THE CO-OPERATIVE UNIVERSITY OF KENYA (CUK)
END OF SEMESTER EXAMINATIONS 2025/2026
EXAMINATION FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER
SCIENCE
(YR II SEM II)
UNIT CODE: BCSC 2256
UNIT TITLE: DATA COMMUNICATIONS
ASSIGNMENT/CAT (30 MARKS)
INSTRUCTIONS:
SUBMITTED IN SOFT COPY
SUBMITTED WORK SHALL BE SUBJECT TO PLAGIARISM SOFTWARE
SIMILAR WORK SHALL BE PENALIZED
TO BE SUBMITTED ON OR BEFORE 31ST MARCH 2025, LATE SUBMISSION WILL NOT BE
ACCEPTED
QUESTION ONE
a) Using a diagram, explain the components of a data communication system
b) Explain why data modulation is vital in radio networks
c) Explain how the choice of transmission media impacts network performance,
reliability, and scalability.
d) Explain the concept of token ring as used in the network
e) Using the Open System Interconnection Reference Model explain how data moves from a
computer to the hub, the bridge, the router, and finally the Internet.
QUESTION TWO
a) Signals travel through transmission media, which are not perfect. The imperfection
causes signal impairment. Discuss the causes of signal impairment
b) Draw a graph for the NRZ-I scheme for each of the following bitstreams
i. 11011001110
ii. 01011011010
1
c) Fiber optic media has rapidly been embraced for Internet connectivity. Using a diagram,
explain the features of this media that have influenced the trend.
QUESTION THREE
a) Discuss how multiplexing and demultiplexing techniques have evolved to address the
increasing demands of modern communication networks.
b) Explain the difference between analog and digital signals. How are analog signals
converted into digital signals for transmission?
c) Design a network topology for a small business with 50 employees. Include details about
the types of devices, connections, and protocols you would use, and justify your choices.
d) Assess the challenges and advantages of unbounded transmission media in modern
communication networks.
e) A network has a bandwidth of 10 Mbps and a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 20 dB.
Calculate the maximum channel capacity using Shannon's capacity formula.
QUESTION FOUR
a) Analyze the stop-and-wait protocol and its role in feedback control mechanisms for
reliable data transmission.
b) Compare frequency division multiplexing, time division multiplexing, and statistical
multiplexing in terms of efficiency, complexity, and applications.
c) Discuss how multiplexing and demultiplexing techniques have evolved to address the
increasing demands of modern communication networks.
d) With an aid of a diagram explain how Server-Based network is different from peer-to-peer
network
