allows computers of different types to exchange information and is known as the internet.

Ans 10.

Bus topology Star topology

A long cable known as backbone is used to A central network device such as hub or
connect all computers with each other. switch is required to connect all devices in a
network.

The data is transmitted through a long cable The data is transmitted from the sender to
from the sender to the receiver. the receiver by passing through the hub or
switch.

Collision can take place when the data is No collision takes place through transmission
transmitted from two or more devices at the of data because each device has its own
same time. dedicated connection to the central
hub/switch.
If there is a break in a cable, no transmission If the central hub fails, the entire network
takes place. shuts down.

Ans 11. (a) Baud: The number of changes in a signal per second is known as baud. It is the measuring unit of the
data transfer rate.

(b) Communication Channel: A channel is a communication path through which the data is transmitted from the
sender device to the receiver device. A communication channel is also known as communication media or
transmission media. Communication media can be wireless (unguided) or wired (guided).

(c) Hub: It is a multi-port and unintelligent network device that simply transfers data from one port of the
network to another. A hub is a hardware device used to connect several computers together with different ports.
When the packet reaches one port or one node, it is copied to all the nodes connected to hub. Hub can be either
active or passive.

(d) Repeater: A repeater is an electronic/network device that receives a signal before it becomes too weak and
regenerates the original signal. It is used to amplify and restores signals for long-distance transmission.
Repeaters are required for cable runs longer than 70 metres. It does not change the functionality of the network.

Ans 12. Modem: A MODEM (Modulator DEModulator) is an electronic device that enables a computer to
transmit data over telephone lines. It is a device used to convert digital signals into analog signals and vice versa.
There are two types of modems, namely internal modem and external modem.

The functioning of internal and external modem:

Analog Signal

Modulation

Demodulation

Digital Signal

Digital Signal

Modulation

Demodulation

Telephone Line

Modem

Modem

Internal Modem: An internal modem is placed inside a computer. It usually comes pre-installed in the computer.
The best thing about internal modem is that it operates with the computer’s power supply and does not need an
additional supply to work.

External Modem: An external modem is quite similar to an internal modem in that it also allows access to the
Internet. The external modem is an external part of the computer. It can be used when a computer is unable to
fit an internal modem inside of it. The modem typically connects to the computer via a serial or USB cable, and it
also needs an external power supply to operate.
Ans 13. (a) PPP: Point-to-Point Protocol is used to establish a direct connection between two nodes. It is used to
connect telephone dial-up lines to the internet. It can provide connection authentication, transmission,
encryption and compression and error detection as well.

(b) POP3: Post Office Protocol 3 is a simple and standard method to access the mailbox and download messages
to the local computers. This protocol manages authentication of mails and also blocks inboxes during its access
which means that simultaneous access to the same inbox by two users is impossible.

(c) VoIP: Voice Over Internet Protocol is used for transferring voice over internet. It uses packet switching
technology where each packet follows the best route to reach its destination. It allows both voice and data
communications to be run over a single network due to which infrastructure costs get reduced.Book XII 41

(d) IRC: Internet Relay Chat allows users to chat by sending and receiving text messages. It uses client server
model. The sender sends request to IRC server, which then forwards this request to another client to
communicate with each other.

Ans 14. (a) Routers: A router is a networking device that forwards data packets from the source machine to the
destination machine over a network by using the shortest path. A router uses IP address to connect a local area
network to the internet. Routers are network devices that can handle different protocols within a network.

(b) Bridges: A bridge is a device that links two segments of the original network together. Bridges connect two
separate network segments that use the same protocols.

The bridge not only regenerates the signal but also checks the physical address of the destination and forwards
the new copy only to that port. An important advantage of using a bridge is that it is a smarter hub as it can filter
network traffic on the basis of the MAC addresses.

(c) Gateways: A gateway is a device that connects dissimilar networks. Gateway provides necessary translation of
data received from the network into a format or protocol recognized by devices within the internal network. A
gateway is a device that establishes an intelligent connection between a local area network and external
networks with completely different structures.

Ans 15. Wi-Fi cards are known as Wireless Fidelity cards as they allow the user to set up a connection without
any wire. A Wi-Fi card such as PCI-Express is used in a desktop computer that enables a user to establish an
internet connection. Wi-Fi cards are widely used in notebook computers due to their highly portable nature. A
Wi-Fi card is either an internal or external Local Area Network adapter with a built-in wireless radio and antenna.

Ans 16. Every computer connected to the internet uses the same set of rules for communication. A set of rules is
called a protocol. The communication protocol used by the internet is TCP/IP.

The TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is responsible for dividing the whole message into fragments of same
size called as packets on the source computer and reassembling them at the destination computer, as packets
are not delivered in sequential order.

The IP (Internet Protocol) is responsible for delivering data packets from the source to destination based on IP
addresses mentioned in the packet headers, so that packets will move to the destined address only by following
the shortest route.

Ans 17. HTTPS stands for Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure. It is a protocol for securing the communication
between two systems e.g., the browser and the web server.

HTTP transfers data between the browser and the web server in the hypertext format whereas HTTPS transfers
data in the encrypted format. Thus, HTTPS prevents hackers from reading and modifying the data during the
transfer between the browser and the web server. Even if hackers manage to intercept the communication, they
will not be able to use it because the message is encrypted.
Ans 18. Ethernet is a widely used networking technology that defines how data is transmitted over a local area
network (LAN).It is characterized by its use of twisted-pair or fiber optic cables to transmit data packets between
devices on the same network. In Ethernet networks, devices are connected to a common communication
medium, such as a network switch or hub, through Ethernet cables.42 Computer Science with Python—Teacher’s
Manual

Ethernet card, also known as a Network Interface Card (NIC) or Ethernet adapter, is a hardware component that
allows a computer or other device to connect to an Ethernet network. It facilitates the transmission and
reception of data packets between the device and the network. On Ethernet card, a physical address of each
communicating computer is mentioned which is known as MAC address.

Ans 19. It is a multi-port and unintelligent network device that simply transfers data from one port of the
network to another. A hub is a hardware device used to connect several computers together with different ports.
When the packet reaches one port or one node, it is copied to all the nodes connected to hub.

Hubs can be either active or passive. Active hubs amplify and regenerate signals, requiring power and being
more expensive, suitable for larger networks whereas passive hubs don't amplify signals, don't need power, are
simpler and cheaper, better for smaller networks.

Ans 20. In a network environment, servers provide various facilities that are essential for facilitating
communication such as—

(i) Resources(software, hardware) sharing

(ii) Database services

(iii) Backup and Recovery

(iv) User Authentication

(v) Web Hosting

Ans 21. Fibre Optical cable is very effective as it provides less error rate and very fast communication in a guided
medium.

Ans 22. Fibre Optical cable can be used in a harsh industrial environment.

Ans 23. Unguided media – Satellite

Ans 24.

Microwave Transmission Radio wave Transmission

Its frequency is 1 GHz to 300 GHz. Its frequency is 30 kHz to 300 GHz.

It is used in Satellite communication, radar, It is used in audio broadcasting, AM/FM

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth. radio, TV broadcasting, cellular networks.

It is suitable for short-range communication. It is suitable for long-distance communication

and broadcasting.

Its bandwidth is High. Its bandwidth is low as compared to

microwave transmission.

It is less penetrated through obstacles like Its penetration is better through obstacles,
buildings. suitable for long-distance communication.

For Example: Microwave ovens, satellite For Example: AM/FM radio, television
communication systems. broadcasting, cellular networks.

Ans 25. Satellite is useful for sparsely populated areas as the transmission medium.

Ans 26. Star topology is easy to expand.

Ans 27. Firewall is responsible for filtering the data and Router can handle different protocols.

Ans 28. When two or more than two devices connected to each other forms a network. A collection of
interconnected computers is called a Computer Network. Two computers or devices are said to be
interconnected if they are capable of sharing and exchanging information by following a protocol.

Goals of network are—

(i) Resource Sharing

(ii) Improved Communication

(iii) Reduced Communication Cost

(iv) Reliability of Data

(v) Central Storage of Data

Applications of network are:

(i) Communication

(ii) E-commerce and Online Transactions

(iii) Entertainment and Media

(iv) Resources sharing and Collaboration

(v) Distributed computing

Ans 29. (a) Advantages of Optical Fibres:

(i) Fibre optic cable typically offers better bandwidth and can carry more information at once.

(ii) As the signal travels in the form of light, there is less attenuation and signal degradation.

(iii) Optical fibre wires are made of glass, so there is little risk of fire because of an absence of spark hazards.

(iv) A signal can run for 50 km without requiring regeneration.

Disadvantages of Optical Fibres:

(i) Highly skilled labour is required for its installation and maintenance.

(ii) It is relatively expensive as compared to other guided media.

(iii) As fibre optic is made of glass; it can be easily broken.

(iv) As light travels in a straight line, two fibres are needed if we need bidirectional communication.

(b) Advantages of Coaxial Cables:

(i) Coaxial cable can support greater cable lengths between network devices than twisted pair cable.

(ii) It is useful for transmitting analog as well as digital data across the network.

