1.

The five components of a data communications system

are:
a. Message: The information or data to be
transmitted.
b. Sender: The device or person that initiates the
transmission.
c. Receiver: The device or person that receives the
transmission.
d. Medium: The physical channel through which the
data is transmitted (e.g., cables, fiber optic,
wireless).
e. Protocol: The set of rules that governs the
transmission and reception of data.

2. The advantages of distributed processing include:

a. Increased processing speed and efficiency by
dividing tasks among multiple computers.
b. Improved reliability and fault tolerance as
tasks can be rerouted to other computers if one fails.
c. Scalability, as additional computers can be
added to handle increased workloads.
d. Reduced data congestion on a single computer or
server.

3. The three criteria necessary for an effective and

efficient network are:
a. Performance: The network should deliver data in
a timely manner.
b. Reliability: The network should be dependable
and provide consistent connectivity.
c. Security: The network should protect data from
unauthorized access or breaches.

4. The advantages of a multipoint connection over a

point-to-point connection include:
a. Cost-effectiveness: A multipoint connection
allows multiple devices to share the same
communication resources, reducing the need for
individual connections.
b. Simplified management: Managing a single
multipoint connection is easier than managing multiple
point-to-point connections.
c. Flexibility: Additional devices can be easily
added or removed from the multipoint connection
without disrupting the overall network.

5. The two types of line configuration are:

a. Point-to-Point: A dedicated link between two
specific devices, allowing direct communication
between them.
b. Multipoint: Multiple devices share a single
communication medium, enabling communication between
any pair of devices on the network.

