TVET TERM III COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT,

SCHOOL YEAR 2021/2022

MARKING GUIDES
SECTOR: ICT

TRADE: NETWORKING

RTQF LEVEL: 4

MODULE CODE AND TITLE: NEWNM401 PERFORM NETWORK

MAINTENANCE

DURATION: 3 HOURS

DATE: TIME:

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES:

THIS EXAM PAPER IS COMPOSED OF THREE SECTIONS OF COMPULSORY

QUESTIONS:

(15) questions in section A 50 marks

(9) questions in section B 30 marks
(6) questions in section C 20 marks

Materials allowed:

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 SECTION A: ATTEMPT ALL QUESTIONS /50 MARKS

Descri Question 1. Define computer network. /2 marks

Marking Scheme:

A network consists of two or more computers that are linked in order to share
resources (such as printers and CDs), exchange files, or allow electronic
communications. The computers on a network may be linked through cables,
telephone lines, radio waves, satellites, or infrared light beams. /2marks)

Reference: (LU1, Conduct Site Survey, LO1, Study of the network structure and
the environment, Curriculum level 4 Networking, page 239, year 2014)

Question 2. Explain the following terms: /4marks

1. Server

2. Network Interface Card

3. Network operating system

4. Transmission medium

Marking Scheme:

1. Server: Servers are computers that hold shared files, programs, and the
network operating system. Servers provide access to network resources to
all the users of the network.1mark

2. Network Interface Card: The NIC prepares (formats) and sends data,
receives data, and controls data flow between the computer and the
network. 1mark
3. Network operating system: The network operating system is a program
that runs on computers and servers, and allows the computers to
communicate over the network. 1mark
4. Transmission medium: Transmission media are the facilities used to
interconnect computers in a network, such as twisted-pair wire, coaxial cable,

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 and optical fiber cable. Transmission media are sometimes called channels, links
or lines. 1mark

Reference: (LU1, Conduct Site Survey, LO1, Study of the network structure and
the environment, Curriculum level 4 Networking, page 239, year 2014)

Question 3. Answer true(T) or false(F) /2 marks

a. Local Operating System: operating system allows personal
computers to access files, print to a local printer, and have and use
one or more disk and CD drives that are located on the computer.

b. Network Operating System: operating system is a program that

runs on computers and servers, and allows the computers to
communicate over the network.

Marking scheme

a. T 1mark

b. T 1mark

Reference: (LU1, Conduct Site Survey, LO1, Study of the network structure and
the environment, Curriculum level 4 Networking, page 239, year 2014)

Question 4. List down the common network problems found in the network.

/5 marks

Marking Scheme:

1. Large print jobs on the server that will spool and take a lot of resources.
This usually occurs when using a network printer attached to a server. 1mark

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 2. Network wiring problems. 1mark

3. Viruses, spyware and adware can also be the cause. 1mark

4. A server that is unable to handle the load it is given. 1mark

5. Some Microsoft Windows updates may cause problems and should be

applied. Always reboot the machine once updates are applied. 1mark

Reference: (LU1, Conduct Site Survey, LO1, Study of the network structure and
the environment, Curriculum level 4 Networking, page 239, year 2014)

Question 5. Differentiate guided transmission media from unguided

transmission media and give three (3) examples of each one. /4 marks

Marking Scheme:

There are two main types of transmission media: guided and unguided.

Guided (or bounded) Wireless (or unguided)

Waves are guided along a solid Transmission and reception are

medium such as a transmission line
It is also known as wired
transmission media, which requires
wire to transfer data over the
network. 1 mark
Examples: Copper cable (UTP and
STP), Coaxial cable and Optical fiber
1 mark
achieved by means of an antenna
Unguided transmission media is data
signals that flow through the air.
1 mark
Examples: Microwave (Satellite and
Terrestrial), Radio wave and Infrared
wave. 1 mark

Reference: (LU1, Conduct Site Survey, LO1, Study of the network structure and
the environment, Curriculum level 4 Networking, page 240, year 2014)

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Question 6. Compare troubleshooting from network diagnosis. /6 marks

Marking Scheme:

Troubleshooting: is a logical, systematic search for the source of a problem in

order to solve it. Approach to problem solving that is often used to find and
correct issues.

