Network Fundamentals Sample MST Paper ST1010

1. (a) Draw a diagram to show 6 nodes connected together using star topology.
(4 marks)

(b) The details on how data travels from computer to computer in a star topology
depend on the type of central device. Complete the table below.

Central device Logical topology

(i) Logical ring
Switch (ii)
(iii) Logical bus
(3 marks)

(c) List the key disadvantage of a star topology.

(1 mark)

(d) Explain how Ethernet can detect whether a frame has been damaged in transmit.
(4 marks)

(e) What does CSMA/CA stand for? Briefly explain how CSMA/CA works?
(4 marks)

2. (a) Structured cabling specifies how cabling should be organised, regardless of the
media type or network architecture. TIA/EIA 568 can be applied to any size
network and divides the details of a cable plant into 6 components.

Briefly describe the following 3 components:

 Work Area
 Horizontal Wiring
 Backbone Cabling
(6 marks)

(b) List 2 advantages of fiber-optic cable.

(4 marks)

(c) List the 2 main kinds of spread-spectrum communications.

(2 marks)

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Network Fundamentals Sample MST Paper ST1010

3. (a) Express the following 32-bit IP address in dot-decimal notation:

1100 0000 00001111 10101010 01010101
(2 marks)

(b) Which class (A, B or C) does the IP address in 3(a) belong to?
(2 mark)

(c) What is the default subnet mask of the class in 3(b)?

(2 mark)

(d) Given that the subnet mask is 11111111 11111111 11111111 11000000, derive
the sub-network number of the IP address in 3(a). You are to show your
workings.
(4 marks)

(e) What is the CIDR “/” Notation of 3(d)? How many useable hosts are available in
each of the new sub-network?
(4 marks)

(f) Besides providing a larger address space, list 2 other advantages of IPv6 over
IPv4.
(4 marks)

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