6. The four basic topologies categorized in terms of

line configuration are:
a. Point-to-Point Topology: Uses a point-to-point
line configuration.
b. Multipoint Topology: Uses a multipoint line
configuration.
c. Bus (Linear) Topology: Uses a multipoint line
configuration with devices connected to a central
cable.
 d. Ring Topology: Uses a multipoint line
configuration with devices connected in a circular
manner.
7. Half-duplex transmission mode allows communication
in both directions, but not simultaneously. Full-
duplex transmission mode allows simultaneous
communication in both directions.
8. The four basic network topologies are:
a. Bus Topology: Advantages include simplicity, low
cost, and ease of adding or removing devices. However,
a single fault in the central cable can disrupt the
entire network.
b. Star Topology: Advantages include centralized
management, better performance, and fault isolation.
However, it requires more cabling compared to other
topologies.
c. Ring Topology: Advantages include equal access
to the network, simplicity, and data transmission
efficiency. However, a single fault can disrupt the
entire network.
d. Mesh Topology: Advantages include high
redundancy, fault tolerance, and multiple
communication paths. However, it requires a large
number of connections and is costly to implement.
9. The number of cable links required for each
topology:
a. Mesh Topology: N(N-1)/2 links are required,
where N is the number of devices.
b. Ring Topology: N links are required, where N is
the number of devices.
c. Bus Topology: 1 main cable is required.
d. Star Topology: N links are required, where N is
the number of devices.
10. The factors that determine whether a communication
system is a LAN or WAN include:
a. Geographical area covered: LANs typically cover
a small area like a building or campus, while WANs
cover larger areas like cities, countries, or even
worldwide.
b. Ownership and control: LANs are usually owned
and controlled by a single organization, while WANs
involve multiple organizations or service providers.
c. Technology used: LANs often use Ethernet or Wi-
Fi technologies, while WANs typically employ long-
distance communication technologies like leased lines
or satellite connections.
11. An internet (lowercase "i") refers to a network of
networks, where multiple interconnected networks share
common protocols and standards. The Internet
(uppercase "I") refers to the global system of
interconnected networks that uses the Internet
Protocol Suite (TCP/IP) to communicate and provide
access to a vast range of information and services.
12. Protocols are needed to define a set of rules and
standards for communication in a network. They ensure
that devices can understand and exchange data in a
consistent and efficient manner.
 13. Standards are needed to ensure compatibility,
interoperability, and uniformity in the design and
implementation of network components and protocols.
They define specifications that allow different
devices and systems to work together seamlessly.
14. Unicode can represent up to 1,114,112 characters
or symbols.
15. With 16 bits, a maximum of 65,536 different colors
can be represented in a color image.
16. In a mesh topology with six devices, 15 cables are
needed. Each device requires 5 ports.
17.
a. Mesh Topology: If a connection fails between two
devices, communication can still occur through
alternative paths, but direct communication between
the affected devices is disrupted.
b. Star Topology: If a connection fails between a
device and the central hub, only that device is
affected, and other devices can continue to
communicate normally.
c. Bus Topology: If a connection fails at any point
in the central cable, the entire network becomes
inaccessible.
d. Ring Topology: If a connection fails between two
devices, the entire network becomes partitioned, and
communication cannot occur between devices on
different sides of the partition.
18. Two computers connected by an Ethernet hub at home
constitute a LAN (Local Area Network) because the
network covers a small geographical area (home) and is
privately owned and controlled.
19. In the ring topology, if one station is unplugged,
it breaks the ring and interrupts the communication
between devices. The network becomes segmented, and
the devices on the disconnected section cannot
communicate with devices on the rest of the ring.
20. In the bus topology, if one station is unplugged,
it only affects the communication of that particular
station. Other stations can continue to communicate
normally over the shared communication medium.
21. Hybrid Topology with Star Backbone and Three Ring
Networks:
(O) -- Ring Network 1 --
/ |
\
(O) -- Ring Network 2 -- (O) --
Ring Network 3 --
\ |
/
(O) -- Star Backbone --
22. Hybrid Topology with Ring Backbone and Two Bus
Networks:
(O) -- Bus Network 1 --
/ |
\
(O) -- Bus Network 2 -- (O) --
Ring Backbone --
\ |
 (O) -- Ring Backbone --
23. The sensitivity to delay varies for different
applications:
a. Sending an e-mail: Not highly sensitive to delay
as e-mails are generally not time-critical.
b. Copying a file: Sensitive to delay, particularly
for large file transfers, as delays can significantly
impact transfer times.
c. Surfing the Internet: Some aspects of internet
surfing, such as loading web pages, can be sensitive
to delay, particularly if the delay is significant.
24. Making a local telephone call to another party
involves a point-to-point connection. A single line
connects the two parties for direct communication.
25. Similarities between the telephone network and the
Internet:
a. Both provide means of communication over long
distances.
b. Both employ transmission protocols and
infrastructure for data exchange.
c. Both have evolved to support a wide range of
communication services, including voice, video, and
data.
Differences between the telephone network and the
Internet:
a. Telephone networks primarily focus on voice
communication, while the Internet supports various
forms of data communication, including voice.
b. Telephone networks often require a dedicated
physical connection for each call, while the Internet
uses packet switching to efficiently transmit data
over shared infrastructure.
c. The Internet provides additional services
beyond communication, such as email, web browsing, and
online services, while the primary purpose of
telephone networks is voice communication.
26. The given website
(www.cne.gmu.edu/modules/network/osi.html) does not
exist. Please provide a valid website, and I will be
happy to assist you with discussing the OSI model.
27. The given website (www.ansi.org) is the official
website of the American National Standards Institute
(ANSI). ANSI is a nonprofit organization that
coordinates the development and use of voluntary
consensus standards in various industries and sectors.
28. The given website (www.ieee.org) is the official
website of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers (IEEE). IEEE is a professional organization
dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of
humanity. It encompasses various fields, including
electrical engineering, computer science, and
telecommunications. IEEE develops standards, publishes
research, and facilitates professional networking.
29. The given website (www.deforg) does not exist.
Please provide a valid website related to RFCs
(Request for Comments), and I will provide information
on the different types of RFCs.