Is the process of identifying, planning and resolving a problem, error or fault

within a system. /3 marks

While

Network diagnosis refers to the process of identifying the causes of faults in

the network. /3marks

Reference: (LU1, Conduct Site Survey, LO1, Study of the network structure and
the environment, Curriculum level 4 Networking, page 240, year 2014)

Question 7. What are the alternatives for solving network problems? /2marks

Marking Scheme:

1. Disable the power management settings in Windows that allow the computer
to turn off the monitor or hard drives to save power. /1mark

2. Viruses, spyware and adware can also be the cause. Run scans with fully
updated viral and spyware software. /1mark

Reference: (LU1, Conduct Site Survey, LO2, Verify network security

, Curriculum level 4 Networking, page 240, year 2014)

Question 8. What is the meaning of authentication? /3marks

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Marking Scheme:

In computing, authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a person

or device. /3 marks

A common example is entering a username and password when you log in to a

website. Entering the correct login information lets the website know 1) who
you are and 2) that it is actually you accessing the website.

Reference: (LU1, Conduct Site Survey, LO2, Verify network security,

Curriculum level 4 Networking, page 240, year 2014)

Question 9. What does authorization mean in network? /2 marks

Marking Scheme:

Authorization is the process of validating that the authenticated user has been
granted permission to access the requested resources. /2 marks

Reference: (LU1, Conduct Site Survey, LO2, Verify network security,

Curriculum level 4 Networking, page 240, year 2014)

Question 10. Name four (4) pillars of information assurance (IA). /4 marks

 Integrity 1 mark

 Availability 1 mark

 Confidentiality 1 mark

 Non repudiation. 1 mark

Reference: (LU1, Conduct Site Survey, LO2, Verify network security,

Curriculum level 4 Networking, page 240, year 2014)

Question 11. Give five (5) examples of maintaining confidentiality. /5 marks

Marking Scheme:

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Examples of maintaining confidentiality include:

1. Individual files are locked and secured 1 mark

2. Support workers do not tell other people what is in a client’s file unless they
have permission from the client 1 mark

3. Information about clients is not told to people who do not need to know 1 mark

4. Clients’ medical details are not discussed without their consent 1 mark

5. Adult clients have the right to keep any information about them confidential,
which includes that information being kept from family and friends. 1 mark

Reference: (LU1, Conduct Site Survey, LO2, Verify network security,

Curriculum level 4 Networking, page 241, year 2014)

Question 12. What are the types of information that are considered as
confidential? /4 marks

Marking scheme

1. Name, date of birth, age, sex and address 1 mark

2. Current contact details of family, guardian. 1 mark

3. Bank details 1 mark

4. Medical history or records 1 mark

5. Individual personal plans 1 mark

6. Assessments or reports 1 mark

Reference:(LU1, Conduct Site Survey, LO2, Verify network security,

Curriculum level 4 Networking, page 241, year 2014

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Question 13. Compare and contrast authentication and authorization.

/4 marks

Marking Scheme:

The terms authentication and authorization are often used interchangeably;

while they may often be implemented together the two functions are distinct.

/1 mark

While authentication is the process of validating the identity of a registered

user before allowing access to the protected resource 1 mark,

authorization is the process of validating that the authenticated user has been
granted permission to access the requested resources. 1 mark

The process by which access to those resources is restricted to a certain

number of users is called access control. 1 mark

The authentication process always comes before the authorization process.

Reference: (LU1, Conduct Site Survey, LO3, Verify network status

, Curriculum level 4 Networking, page 242, year 2014)

Question 14. With one (1) example for each, explain two (2) network
connectivity verification tools. /4 marks

Marking Scheme

Ping:
Ping is a tool that sends test packets through the network to a
destination of your choice and measures the response time. The ping
command is a Command Prompt command used to test the ability of
the source computer to reach a specified destination computer. The

(PERFORM NETWORK MAINTENANCE) Page 8 of 18 – Marking Guides

 ping command is usually used as a simple way to verify that a
computer can communicate over the network with another computer
or network device. 1 mark

Example: ping google.com 1 mark

Trace route
A trace route: is a function, which traces the path from one network to
another. It allows us to diagnose the source of many problems. 1 mark

Example: tracert yahoo.com 1 mark

Reference: (LU1, Conduct Site Survey, LO2, Verify network status, Curriculum
level 4 Networking, page 242, year 2014)

Question 15. Why do we Use ping tool to implement network connectivity

verification? /3marks

Marking Scheme:

We use ping to:

1.Test if your website or web server is reachable /1 marks

2. Test the internet connection latency /1 marks

3. Check if you are experiencing lag or packet loss /1 marks

Reference: (LU1, Conduct Site Survey, LO2, Verify network status, Curriculum
level 4 Networking, page 242, year 2014)

SECTION B: ATTEMPT ALL QUESTIONS /30 MARKS

Question 16. What is preventive maintenance? /2 marks

Marking Scheme:

In order for your network to work properly, every piece of the network must

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work properly. Preventative maintenance is concerned with anything that can
be done to prevent any component of your network from failing. 2 mark

