Fundamentals of Communication Systems

Instructions
Answer all questions
All questions carry equal marks

QUESTION ONE
a) Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (MIME) is an extension to the RFC 822
framework that is intended to address some of the problems and limitations of the use of
SMTP and RFC 822 for electronic mail. State five (5) problems and limitations of SMTP
which MIME addresses.
[10]
b) Explain the role of Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) Version 1. In what
ways does version 1 differ from versions 2 and 3?
[5]
c) Traditional images and video streaming is transported using UDP as a protocol. However,
UDP protocol has limitations which are mitigated by Real-time Transport Protocols
(RTP). State Five (5) benefits of using RTP over UDP.
[10]
QUESTION TWO
a) Explain the role of the following routing protocols
i.
Routing Information Protocol Version 1, 2
[3]
ii.
Open Shortest Path First (OSPF)
[3]
iii.
Border Gateway Protocol (BGP)
[3]
iv. Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP)
[3]
b) Compare and contrast RIP version 1 and RIP version 2
[5]
c) Design an infrastructure based network involving an access point, gateway router,
Ethernet cables, Internet, 10 laptops and server. The network infrastructure should have
span of 2km.
[8]

QUESTION THREE
a) State the differences between HTTP and HTTP 1.1
[2]
b) Explain the role of the following data link protocols
i.
High-Level Data Link Control (HDLC)
[2]
ii.
Frame relay
[2]
iii.
Point to point protocols(PPP)
[2]
c) Compare and contrast routers and switches
[5]
d) ZYX bank Plc has eight (7) branches in one town spanning 10km by 15km. You are
contracted to design and implement a network to suite the geographical area of this
bank
i.
State the network type and sketch it using switches, router and appropriate
cables.
[6]
ii.
What are the advantages of using a switch over a hub for your design?
[2]

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iii.

It is required to mitigate the fading of data signals between two bank branches
which are further apart. What device would you use for this requirement and
show how the sketch of (i) would change.
[4]

QUESTION FOUR
a) Data segmentation in communications network is important". Discuss.
[8]
b) Compare and contrast the OSI and TCP/IP models.
[6]
c) You have been asked to begin a large design and implementation project with
Network Solutions, Inc. (a fictional company). However, before you are allowed to
proceed, the project manager wants to be sure that you are the correct person for the
job. This person asks you to list the layers of the OSI model and describe in brief the
functions of each layer. Can you prove you are the correct person for the job?
[10]

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