RGM College of Engineering and Technology (Autonomous)
Department of Computer Science and Engineering
Computer Networks & Internet Protocols (CN & IT)
Course Code: Xxxxxxx
III [Link]. - I Semester
Solutions for MID-1
1.
a) What is meant by byte Packet Switching? (2 M)
Ans:
Packet Switching is a method of transmitting data in which a message is broken
into small packets.
Each packet contains a portion of the data, along with header information (source,
destination, sequence number).
Packets are transmitted independently, possibly via different routes, and then
reassembled at the destination.
Key Features:
1. Efficient utilization of network resources (statistical multiplexing).
2. Supports large-scale networks like the Internet.
3. Example: Sending an email — the message is split into packets, transmitted
across the Internet, and reassembled at the receiver.
b) Mention any two differences between OSI and TCP/IP references Models. (2
M)
Ans:
OSI Model (7 layers) TCP/IP Model (4 layers)
Developed by ISO, theoretical
Developed by DoD, practical and widely used.
reference.
Has distinct Presentation and No separate Presentation/Session layers (their
Session layers. functions handled in Application layer).
c) What is framing? List out different framing methods (2 M)
Ans:
Framing: Encapsulating network-layer datagrams into link-layer frames for
transmission over a link.
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Framing Methods:
1. Character/byte count
2. Byte stuffing (sentinel-based)
3. Bit stuffing (flag-based)
4. Physical layer coding violations
d) Difference between error detection and error correction. (2 M)
Ans:
Error Detection: Identifies whether an error has occurred in a frame (e.g., parity,
checksum, CRC).
Error Correction: Locates and fixes the error without retransmission (e.g.,
Hamming code, FEC).
e) Explain the role of Ethernet Switches in LANs.
Ans:
Forward frames based on MAC addresses (using a switching table).
Provide collision-free full-duplex communication (unlike hubs).
Support filtering, learning, and forwarding.
Allow scalability and better LAN performance
2.
a) Define Computer Network. Explain its goals and benefits with examples. (3 M)
Ans:
A computer network is a collection of interconnected devices (computers,
servers, switches, routers) that share resources and exchange data.
Goals & Benefits:
1. Resource sharing (printers, files, storage).
2. Communication (e-mail, VoIP, video conferencing).
3. Reliability (alternate paths, fault tolerance).
4. Scalability (supporting growth).
Example: A university campus LAN enabling students to access online library
resources.
b) What is the Internet? Briefly explain its main components. (2 M)
Ans:
The Internet is a global network of networks, based on TCP/IP.
Main Components:
o Hosts (end systems: PCs, smartphones, servers)
o Routers & Switches (forwarding devices)
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o Communication Links (wired, wireless, fiber)
o Protocols (TCP/IP, HTTP, DNS, etc.)
3.
a) Differentiate guided and unguided transmission media with examples. (3 M)
Ans:
Guided Media (wired) Unguided Media (wireless)
Signals travel through a physical path. Signals transmitted through air.
Examples: Twisted pair, coaxial cable, Examples: Radio waves, microwaves,
optical fiber. infrared, satellite.
b) Write short notes on Internet Standards and their importance. (2 M)
Ans:
Standards ensure interoperability across devices and vendors.
Bodies: IETF (RFCs), IEEE (LAN/WLAN standards), ITU-T (telecom).
Importance: Without standards, global Internet communication wouldn’t be
possible.
4.
a) In a CRC scheme, the data word is: 101100 and the devisor is: 1101. Find the
CRC code word. (3 M)
Given:
Dataword: 101100 (6 bits), Divisor: 1101 (degree 3 → r = 3).
Step 1: Append r = 3 zeros (degree of divisor – 1):
101100→101100000
Step 2: Perform modulo-2 division of 101100000 by 1101.
Step 3: Remainder = 111.
Step 4: Codeword = Dataword + Remainder = 101100111
b) What is the difference between pure ALOHA and slotted ALOHA? (2 M)
Ans:
Pure ALOHA Slotted ALOHA
Transmission can start at any time. Transmission only at slot boundaries.
Vulnerable period = 2 × frame time. Vulnerable period = 1 × frame time.
Efficiency ≈ 18%. Efficiency ≈ 37%.
5.
a) A 1000-bit fraME IS SSENT OVER A 1 Mbps link using stop and wait ARQ. If
propagation delay is 20 ms, calculate channel utilization and throughput. (3 M)
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Ans:
Given:
Frame size = 1000 bits
Link speed = 1 Mbps
Propagation delay = 20 ms
Frame size = 1000 bits, Transmission rate = 1 Mbps.
Transmission time = 1000 / 10⁶ = 1 ms.
Propagation delay = 20 ms one-way, round-trip = 40 ms.
Cycle time = Transmission + RTT = 1 + 40 = 41 ms.
Utilization = (Transmission time / Cycle time) = 1 / 41 ≈ 0.024 ≈ 2.4%.
Throughput = Utilization × Link rate = 0.024 × 1 Mbps = 24 kbps.
b) Explain the concept of parity check and checksum with example. (2 M)
Ans:
Parity Check: Add 1 bit to make total 1s even (even parity) or odd.
Checksum: Divide data into words, sum them, take 1’s complement.
Example: Data = (1010, 1111). Sum = 11001 → checksum = 00110.
6.
a) Why protocols are important in networking? (2 M)
Ans:
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Define rules for communication (syntax, semantics, timing).
Ensure interoperability between heterogeneous devices.
Without protocols, networking would be chaotic.
b) Explain the Stop-and-Wait Protocol with its advantages and disadvantages. (3 M)
Ans:
Advantages: Simple to implement, reliable via ACKs.
Disadvantages: Low efficiency on long-delay links (low utilization).
7.
a) Write a short note on throughput in a network. (2 M)
Ans:
Throughput = Actual rate of successful data delivery (bps).
Depends on bandwidth, protocol efficiency, congestion, and errors.
b) A channel has a bit rate of 4 kbps and one way propagation delay of 20 ms. The
channel uses stop and wait protocol. The transmission time of the
acknowledgement frame is negligible. To get a channel efficiency of at least 50%,
what is the minimum frame size required. (3 M)
Ans:
Given:
Bit rate = 4 kbps
Propagation delay = 20 ms
RTT = 40 ms = 0.04 s
Bit rate = 4 kbps, Propagation delay = 20 ms.
Stop-and-wait efficiency ≥ 50%.
Let frame size = L bits, Transmission time = L / 4000 s.
RTT = 40 ms = 0.04 s.
Efficiency = L/4000 / (L/4000 + 0.04).
Solve for efficiency ≥ 0.5 → L ≥ 320 bits.
Minimum frame size = 320 bits.
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Prepared by
Dr Sunil VK Gaddam, Professor & Dean, Department of CSE, RGMCET (A), Nandyal.
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