Bct2311:Compiler Construction Question Paper
Bct2311:Compiler Construction
Course:Computer Technology
Institution: Meru University Of Science And Technology question papers
Exam Year:2011
1
INSTRUCTIONS: Answer question one and any other two questions
QUESTION ONE – 30 MARKS
a. Explain the term switching as used in data communication. (2 Marks)
b. Using the TCP/IP protocol stack, explain how a client sends mail to a remote using the SMTP
protocol. (4 Marks)
c. Differentiate between static and dynamic routing algorithms. (4 Marks)
d. Compare connectionless and connection-oriented packet switched networks using the following
features:
i. Overhead
ii. Greatest strength
iii. Error correction
e. Two 10 Base T local area networks (LANs) are located in separate building that are 8km apart.
One LAN has a total cable span of 1000m and the other has a 2500m cable span. Draw a basic
topology showing what repeaters, bridges and routers are needed to form a consolidated network.
What connection alternatives are possible and why would they be used. (4 Marks)
f. Suppose that you are working for a large corporation that has been assigned the IP network address
192.163.0.0. The company management wants to be able to accommodate a number of 16
departments and you are requested to design the network layout.
i. What is the maximum number of hosts per department? Explain the logic of your answer.
What subnet mask needs to be used? (3 Marks)
ii. What are the valid host addresses on the first subnet? (1 Mark)
iii. What are the valid broadcast addresses for the first subnet? (1 Mark)
g. Differentiate between a frame as used in IEEE 802.3 and a cell as used in ATM and explain why in
a frame error checking occurs at the end of the frame while in cell it appears at the end of the
header. (5 Marks)
2
QUESTION TWO – 20 MARKS
a. Describe the public key encryption data security technique. (4 Marks)
b. Describe the following standard interfaces used by data modems. (4 Marks)
i. V.24
ii. RS 449
c. Using the Open System Interconnection Reference Model, explain how data moves from a
computer to a hub, the bridge, another hub, router and finally the internet. (4 Marks)
d. You have been given the responsibility of recommending a suitable network to an organization
give basis for recommending X.25, frame Relay or ATM. (6 Marks)
e. Why is the ATM said to be the technology to implement ISDN. (2 Marks)
QUESTION THREE – 20 MARKS
a. Describe and compare the priority mechanism of: (6 Marks)
i. Ethernet (802.3)
ii. Token Ring (802.5)
iii. FDDI
iv. 100VG-AnyLAN(802.12)
b. Packet switching, in contrast to circuit switching has gradually grown to dominate data
communication networks.
i. State and describe two disadvantages of packet switched networks (2 Marks)
ii. State two disadvantages of circuit switched networks. (2 Marks)
iii. Differentiate between datagram and virtual circuit approaches in packet switching.
(5 Marks)
c. Using Dijkstra’s shortest path algorithm, determine the shortest distance and shortest path from A
to F. (Start the algorithm from node A). Show your work. (5 Marks)
QUESTION FOUR – 20 MARKS
a. The following are devices commonly used in setting up a network; shielded twisted pair (UTP)
cables, network interface card (NIC), hubs repeaters, bridges, switches, routers and access point.
Sketch a network diagram that makes use of all the devices. Briefly explain the function of each
and at what layer of the open systems interconnection (OSI) reference model each device
functions. (10 Marks)
b. Give an overview of the distance vector method of updating routing table information. In
particular explain using an example how information about a node failure propagates using this
algorithms. (6 Marks)
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c. Describe the following terms as used in data flow control. (4 Marks)
i. Jitter
ii. Delay
QUESTION FIVE – 20 MARKS
a. With the aid of well labelled diagrammatic illustrations, describe the three basic techniques used
for multiplexing. (9 Marks)
b. State the functions of each of the following devices used in IEEE 802.5 network. (4 Marks)
i. Active monitor
ii. Stand by monitor
c. Assume a heavy traffic on a “Token Ring” and “CSMA/CD” LAN. On which network is a station
likely to wait longer to send a frame? Justify your answer. (2 Marks)
d. A fast moving goods company has realized that its salespeople work inefficiently because of the
need the report to the office frequently. As a result they are considering a telecommuting solution.
Explain with reasons the technology between the virtual local area networks (VLANs) and virtual
private networks (VPNs) would you advise them to adopt. (5 Marks)
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