(iii) It is widely used for cable television and internet connections.

(iv) Coax are used for transmitting several channels simultaneously, i.e., they are helpful in broadband
transmission.

(v) Coaxial cable has excellent noise immunity because of thick covering outside the insulated wires.

Disadvantages of Coaxial Cables:

(i) A thick coaxial cable does not bend easily and thus is difficult to install.

(ii) It is expensive as compared to twisted pair cable.

(c) Advantages of Twisted Pair Cables:

(i) It is simple to use.

(ii) It is inexpensive and does not require skilled personnel.

(iii) It is less susceptible to electrical interference caused by nearby equipment or wires in a telephone system.

Disadvantages of Coaxial Cables:

(i) Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) wire is physically larger and more expensive than Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)
wire.44 Computer Science with Python—Teacher’s Manual

(ii) STP is more difficult to connect to a terminating block.

(iii) It easily picks up noise signals which result in higher error rates when the line length exceeds 100 metres.

(d) Advantages of Radio Waves:

(i) They can be used indoors as well as outdoors.

(ii) They are omnidirectional and can travel in any direction.

(iii) Transmitter and receiver antenna do not need to be physically aligned.

Disadvantages of Coaxial Cables:

(i) Radio wave communication is an insecure mode of communication.

(ii) Radio wave propagation is susceptible to weather effects like rain, thunderstorm, etc.

(e) Advantages of Microwaves:

(i) It is a cheaper source of communication as it avoids using cables and maintaining repeaters.

(ii) Communication through microwave is much easier over difficult terrain.

Disadvantages of Microwaves:

(i) It is an insecure mode of communication.

(ii) Microwave propagation is affected by weather conditions such as rain, thunderstorm, etc.

(iii) The cost of implementing towers, antennas is relatively high.

(f) Advantages of Satellites:

(i) The area covered is quite large.

(ii) No line-of-sight restrictions such as natural mountains, tall buildings, towers, etc.

(iii) It has high bandwidth and provides a secure connection using encoding and decoding system.

Disadvantages of Satellites:

(i) It is very expensive as compared to other transmission mediums.

(ii) Installation is extremely complex.

(iii) Signals sent to the stations can be interrupted by external interference.

Ans 30. HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol and is used to transfer all files and other data from one
computer to another on the World Wide Web.

This protocol is used to transfer hyper text documents over the internet. HTTP defines how the data is formatted
and transmitted over the network. When an HTTP client (a browser) sends a request to an HTTP server (web
server), the server sends responses back to the client. This transfer of requests and responses is done by HTTP
protocol.
Ans 31.

Hub Switch

It forwards incoming data packets to all ports It forwards data packets only to the intended
means it broadcasts the message to all the port which means it sends the message to
nodes. the destined node only.

It does not perform any filtering or It filters and forwards data based on MAC
processing. addresses.

It is less efficient, prone to network It is more efficient, reduces network

congestion. collisions.

It is suitable for small networks with low It is suitable for larger networks with high
traffic. traffic.
Ans 32.

Circuit Switching Packet Switching

It establishes a dedicated communication Data is divided into packets and transmitted

path. independently.

It allocates fixed resources for the entire It dynamically shares resources based on
connection. demand.

It requires a setup phase before data No setup phase; packets are forwarded as
transmission. soon as they arrive.

It is prone to congestion due to fixed It is better at managing network congestion,

resource allocation. dynamically.

Examples include traditional telephone Examples include Internet Protocol (IP)

networks. networks.

(c) FTP (File Transfer Protocol): FTP is the simplest and most secure way to exchange files over the internet. It is
used to transfer files from server system to requesting node, primarily for information sharing. FTP is most
commonly used to download a file from a server using the internet or to upload a file to a server (e.g., uploading
a web page file to a server).

Ans 36. We would prefer

(i) hubs over repeaters when the distance is less.

(ii) bridges over hubs when we have to connect multiple networks.

(iii) switches over other networking devices when we want to segment into multiple sub-networks to prevent
traffic overloading.
Ans 37.

Web Server Web Browser

It is a computer or software application that It is a software application used to access and

stores, processes, and delivers web content view web pages, documents and multimedia
to clients over the internet or an intranet. content on the internet.

It serves web pages, files, and other It retrieves and displays web content by
resources in response to requests from web sending requests to web servers.
browsers.

It manages and hosts websites, handles It interprets and displays web pages, handles
requests from clients and interacts with user interactions, manages browsing history
databases. and bookmarks.

For example, Apache HTTP Server, Microsoft For example, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox,
Internet Information Services (IIS). Microsoft Edge, Safari.