Q 1 Suppose you are installing a new network for a company that is growing rapidly. The current design calls for 28 computers, with expansion to 80 in the next six months. Because of the speed at which the network is expected to grow, you want to make sure that adding new devices in the network and troubleshooting will be as easy as possible. So, considering these factors, which topology you will prefer for this type of network? Give proper reasoning to support your answer. (5 Marks)
STAR would be more suitable as it is good with many computers connected in a network plus can also perform troubleshooting and new devices can be easily added in the network.
The Star Network Topology typically needs more cable to be networked than the usual Bus topology. A common cable that is used in Star Network is the UTP or the unshielded twisted pair cable. Another common cable that is used in star networks is the RJ45 or the Ethernet cables.
In a Star Network the entire network is dependant on the hub so if the entire network is not working then there could be a problem with the hub. This feature makes it easy to troubleshoot by offering a single point for error connection ad at the same time the dependency is also very high on that single point.
Q.2 How does the logical topology differ from the physical topology? Can a single physical topology support multiple logical topologies? Answer with proper reasons. (5 Marks)
Physical topologies refer to the physical layout of devices and how they are cabled. There are seven basic physical topologies, Ring, Point to Point, Bus, Extended Star, Partial Mesh, Mesh, Star.
Logical topologies refer to the way a signal travels from one point on the network to another and are largely determined by the access method—deterministic or nondeterministic. Ethernet is a nondeterministic access method. Logically, Ethernet operates as a bus topology. However, Ethernet networks are almost always physically designed as a star or extended star.
Q 3 Suppose you have been asked to put together a proposal for a new computer network of a company. You have been asked to specifically list the advantages to networking. Of the following equipment the company owns, which devices can be shared on a network? (5 Marks)
Choose all that apply:
> CD-ROM drives
> Light pen