Assignment No.
01 (Graded) Total Marks: 20
Spring 2025
Due Date: 5th May, 2025
CS610- Computer Networks
Instructions:
Please read the following instructions carefully before solving & submitting the assignment solution:
It should be clear that your assignment will not get any credit (zero marks) if:
o The assignment is submitted after the due date.
o The submitted assignment solution does NOT open or the file is corrupt.
o The assignment is copied (from other students or ditto copy from handouts or the internet).
o Please ensure that your assignment submission is in .doc or .docx format. Other formats such as
scanned images, PDFs, .zip, .rar, .bmp, etc., will not be accepted.
Objectives:
The objectives of this assignment are:
To know the students level at physical networking.
To test the Knowledge of Ethernet and LAN technologies.
To make them understand various LAN Technologies, Cabling Standards and their speeds.
For any query about the assignment, contact at [email protected]
GOOD LUCK
Marks: 20
Question#1: 10 Marks
You are a network technician in a company using a 10Base-T Ethernet network. Several users report intermittent
disconnection issues, specially when transferring large files. You decide to use a network analyzer called as
sniffer to diagnose the problem.
While monitoring, you may observe:
A high collision rate.
Several frames being dropped due to unknown protocol types.
All computers are using the same wiring topology with a central hub.
Based on your knowledge of Ethernet and LAN technologies, answer the following:
1. What could be causing the high collision rate in this setup? (3 marks)
2. Why might frames be getting dropped due to unknown types? (3 marks)
3. How can a network analyzer help resolve these issues? (4 marks)
Solution:
1. Cause of high collision rate (3 marks):
In a 10Base-T network using a hub, all devices share the same collision domain. This increases the
chances of collisions, especially with heavy traffic like file transfers. Unlike switches, hubs do not
isolate traffic between devices.
2. Reason for frames with unknown types being dropped (3 marks):
The NICs or protocol stacks on some computers may not support or recognize the protocol type
specified in the frame’s type field. This could happen if new or custom protocols are being used
without being configured properly across all systems.
3. Use of network analyzer (4 marks):
o A network analyzer in promiscuous mode can:
Capture and inspect all frames on the LAN.
Filter by frame type, size, source, or destination to identify problems.
Analyze collision statistics and traffic flow.
Help determine if certain devices are misconfigured or if a switch should replace the hub to
reduce collisions.
Question#2: 10 Marks
You are assigned to set up a new LAN in an office space with 20 desktop computers located in close proximity.
Your manager wants a cost-effective, easy-to-maintain solution with minimal downtime in case of cable issues.
You have access to the following technologies:
Thick Ethernet
Thin Ethernet
10Base-T Ethernet with hubs Also, each computer requires a compatible Network Interface Card (NIC).
Answer the following:
1. Which Ethernet technology would you recommend for this setup and why? (4 marks)
2. What kind of NIC would be most suitable in this case? (2 marks)
3. What are the limitations of the technologies you did not choose? (4 marks)
Solution:
1. Recommended technology: 10Base-T Ethernet (4 marks)
10Base-T uses twisted pair cables and hubs, making it easier to install and maintain.
It’s cost-effective and widely supported.
Easy to isolate issues since each device connects individually to the hub.
2. Suitable NIC (2 marks)
A NIC with an RJ-45 connector compatible with twisted pair cabling is required.
It should support 10 Mbps (or preferably dual 10/100 Mbps) Ethernet.
3. Limitations of other technologies (4 marks)
o Thick Ethernet:
Expensive and hard to install due to bulky coaxial cable.
Requires transceivers and terminators, increasing complexity.
o Thin Ethernet:
Cheaper than thick, but unreliable.
A single disconnection can bring down the entire network since it uses bus topology.
Difficult to manage in case of faults
Lectures Covered: This assignment covers Lectures # 1 to 9.
Deadline: Your assignment must be uploaded/submitted on or before the due date.
