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Sce 424: Computer Networks Question Paper

Sce 424: Computer Networks

Course:Computer Engineering

Institution: Kenyatta University question papers

Exam Year:2012

KENYATTA UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS 2011/2012
SECOND SEMESTER EXAMINATION FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF
SCIENCE IN COMPUTER ENGINEERING
SCE 424: COMPUTER NETWORKS
DATE: TUESDAY, 10TH APRIL 2012 TIME: 11.00 A.M. – 1.00 P.M.
Instructions: Answer Question 1 and any other TWO.
QUESTION ONE
a. Define a Computer Network.

[1 mark]
b. Networks may be divided into different types and categories according to four different criteria.
Discuss.

[4 marks]
c. Describe the following Hardware network components:

[5 marks]
i.
Network interface cards
ii.
Bridges
iii.
Routers
iv.
Switches
v.
Firewalls
d. Discuss the following types of network media:

[ 8 marks]
i.
Copper wire
ii.
Optical fiber
iii.
Radio
iv.
Infra-red
e. With a diagrammatic illustration, explain the following types of modulation:
[6 marks]
i.
Amplitude modulation
ii.
Frequency modulation
iii.
Phase modulation
f.
Discuss the following OSI Physical Layer Standards:

[ 6 marks]
i.
RS-232
ii.
CCITT X.21
Page 1 of 3

QUESTION TWO
a. Define multiplexing.

[2 marks]
b. Describe the three basic multiplexing methods.

[6 marks]
c. Discuss the following network types:

[6 marks]
i.
Peer to Peer network
ii.
Server based network
d. Discuss the following protocol notations:

[6 marks]
i.
Sequence Diagrams
ii.
State Transition Diagrams
QUESTION THREE
a. Differentiate between the following:

[4 marks]
i.
Simplex and Half- Duplex connections
ii.
Synchronous and Asynchronous transmissions

b. Selecting a transmission medium is guided by comparing transmission requirements against the
medium’s characteristics. Four important criteria influence the choice. Discuss.
[4 marks]
c. Describe the following OSI Data link protocols:

[ 8 marks]
i.
Synchronous Protocols
ii.
Asynchronous Protocols
iii.
Master-Slave Protocols
iv.
Peer-to-Peer Protocols
d. Explain how the following issues are addressed in the OSI network layer:
[ 4 marks]
i. Congestion Control
ii. Error Handling
QUESTION FOUR

a. Define routing as it applies to data networks.

[1 mark]
b. Discuss the following classes of routing algorithms:

[4 marks]
i. Static Routing
ii. Dynamic Routing

Page 2 of 3

c. Discuss the following functions performed by OSI Data link layer protocols: [ 15 marks]
i.
Acknowledgments
ii.
Timers
iii.
Error Checking
iv.
Retransmission
v.
Flow Control
QUESTION FIVE
a. Discuss the following basic methods of switching:

[6 marks]
i.
Circuit switching
ii.
Packet switching
b. Describe the following carrier access methods:

[ 4 marks]
i.
Carrier sense
ii.
Token ring
c. With aid of a Diagram, describe the ISDN Functional Groupings and Reference Points.

[ 4 marks]
d. Draw an ATM cell structure and describe each of the fields it contains.
[6 marks]

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Sce 424: Computer Networks Question Paper

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