QUESTION 1a) Explain the function of the following network componentsi) Repeater [2Marks]ii) Network interface card [2Marks]b) Explain why many organizations are embracing wireless networks [4Marks]c) Differentiate between the following as used with computer networks.i) Logical and physical network topology [2Marks]ii) Local area network and wide area network [2Marks]iii) Data communication and voice communication [2Marks]d) Outline the two reasons why an organization should have a comprehensive network documentation.[2Marks]e) Explain the meaning of the following computer networking termsi) Network management [2Marks]ii) Network troubleshooting [2Marks]QUESTION 2a) Explain why an organization would implement a client server network architecture to replace a peer topeer network architecture [5Marks]b) Highlight any six activities that computer networks technical personnel will perform during networkmanagement [6Marks]c) Network design involves evaluating, understanding and scoping the network to be implemented. Explainthe four activities that should be addressed during network design[4Marks]QUESTION 3a) IP addressing scheme is integral to the process of routing IP data through an internetwork. Brieflydescribe the two main parts of an IP address. [4Marks]b) Recently, KCA University has witnessed a growth in its Student population. Describe the fundamentalnetwork design goals that the university should embrace when upgrading its Wi-Fi network to cater forthe needs of all students. [6Marks]c) State any five strategies that can be used to solve computer network problems [5Marks]QUESTION 4a) Outline five responsibilities of a network manager [5Marks]b) The office of a small independent realty company has four real estate agents, an executive secretary, andtwo assistant secretaries. They agreed to keep all common documents in a central location to whicheveryone has access. They also need a place to store their individual listings so that only the agent who hasthe listing should have access to. The executive secretary has considerable network administrationknowledge, but everyone else does not. It is expected that in the near future the office will employ ten moreagents and three assistant secretaries.Requiredi) Would you recommend implementation of peer-to-peer or server-based architectural networking?[1Mark]ii) Draw and explain the best suited topology for the network specification. [3Marks]iii) Justify the need of each hardware device you may use in the network at different locations.[3Marks]iv) Which cable is best suited for this company? Compare merits and demerits of the available cablesto justify your answer. [3Marks]

QUESTION 1 a) i) A repeater is a network device that regenerates the incoming signal before sending it out again. Its main function is to extend the transmission distance by restoring the degraded signal received from the network cable. ii) A Network Interface Card (NIC) is a hardware component that allows computers to connect to a network. It provides a dedicated, full-time connection to a network, enabling data transmission between the network and the computer.

b) Many organizations are embracing wireless networks due to their flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and ease of installation. They allow for mobility, enabling employees to access network resources from almost any convenient location within the primary networking environment. They also reduce the cost of expensive cable installations.

c) i) Logical topology refers to the way data is transferred around a network, while physical topology refers to the physical design of the network, including devices and cables. ii) A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that connects computers and devices in a limited geographical area such as a home, school, or office building. A Wide Area Network (WAN) spans a large geographic area, such as a city, state, or even a country. iii) Data communication refers to the transmission of digital data between two or more computers, while voice communication refers to the transmission of speech in real-time between two or more computers or devices.

d) A comprehensive network documentation is important for troubleshooting and for future network planning and upgrades.

e) i) Network management refers to the process of administering, managing, and operating a network infrastructure. ii) Network troubleshooting is the systematic process of identifying and resolving problems or issues within a network.

QUESTION 2 a) An organization would implement a client-server network architecture to replace a peer-to-peer network architecture for better central control, scalability, and security.

b) Activities that computer networks technical personnel will perform during network management include: monitoring network performance, troubleshooting network problems, updating and installing new network hardware and software, maintaining network security, and planning for future network growth.

c) The four activities that should be addressed during network design are: determining the network's physical and logical structure, selecting and installing the appropriate network hardware and software, setting up network security measures, and planning for potential future network growth.

QUESTION 3 a) An IP address consists of two main parts: the network ID, which identifies the specific network on which the device is located, and the host ID, which identifies the specific device on the network.

b) The fundamental network design goals that the university should embrace when upgrading its Wi-Fi network to cater for the needs of all students include: ensuring network scalability to accommodate the growing student population, maintaining strong network security to protect student data, and providing reliable network performance to support academic activities.

c) Strategies that can be used to solve computer network problems include: regular network monitoring, timely hardware and software updates, implementing strong network security measures, regular network performance testing, and having a comprehensive network troubleshooting process in place.

QUESTION 4 a) The responsibilities of a network manager include: overseeing the day-to-day operation of the network, planning for future network growth, maintaining network security, managing network performance, and troubleshooting network problems.

b) i) Given the size and needs of the company, a server-based network architecture would be recommended. ii) A star topology would be best suited for the network specification. This topology connects all devices to a central point, which would be the server in this case. iii) The hardware devices that may be used in the network at different locations include: a server, network switches, routers, and network interface cards. iv) Ethernet cable would be best suited for this company. It is reliable, offers high speeds, and is relatively inexpensive. However, it can be susceptible to interference and the physical cables can be a nuisance.