Question 1 (SO 1, AC 2)
a. Define the term LAN.
b. Explain the purpose of LAN in an organization.
Question 2 (SO 1, AC 1)
Identify any 3 components of a LAN and outline their purpose or function.
Question 3 (SO 1, AC 3)
Compare the following LAN configurations;
a. Star
b. Bus
c. Ring
Question 4 (SO 1, AC 4)
Identify and compare different LAN protocols.
Question 5 (SO 1, AC 5)
Compare the following LAN transport media;
a. Twisted pair
b. Coaxial cable
c. Optic fiber
Question 1:
a. A LAN (Local Area Network) is a network of computers and other devices that are connected within a limited area, such as a building or campus, allowing them to communicate and share resources.
b. The purpose of a LAN in an organization is to facilitate communication and resource sharing among computers and devices within a confined area. It helps in improving productivity, collaboration, and efficiency by enabling seamless data transfer and access to shared resources.
Question 2:
Three components of a LAN are:
- Network Interface Card (NIC): This component allows devices to connect to the LAN network and communicate with other devices.
- Switch: A switch is used to connect multiple devices within the LAN network and manages data traffic efficiently.
- Router: A router is used to connect the LAN network to the internet or other external networks, allowing communication between the LAN and external networks.
Question 3:
a. In a star configuration, all devices are connected to a central hub or switch, which facilitates communication between devices. This setup provides better performance and easier troubleshooting compared to other configurations.
b. In a bus configuration, all devices are connected to a single communication line called a bus. Devices communicate by sending data packets along the bus, but this configuration can lead to data collisions and network congestion.
c. In a ring configuration, each device is connected to two other devices, forming a ring-like structure. Data travels in one direction around the ring, and each device functions as a repeater to maintain signal strength. This configuration provides redundancy but can be slower than other configurations.
Question 4:
Different LAN protocols include Ethernet, Token Ring, and Wireless LAN. Ethernet is the most commonly used LAN protocol, providing a standard for data transmission over wired networks. Token Ring is a less common protocol that uses token passing to control data transmission, while Wireless LAN uses wireless technology to connect devices to the network.
Question 5:
a. Twisted pair cables are commonly used for LAN networks, offering a cost-effective and flexible option for data transmission. They are susceptible to interference but can support high data transfer speeds.
b. Coaxial cable is another type of LAN transport media that offers better shielding from interference compared to twisted pair cables. It is more expensive but can support higher bandwidths.
c. Optic fiber is a LAN transport media that uses light signals to transmit data, providing high speeds and long-distance capabilities. It is immune to electromagnetic interference but is more expensive and fragile compared to other media.