Principles Of Data Communications Question Paper
Principles Of Data Communications
Course:Bachelor Of Science In Information Technology
Institution: Kca University question papers
Exam Year:2009
UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS: 2008/2009
SECOND YEAR EXAMINATION FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF
SCIENCE IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
BIT 2208: PRINCIPLES OF DATA COMMUNICATIONS
DATE: AUGUST 2009 TIME: 2 HOURS
INSTRUCTIONS: Answer question ONE and any other TWO questions
QUESTION ONE
a) Explain how the concept of transmission systems utilization is realized. [4 Marks]
b) Discuss briefly the importance of error detection and correction, flow control and recovery in data
communications. [8 Marks]
c) Describe briefly how the following transmission mechanisms are conducted:
(i) Synchronous transmission [4 Marks]
(ii) Asynchronous transmission [4 Marks]
d) Describe briefly the six major transmission functions that are required in long range
communications. [6 Marks]
e) Define the following terms as used in Computer networks:
(i) Attenuation [1 Mark]
(ii) Noise [1 Mark]
(iii) Distortion [1 Mark]
(iv) Protocol [1 Mark]
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QUESTION TWO
a) Describe the sequence of events that occur between computer and modem during communication.
[6 Marks]
b) Discuss five advantages obtained from the use of a fiber-optic transmission system. [5 Marks]
c) State the IEEE 802 standards for the following
(i) CSMA/CD [1 Mark]
(ii) LLC [1 Mark]
(iii) Token Bus [1 Mark]
(iv) Token Ring [1 Mark]
(v) WLAN [1 Mark]
d) Discuss any four factors that influence the choice of a transmission media [4 Marks]
QUESTION THREE
a) ATM represents a special type of packet switching network in which the packet length is fixed and
referred to as a cell. While fixing the cell length may appear to represent a minor change from other
packet network technologies, in actuality it provides several key benefits. Discuss briefly these
benefits. [4 Marks]
b) Describe two problem areas associated with the use of the Internet to interconnect private
networks. [4 Marks]
c) Discuss the differences between a LAN switch and an ATM switch. [4 Marks]
d) Describe briefly the following forms of communication:
(i) Instant Messaging 2 Marks]
(ii) Weblogs (blogs) 2 Marks]
(iii) Wikis 2 Marks]
(iv) Podcasting 2 Marks]
QUESTION FOUR
(a) Describe six major characteristics that can be seen in a typical LAN. [6 Marks]
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(b) With the availability of multiple sub-channels in a broadcast network, different channels can be
used to satisfy different requirements. There are three kinds of sub-channel allocations for these
requirements. Describe briefly these sub-channel allocations. [6 Marks]
(c) Discuss briefly the factors that should be considered when selecting a WAN service. [5 Marks]
(d) Briefly discuss the characteristics of a good data communication system. [3 Marks]
QUESTION FIVE
a) Compare and contrast FDMA and TDMA. [6 Marks]
b) Name five causes of transmission errors. Discuss the effect of each upon a signal. [5 Marks]
c) List any five causes of late collisions in computer networks [5 Marks]
d) Describe how TCP implements congestion control [4 Marks]
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