Read the scenario below and answer the questions that follow:
ABC Bank has recently implemented a new data communication system that enables its
employees to access critical business information from anywhere and at any time. The system
includes a secure web portal that employees can access using their desktop computers or mobile
devices. Through this portal, employees can view customer information, account data and
transaction records in real-time, as well as access market data, economic indicators and other
external factors that can impact the bank's operations. The data communication system is highly
secure and uses advanced encryption technologies to protect sensitive data from unauthorised
access. It is also highly scalable, enabling the bank to add new features and functionalities as
needed.
Q.4.1 Discuss the concept of a data communication systems in relation to the scenario
above, indicating the three major components of the system.
(5)
Q.4.2 Answer the questions below about types of networks
Q.4.2.1 Differentiate a Local Area Network (LAN) from a Wide Area Network
(WAN).
(4)
Q.4.2.2 Which type of network is likely to be utilised by ABC Bank for its new data
communication system? Justify your choice.
(4)
Q.4.3 Answer the following questions about network topologies that might be utilised
by ABC Bank
Q.4.3.1 Suggest a type of network topology for ABC Bank and explain how this
network topology works.
(4)
Q.4.3.2 Provide four advantages of this topology for the bank’s operations. (4)
Q.4.3.3 Draw a diagram that depicts the suggested topology.
Note: Use any drawing tool e.g., Word, Visio, etc.
(3)
Q.4.4 Explain two categories of wireless technologies that might be utilised by ABC Bank's
new data communication system?
Q.4.1: A data communication system is a network infrastructure that allows the transfer of data between different devices or locations. The three major components of the system in the scenario above are:
1. Web portal: This is the interface through which employees can access the critical business information. It can be accessed through desktop computers or mobile devices.
2. Secure data transmission: The system uses advanced encryption technologies to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access. This ensures that the data transmitted between the devices and the web portal is secure.
3. Scalability: The system is designed to be highly scalable, which means that new features and functionalities can be added as needed. This allows the bank to adapt and grow its data communication system based on its requirements.
Q.4.2.1: The main difference between a Local Area Network (LAN) and a Wide Area Network (WAN) is the geographical area they cover.
- LANs are limited to a small area, such as a building or an office. They are typically used for connecting devices within a single location and provide high-speed data transfer rates.
- WANs, on the other hand, cover a large geographical area and can connect multiple LANs. They are used for long-distance communication and are typically slower than LANs due to the larger distances involved.
Q.4.2.2: ABC Bank is likely to utilize a Wide Area Network (WAN) for its new data communication system.
Justification: As mentioned, the system enables employees to access critical business information from anywhere and at any time. This suggests that the employees might be working from different locations and not just within a single building or office. Therefore, a WAN would be more suitable for this purpose as it can connect multiple locations and provide access to the system from anywhere.
Q.4.3.1: A suggested type of network topology for ABC Bank could be a Star Topology.
Explanation: In a Star Topology, all devices are connected to a central device, such as a switch or a hub. In this case, the central device can be the server hosting the secure web portal. Each device, such as the desktop computers or mobile devices used by the employees, would be connected directly to the central device.
Q.4.3.2: Advantages of a Star Topology for ABC Bank's operations are:
1. Centralized management: With a central device, it becomes easier to manage and monitor the network. Updates and changes can be implemented from a central location, making it more efficient for the bank's IT department.
2. Scalability: The star topology allows for easy expansion as new devices can be added by simply connecting them to the central device. This makes it suitable for a system that needs to be scalable, like the one implemented by ABC Bank.
3. Isolation of devices: In a star topology, each device is connected to the central device individually. This means that if one device has a problem, it does not affect the other devices on the network. This isolation helps in troubleshooting and reduces downtime.
4. High performance: With dedicated connections between each device and the central device, data transfer speeds can be high. This ensures that employees can access critical business information in real-time without significant delays.
Q.4.3.3: The suggested topology, a Star Topology, can be depicted using the following diagram:
[Server]
|
|
[Switch]
/ | \
PC1 PC2 PC3
Q.4.4: Two categories of wireless technologies that might be utilized by ABC Bank's new data communication system are:
1. Wi-Fi: This technology allows wireless communication between devices within a limited area, typically within a building or office. It can be used for employees to access the web portal using their mobile devices without the need for physical connections.
2. Cellular networks: ABC Bank's data communication system could also utilize cellular networks for employees to access critical business information on the go. This would allow them to connect to the web portal through their mobile devices using cellular data networks, providing flexibility and mobility.
