ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education, Hyderabad

IcfaiTech (Faculty of Science and Technology)

PART- A [6x0.5=3M]
Note: Answer ALL questions

1. a. If the data link layer can detect errors between the hops why do you think another
checking mechanism at transport layer? [CO2, PO2]
Answer. The data link layer checks errors between adjacent nodes (hop-to-hop).
The transport layer ensures end-to-end error detection and correction, ensuring complete
data integrity across multiple hops.
b. List various components of data communication system [CO1, PO1]
Answer. Message – Data to be transmitted
Sender – Device that sends the data
Receiver – Device that receives the data
Transmission Medium – Path for data transfer (e.g., cables, wireless signals)
Protocol – Rules governing communication
c. Consider ‘n’ devices in the network find the number of cable links for a star topology
[CO1, PO1]
Answer. In a star topology, each device connects to a central hub/switch which is part of
n devices hence
Number of cable links = n-1 (each device requires one cable to the hub).
d. What is a burst error? [CO2, PO1]
Answer. A burst error is when two or more consecutive bits in a data transmission are
altered. Example: Sending 10101010 but receiving 10011010 (errors in multiple bits).
e. What is the purpose of gateway [CO1, PO1]
Answer. A gateway connects two different networks that use different communication
protocols. Example: A VoIP gateway converts voice signals to data packets for internet
transmission.
f. Differentiate simplex, half-duplex and full-duplex transmission modes [CO1, PO1]
Data flows in one
Simplex TV Broadcast
direction only
Data flows both ways, but
Half-Duplex Walkie-Talkie
one at a time
Data flows both ways
Full-Duplex Telephone Call
simultaneously
 PART- B [3x2=6M]
2. What are the responsibilities of the Network Layer in the Internet model? [CO1, PO1]
Answer. Logical Addressing – Assigns unique IP addresses to devices.
Routing – Determines the best path for packet transmission.
Packet Forwarding – Moves packets from source to destination.
Error Handling – Uses protocols like ICMP for error reporting, diagnostics, and flow
control in the Internet (TCP/IP) model.
3. A company is setting up a network where a file is transferred from one computer to another
using TCP. At which OSI layers does this process occur, and what roles do these layers
play in ensuring reliable transmission? [CO2, PO6]
The OSI layers involved in reliable TCP-based file transfer:
Application Layer – Manages file transfer (e.g., FTP, HTTP).
Transport Layer (TCP) – Ensures reliability using sequencing and acknowledgments.
Network Layer (IP) – Handles packet, addressing and routing.
Data Link Layer – Ensures error-free transmission at each hop.
Physical Layer – Transmits raw bits over the medium.
4. A set of 8-bit data blocks is transmitted as follows:
11010111 10111001 01101100 10011010
Using the Longitudinal Redundancy Check (LRC) method, calculate the LRC parity bit for
these blocks. [CO1, PO2]
11010111
10111001
01101100
10011010
-----------------
Result: 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 ← LRC Parity Bit
PART- C [2x3=6M]
1. a. Describe the types of transmission impairments. [CO1, PO1]
Types of Transmission Impairments
Attenuation – Signal weakens over long distances (solution: amplifiers).
Distortion – Signal shape changes due to varying propagation speeds of frequencies.
Noise – Unwanted signals interfere (e.g., thermal noise, crosstalk)
b. Explain design issues in the data link layer [CO2, PO2]
Design Issues in the Data Link Layer
Framing – Identifying data boundaries in a stream of bits.
Error Control – Detecting and correcting errors using CRC, parity bits.
Flow Control – Preventing sender from overwhelming the receiver (e.g., Stop-and-Wait,
Sliding Window).
Access Control – Managing shared media access (e.g., CSMA/CD in Ethernet)

2. Given a data packet "10101100 11001010 00110001" and assuming the checksum
algorithm adds 8-bit data blocks. Calculate the checksum for this data packet. Explain
how the receiver would use the checksum to verify the integrity of the data during
 transmission. [CO2, PO2]
10101100
11001010
00110001
------------
110100111 ← Sum
Rollover Carry to sum then
10100111
1
------------
10101000 now perform ones compliment to this result sum
01010111 this is called Checksum, send along with data blocks then at recvicer
Add data blokcs with checksum
10101100
11001010
00110001
01010111
----------------
111111110
Rollover carry then 11111110
1
----------------
11111111 All ones means data recived without errors
----------------

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