BCCA401 - Computer Networks
Assignment-1 Answers
Q.1 Define data communication. Discuss the working of its components.
Data communication is the process of exchanging data between two or more devices using a
communication medium.
It enables computers and other devices to share information efficiently, ensuring that data is
transmitted
accurately and reliably. Communication can occur over wired or wireless networks.
Components:
1. Sender - The device that generates and transmits data, such as a computer, mobile phone, or
sensor.
2. Receiver - The device that receives and processes transmitted data, such as a computer or
printer.
3. Transmission Medium - The channel through which data is transferred, such as cables or radio
waves.
4. Message - The actual data being transmitted, which can be text, images, audio, or video.
5. Protocol - A set of rules governing communication, ensuring successful transmission.
Q.2 List and discuss various types of connections.
Connections in data communication define how devices interact to exchange information.
1. Point-to-Point Connection: A direct connection between two devices, ensuring efficient data
transfer.
Example: A wired link between two computers.
2. Multipoint Connection: Multiple devices share the same communication link for transmitting data.
Example: A shared Ethernet connection in an office.
3. Wired Connection: Uses physical cables such as twisted pair, coaxial, or fiber optic.
Example: Local Area Network (LAN) using Ethernet cables.
4. Wireless Connection: Uses electromagnetic waves like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or infrared.
Example: Mobile networks and satellite communications.
Q.3 Define network topologies and explain their working.
Network topology refers to the arrangement of devices in a network, defining how they are
interconnected.
1. Bus Topology: A single backbone cable connects all network devices, facilitating communication.
2. Star Topology: Devices connect to a central hub, improving performance and ease of
troubleshooting.
3. Ring Topology: Devices are arranged in a circular fashion, transmitting data in one direction.
4. Mesh Topology: Every device connects directly to all other devices, ensuring high reliability.
5. Hybrid Topology: Combines two or more topologies to optimize network efficiency.
Q.4 Explain the OSI model.
The OSI model consists of seven layers that govern network communication:
1. Physical Layer: Transmits raw data bits over the network medium.
2. Data Link Layer: Ensures error-free transmission between directly connected devices.
3. Network Layer: Determines the best path for data transmission using IP addressing.
4. Transport Layer: Manages end-to-end communication with error detection.
5. Session Layer: Maintains communication sessions between applications.
6. Presentation Layer: Translates, encrypts, and compresses data.
7. Application Layer: Provides services like email, web browsing, and file transfer.
Q.5 Discuss the working of all seven layers of the OSI model.
Each layer in the OSI model plays a critical role in ensuring seamless communication between
devices.
1. Physical Layer: Manages signal transmission through cables or wireless media.
2. Data Link Layer: Organizes data into frames for reliable transmission between nodes.
3. Network Layer: Routes data using IP addresses, ensuring correct delivery.
4. Transport Layer: Ensures data integrity and manages retransmissions in case of errors.
5. Session Layer: Controls connections between applications, allowing continuous communication.
6. Presentation Layer: Formats data, encrypts sensitive information, and compresses large files.
7. Application Layer: Enables user interactions through services like HTTP, FTP, and email.
Q.6 What do you mean by transmission media? Explain its types.
Transmission media facilitate data transfer between devices using wired or wireless means.
1. Guided Media (Wired): Utilizes physical cables such as twisted pair, coaxial, and fiber optics.
2. Unguided Media (Wireless): Uses radio waves, microwaves, and infrared for communication.
Q.7 Define computer networks and its types.
A computer network is a group of interconnected devices that communicate and share resources.
1. LAN (Local Area Network): Covers small areas such as homes, schools, or offices.
2. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): Spans a city or large campus, interconnecting multiple LANs.
3. WAN (Wide Area Network): Extends over large geographical distances, like the Internet.
4. PAN (Personal Area Network): Connects personal devices such as smartphones and wearables.
5. VPN (Virtual Private Network): Establishes a secure encrypted connection over a public network.
