DEDAN KIMATHI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

University Examinations 2016/217

STAGE III EXAMINATION FOR THE DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
DIT 0302: NETWORK ESSENTIALS

DATE: 31ST MARCH 2016 TIME: 11.00AM-12.30PM

Instructions: Attempt QUESTION ONE (COMPULSORY – 30 MARKS) and any other TWO Ques-
tions (15 marks each). TIME: 2 hours

QUESTION ONE (30 MARKS)

a) Define the term data communication. (1 mark)

b) List objectives of any data communication network. (3 marks)

c) Describe three benefits of a computer network. (3 marks)

d) Define the term modem and briefly discuss three types of modems . (4 marks)

e) Discuss data transmission and technical factors that affect data transmission . (4 marks)

f) Using their function on a network, differentiate an Simplex and Full-duplex communication

(3 marks)

g) List any three rules to be followed when naming network devices. (3 marks)

h) Briefly discuss the asynchronous and Synchronous transmission transfer mode as a WAN link
standard (4 marks)

i) Explain the following network devices.

i. Routers (2 marks)

ii. Repeaters (2 marks)

iii. Gateways (2 marks)

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QUESTION TWO (15 MARKS)

(a) Briefly describe Common Internet applications. (4 marks)

(b) Differentiate an intranet from the Internet. (2 marks)

(c) Briefly highlight functions of each of the OSI's model layers. (7 marks)

(d) State important types of hubs. (2 marks)

QUESTION THREE (15 MARKS)

a) Describe the following Terms used to describe computer networks.

i. Network Operating System (NOS) (1 mark)

ii. Node (1 mark)

iii. Client (1 mark)

b) Once information has been encoded into a format that can be transmitted, the next
step is its transmission which can be accomplished either in parallel or serial modes.
Describe parallel and serial modes of data transmissions as carried out in computer
networks. (6 marks)
c) Briefly discuss types of computer networks. (4 marks)

d) State three types of redundancy checks used in data communications. (2 marks)

QUESTION FOUR (15 MARKS)

a) Discuss the five advantage of optical fiber over twisted pair and coaxial cable. (5 marks)

b) Differentiate a MAC address and IP address. (4 marks)

c) Define OSI model. (2 marks)

d) State four factors that affect the performance of a network. (4 marks)

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QUESTION FIVE (15 MARKS)

a) As a Network Administrator of Dreamer Sacco Society Limited, you have been asked to create
Local Area Network. It is going to have 30 or fewer hosts.

Required:

i. Briefly describe the type of network topology you would employ and reasons why you
would implement it. (4 marks)

ii. You further decide to use a twisted pair cable as your network medium. Describe UTP
as a network, and give reasons why it would be suitable. (3 marks)

iii. List why you would implement a star physical topology over any other physical
topology, and state two disadvantages of using it. (6 marks)

b) Briefly describe how a router functions on a network to enhance communication. (2 marks)

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