Q.4.1 Discuss the concept of a data communication system in relation to the scenario above, indicating the three major components of the system.
A data communication system refers to the infrastructure and components that enable the transmission and exchange of data between different devices or systems. In the scenario above, ABC Bank has implemented a data communication system that allows its employees to access critical business information remotely. The three major components of this system are:
1. Network Infrastructure: This component encompasses the physical and virtual components that enable data transmission. It includes the network devices such as routers, switches, and servers, as well as the cabling and wireless connections. In the case of ABC Bank, the network infrastructure enables employees to access a secure web portal using their desktop computers or mobile devices.
2. Data Transmission Protocols: These are the rules and standards that govern how data is transmitted over the network. It ensures that data is properly packaged, addressed, and delivered to the intended recipient. In the scenario, ABC Bank's data communication system likely uses protocols such as HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) for secure communication and TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) for reliable transmission.
3. Data Security Measures: This component includes the technologies and practices employed to protect data from unauthorized access or tampering. ABC Bank's data communication system is described as highly secure and uses advanced encryption technologies. Encryption ensures that data is encoded and can only be deciphered by authorized parties, providing confidentiality and integrity of the transmitted data.
Q.4.2.1 Differentiate a Local Area Network (LAN) from a Wide Area Network (WAN).
A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that covers a small geographic area, such as a single building or a campus. It connects devices within a confined area and typically operates at a higher speed. LANs are often used for internal communication within an organization.
On the other hand, a Wide Area Network (WAN) covers a larger geographic area, such as multiple buildings or different cities. It connects multiple LANs and enables communication over long distances. WANs typically operate at lower speeds compared to LANs due to the longer transmission distances involved.
Q.4.2.2 Which type of network is likely to be utilized by ABC Bank for its new data communication system? Justify your choice.
ABC Bank is likely to utilize a Wide Area Network (WAN) for its new data communication system. The scenario mentions that employees can access the system from anywhere and at any time, indicating a need for remote access. A WAN would allow employees to connect to the secure web portal from different locations, such as home or while on the go, using their desktop computers or mobile devices.
Q.4.3.1 Suggest a type of network topology for ABC Bank and explain how this network topology works.
A suggested type of network topology for ABC Bank could be a Star Topology. In a Star Topology, all devices are connected to a central device, which is typically a switch or a hub. Each device has a dedicated connection to the central device, forming a star-like shape.
In this topology, all communication between devices goes through the central device. When a device wants to communicate with another device, it sends the data to the central device, which then forwards it to the appropriate recipient. This type of topology provides a centralized and easily manageable network setup.
Q.4.3.2 Provide four advantages of this topology for the bank’s operations.
Four advantages of a Star Topology for ABC Bank's operations are:
1. Centralized Management: With a centralized central device (switch or hub), network management becomes more efficient. It is easier to monitor and control the network from one central point, making it convenient for IT administrators at ABC Bank.
2. Easy Fault Isolation: If a device or connection fails in a Star Topology, it only affects the connected device. Other devices on the network remain unaffected, allowing for easy fault isolation and troubleshooting.
3. Scalability: The Star Topology allows for easy addition or removal of devices. New devices can be easily added by connecting them to the central device, and it does not impact the network as a whole. This flexibility is beneficial for future expansion or changes at ABC Bank.
4. Performance and Bandwidth: Since each device has a dedicated connection to the central device, collisions or congestion on the network are minimized. This leads to better performance and higher bandwidth availability for each connected device, ensuring smooth data communication across ABC Bank's operations.
Q.4.3.3 Draw a diagram that depicts the suggested topology.
Unfortunately, as an AI text bot, I am unable to create or display visual content. However, you can easily find examples of the Star Topology diagram by searching online or using drawing tools such as Word, Visio, or any other suitable software.
Q.4.4 Explain two categories of wireless technologies that might be utilized by ABC Bank's new data communication system.
Two categories of wireless technologies that could be utilized by ABC Bank's new data communication system are:
1. Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity): Wi-Fi is a wireless technology that allows devices to connect wirelessly to a Local Area Network. It utilizes radio waves for data transmission and is commonly used for wireless internet access. ABC Bank could offer Wi-Fi connectivity within its premises, enabling employees to connect their devices to the network without the need for physical Ethernet cables.
2. Cellular Networks: Cellular networks, like 4G or 5G, provide wireless data connectivity over a wide area through mobile carrier infrastructure. Utilizing cellular networks would enable ABC Bank's employees to access the data communication system while on the go, regardless of their location, by using mobile devices with cellular connectivity. This would provide flexibility and access to critical business information outside the bank's premises.