W1-2-60-1-6

JOMO KENYATTA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY

UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS 2013/2014

EXAMINATION FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PURE APPLIED
MATHEMATICS

ICS 2306 – COMPUTER NETWORKS

DATE: DECEMBER 2013 TIME: 2 HOURS

INSTRUCTIONS: ANSWER QUESTION ONE (COMPULSORY) AND ANY OTHER TWO
QUESTIONS.

QUESTION ONE
(a)(i) Define the term computer networks. [2 marks]
(ii) Outline any FOUR ways in which networks may be classified. [4 marks]
(b) Explain the following terms:
(i) Virtual private network
(ii) Hyper text Transfer Protocal [4 marks]
(c) What is WAN? Explain THREE characteristics of WAN [6 marks]
(d)(i) Define DHCP and explain its importance in a computer networks [5 marks]
(ii) Outline the term protocols and explain their importance
(iii) Discuss the FOUR layers of TCP/IP network architecture [7 marks]

QUESTION TWO
(a) Discuss any FOUR functions of a computer networks [8 marks]
(b) Explain the term routing protocols and explain how they work [6 marks]
(c) Explain the method that may be used in sending signals across a long distance [6 marks]

QUESTION THREE
(a)(i) Define the term network topology [4 marks]

(ii) Discuss how a bus topology works with a suitable diagram. [8 marks]

(iii) Discuss how a ring topology works and how data is transmitted across the network.
[8 marks]

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QUESTION FOUR
(a) Differentiate peer to peer network model from server network model [8 marks]

(b)(i) Outline THREE benefits of WAN [6 marks]

(ii) Explain why satellite communication is more efficient than microwave

communication. [6 marks]

QUESTION FIVE
(a) Explain the term network management and outline the FOUR basic elements. [10 marks]

(b) Outline any TWO functions of computer networks. [4 marks]

(c) What do you understand by the term gateway and why is it important in a network?
[6 marks]