Communication Systems

Question 1

What are examples of protocols and their ports?

Answer 1

HTTP Application
SSL Application
SMTP Application
Wireless LAN Link
Ethernet Link
ATM Link
TCP Transport
IPv4 Internet
IPv6 Internet

Question 2

What are methods of error checking?

Answer 2

Parity Checking
Checksum
Cyclic Redundancy Check

Question 3

Define Handshaking.

Answer 3

Handshaking is an agreement about which protocol to use to accomplish the
exchange of information.

Question 4

Describe the advantages and disadvantages of client–server architecture.

Answer 4

• Centralised
• Scalable
• Easy to manage
• Accessible
• Secure
• Network Traffic Congestion
• High Cost
• Suspect to Total Failure
• Maintenance Difficulty
• Unreachable Resources

Question 5

What are some examples of communication systems?

Answer 5

• Teleconferencing Systems
• Messaging Systems
• E-Commerce
• EFTPOS
• Electronic Banking

Question 6

What are network topologies?

Answer 6

• Star
• Bus
• Ring
• Hybrid
• Wireless

Question 7

List and compare the functions of different hardware components.

Answer 7

Network Interface Card - Allows a device to connect to the internet.

Servers - Incl. File, Print, Mail, Web

Routers - Device that determines where to send a data packet to networks.

Switch - Directs packets to a network.

Bridge - Links two similar networks.

Gateway - Links two different networks.

Hub- Central Connecting Device

Question 8

Identify the main characteristics of
network operating software.

Answer 8

Software which contains the ‘rules’ for communication and determines how the network devices send and receive data.

Question 9

Compare and contrast the Internet,
intranets and extranets.

Answer 9

Internet - Public and international.
Intra - Private net using inter.
Extra - Allows access from outside.

Question 10

Justify the need to encode and decode
data.

Answer 10

Encoding involves converting data from its original form into another form for transmission. Decoding is the reverse process.

Question 11

What are network admin tasks?

Answer 11

– adding/removing users
– assigning users to printers
– giving users file access rights
– installation of software and sharing with users
– client installation and protocol assignment
– logon and logoff procedures
– network-based applications

Question 12

Issues related to communication systems.

Answer 12

• security
• globalisation
• changing nature of work
• interpersonal relationships
• e-crime
• legal
• virtual communities