Data communication and Networks

BIT 2204: DATA COMMUNICATION AND NETWORKS

DATE: DECEMBER 2017                                                                      TIMES: 2 HOURS

INSTRUCTIONS:  Answer QUESTION ONE and ANY OTHER TWO.

QUESTION ONE

1. State any three components of a real life data communication system                     (3 Marks)
2. State any three desirable characteristics of a computer system (3 Marks)
3. Define the term network topology                                                 (2 Marks)
4. Define and illustrate communication protocol in terms of syntax, semantic and timing

(3 Marks)

1. Write brief notes on simplex, half duplex and full duplex communication             (6 Marks)
2. Discuss the following delay distortion, attenuation and noise            (6 Marks)
3. Differentiate between de facto and de jure standards  (4 Marks)
4. Using examples, differentiate between serial and parallel communication              (3 Marks)

QUESTION TWO

1. Explain any two types of errors in data transmission (4 Marks)
2. Explain three techniques used for transmission error detection (9 Marks)
3. Briefly explain any three techniques used for error correction in any data transmission media (7 Marks)

QUESTION THREE

1. Differentiate between guided and unguided transmission media             (2 Marks)
2. Using examples, discuss any two guided transmission media citing two pros and cons for each                                                                                                             (6 Marks)
3. Briefly explain the following media access technologies: FDMA, TDMA and CDMA (6 Marks)
4. Differentiate between datagram and virtual circuit approach (4 Marks)
5. Networks use TWO kinds of addresses, the IP address and the MAC addresses, clearly differentiate between the TWO.                                                                                                 ( 2marks)

QUESTION FOUR

1. Discuss any two switching mechanisms                         (4 Marks)
2. You have been tasked with creating a network for your client with around 50 employees and has two offices in one in Juja the other in Thika. Between peer to peer and client/server networks which one would you implement for your client. State the reasons for your answer.                                                             (4 marks)
3. In question( b) above explain the type of cable you would use to (Clearly state the cable, the advantages and your choice in using it)
4. Connect the users in both offices to ensure they share resources effectively
5. Connect the two office branches that is Thika and Juja together (4 marks)
7. With aid of diagrams, briefly explain four different types of network topologies stating advantages and disadvantages of each (8 marks)