Reference: (LU2, Determine and implements solutions, LO1, Apply network

preventive maintenance, Curriculum level 4 Networking, page 244, year 2014)

Question 17. Give at least four (4) benefits of preventive maintenance. /4

marks

Marking Scheme

1. Reduced network downtime 1 mark

2. Eliminating premature replacement of parts 1 mark

3. More economical use of technical staff because they are working to a

schedule rather than on reacting to repair breakdowns 1 mark

4. Lower repair costs, because there will be fewer secondary failures (when
parts fail in service they often damage other parts) 1 mark

Reference: (LU2, Determine and implements solutions, LO1, Apply network

preventive maintenance, Curriculum level 4 Networking, page 244, year 2014)

Question 18. List network components that may fail for performing their tasks
while they are functioning. /4 marks

Marking Scheme

Client computers (also referred to as workstations) – PCs, Apples, laptops.

1 mark

Servers – the computers controlling specific parts of the network 1 mark

Peripherals – devices such as printers, whiteboards or scanners that are

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connected to client or server computers. 1 mark

Devices such as hubs, switches, bridges and routers that are used to control
the network. 1 mark

Reference: (LU2, Determine and implements solutions, LO1, Apply network

preventive maintenance, Curriculum level 4 Networking, page 244, year 2014)

Question 19. Why should you use preventative maintenance? /2marks

Marking Scheme

Implementing a preventative maintenance program will enable you to detect and

prevent many problems before they become incidents by ensuring that the
individual items that comprise your network are operating as reliably as
possible. /2 marks

Reference: (LU2, Conduct Site Survey, LO1, Study of the network structure and
the environment, Curriculum level 4 Networking, page 244, year 2014)

Question 20. Which precautions maybe taken for preventing and solving the
problems maybe occurred on the network? /5marks

Marking scheme

Network Issues Preventive measure

i. Duplicate IP Addresses Change to another IP

dynamically

ii. Wireless Network shows signal but Contact ISP

won't connect
iii. Local Network is unable to connect to Check network cables and
the internet devices

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 iv. IP Address Exhaustion Deactivate the given IP address

v. Single workstation unable to connect Check network cables and

to the network devices, and power cable

Reference: (LU2, Determine and implements solutions, LO1, Apply network

preventive maintenance, Curriculum level 4 Networking, page 244, year 2014)

Question 21. What is the meaning of curative maintenance? /3 marks

Marking scheme

The curative maintenance can be considered as repair of defective or damaged

equipment.

It can be associated to other types of maintenance: preventive or corrective

maintenance. /3 marks

Reference: (LU2, Determine and implements solutions, LO2, Apply network

curative maintenance, Curriculum level 4 Networking, page 244, year 2014)

Question 22. Explain four (4) main common network problems /4marks

Marking scheme

1. Cable Problem: Cables that connect different parts of a network can be cut
or shorted. A short can happen when the wire conductor comes in contact with
another conductive surface, changing the path of the signal. Cable testers can
be used to test for many types of cable problems such as: Cut cable, incorrect
cable connections, Cable shorts, Interference level, Connector Problem. /1 mark

2. Connectivity Problem: A connectivity problem with one or more devices in a

network can occur after a change is made in configuration or by a malfunction
of a connectivity component, such as hub, a router or a Switch.

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/1 mark

3. Software Problem: Network problems can often be traced to software

configuration such as DNS configuration, WINS configuration, the registry etc.

/1 mark

4. Duplicate IP Addressing: A common problem in many networking

environments occurs when two machines try to use the same IP address. 1
mark

Reference: (LU2, Determine and implements solutions, LO2, Apply network

curative maintenance, Curriculum level 4 Networking, page 244, year 2014)

Question 23. How do you know you have successfully completed problem
identification? /3 marks

Marking Scheme

You collected information about the problem by combining existing research

and information from your stakeholders, and you collected new data from the
community if necessary You involved all relevant stakeholders when defining
the problem The data you collected identifies the root cause of the problem and
provides a complete picture of it. /3 marks

Reference: (LU2, Determine and implements solutions, LO2, Apply network

curative maintenance, Curriculum level 4 Networking, page 244, year 2014

Question 24. Find the function of network test? /3 marks

Marking Scheme

In computer hardware and software development, testing is used at key

checkpoints in the overall process to determine whether objectives are being
met. /3 marks

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Reference: (LU2, Determine and implements solutions, LO2, Apply network
curative maintenance, Curriculum level 4 Networking, page 244, year 2014

SECTION C. ATTEMPT ALL QUESTIONS /20 MARKS

Question 25. Give example of the simple test you can conduct to make sure
your network is operating. /3 marks

Marking Scheme

Check the physical connections. Check that the Link light red or green light
next to the RJ-45 port. /1 mark

Verify that you can log on, when you’re sure the physical connections are
good, you should attempt to log on to each of your network computers using a
valid domain user account. 1 mark

Check the network configuration, Click the Start button, type cmd and press
Enter. Then, enter the command ipconfig /all and press Enter. 1 mark

Reference: (LU2, Determine and implements solutions, LO3, Test Network,

Curriculum level 4 Networking, page 246, year 2014

Question 26. During any network troubleshooting call, which should be

checked first for solving a problem among the following items? /2 marks

a. The printer

b. IP address

c. Cabling and connections

d. User

Marking Scheme

C. A number of network issues arise because of faulty cables or cables being

accidentally disconnected. /2marks
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Always check the simple stuff like connections first!

A, B, and D are incorrect because they are not items that you would check
first. You may verify the IP address, but you check that the network cable is
plugged in first.

Reference: (LU2, Conduct Site Survey, LO2, Study of the network structure and
the environment, Curriculum level 4 Networking, page 246, year 2014

Question 27. Select and compare five (5) network testing tools. /5 marks

Marking scheme:

1. Flent (Flexible Network Tester) /1mark

This is a tool, which allows experimental evaluations of the network instead of

simulation. This is a python wrapper and allows running tests on multiple tools,
maintains information on which tool to run in a configuration file.

2. Netalyzr /1mark

If you’re looking for a network-debugging tool, this is a good choice. This tool
lets user test internet connections to identify problems and output in the form
of the detailed report show security/performance issues.

3. FortiTester /1mark

This is a very powerful tool, which lets users measure the performance of
network devices.

4. Simple Port Tester /1mark

This is very handy and simple tool, which lets the user find out if ports are
open, or not. This allows testing multiple ports through a specific IP address.

5. Network Monitor /1mark

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This tool is a great tool for monitoring Network, can be used to isolate and fix
issues before real users see them. It also has a feature, which lets users
customize alerts and notifications.

Reference: (LU2, Determine and implements solutions, LO3, Test Network,

Curriculum level 4 Networking, page 246, year 2014)

Question 28. Organize the components of the report on the work done.

/4 marks

Marking Scheme

Describe problems found /0.5mark

Review of user manual and previous report /0.5mark

Suggestion of solutions on problems found /0.5mark

Description of solution implementation /0.5mark

Description of procedures of the task accomplished /0.5mark

Network Devices, equipment and materials used /0.5mark

Description of the network status after work /0.5mark

Technical journal and recommendation report /0.5mark

Reference: (LU3, Documents the work done, LO1, Document on network status,
Curriculum level 4 Networking, page 248, year 2014)

Question 29. Show the elements should appear in any network documentation.

/4 marks

Marking Scheme

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There are a number of items that should appear in any network
documentation:

 Physical topology diagram: This should show all the network devices
and how they are physically connected to each other. 1 mark
 Logical topology diagram: This should show how everything is
connected to each other. Protocols that are used, VLAN information etc.
1 mark
 Interconnections: It’s useful to have a diagram that shows which
interfaces of one network device are connected to the interface of another
network device. 1 mark
 Inventory: You should have an inventory of all network equipment,
vendor lists, product numbers; software versions, software license
information and each network device should have an organization tag
assess number. 1 mark
 IP Addresses: You should have a diagram that covers all the IP addresses
in use on the network and on which interfaces they are configured.
 Configuration management: Before changing a configuration we should
save the current running-configuration so it’s easy to restore to a previous
(working) version. It’s even better to keep an archive of older
configurations for future use.
 Design documents: Documents that were created during the original
design of the network should be kept so you can always check why
certain design decisions were made. It’s also a good idea to work with
step-by-step guidelines for troubleshooting or using templates for certain
configurations that all network engineers agree.

Reference: (LU3, Document the work done, LO2, Report on the work done,
Curriculum level 4 Networking, page 248, year 2014

Question 30. Use a standard format letter to design a good letter of

recommendation. /2marks)

Marking Scheme

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  Place your address on the top right, followed by the date spelled
out. 0.5 mark

 Below that, on the left, place the recipient's name (if known) and
address. 0.5 mark

 Open the letter with a formal business greeting. ... 0.5 mark

 Dear Ms. ...

 Dear Sir or Madam, (if you don't know the recipient's name) 0.5
mark

Reference: (LU3, Document on the work done, LO3, Write technical journal and
recommendation Curriculum level 4 Networking, page 250, year 2014)

END OF MARKING GUIDES!

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