Q3. What does a Network Interface Card (NIC) do, and why is it important in a network?
Answer:
A NIC (Network Interface Card) connects a computer to a network.
It gives each device a unique physical address, which helps identify it.
This address lets switches and routers send data to the right device.
Without a NIC, a computer cannot communicate over a network.
A NIC works with cables or wireless connections, depending on the type.
It also needs proper drivers/software so the system can use it well.
In short, a NIC is the device’s passport to the network.
Q4. Compare LAN, MAN, WAN, and PAN by area, examples, and best use.
Answer:
LAN: Small area like a room, building, or campus; example: school lab; best for local sharing.
MAN: Covers a city; example: cable TV network; best for city-wide links.
WAN: Covers countries/continents; example: the Internet; best for global connectivity.
PAN: Very small range (less than 10 meters); example: phone to laptop via Bluetooth; best for personal devices.
LAN/MAN often use private cabling; WAN uses public telecommunication or satellites.
Choose based on distance, users, and purpose of connection.
Each type balances range, speed, and cost differently.
Q5. Explain the Client-Server model and the roles of both in a network.
Answer:
A Server is a powerful computer that provides services like files or web pages.
A Client is a device that requests and uses these services.
In a lab, PCs act as clients, and a central server stores shared data.
The server handles many requests and manages security and resources.
The client uses a NIC to connect, then sends requests to the server.
This model makes it easy to share and control resources in a LAN.
It is common in schools, offices, and web services.
High Complexity (Analysis & Scenario-Based)
Q6. Your city library has 10 branches across town. They want one network for all branches. Which type fits best and why? What components are needed?
Answer:
A MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) fits because it covers a city-wide area.
A LAN is too small; a WAN is not necessary unless branches are in different cities.
Each branch can have a LAN with switches, NICs, and cables.
Branch LANs connect to the city MAN using routers and high-speed links.
The main server can be at the head office to share catalogs and databases.
A router at each branch directs data packets to the right location.
If different systems need to talk, a gateway can translate protocols.
Q7. A school lab using hubs is very slow. Propose changes using network components to improve speed and reliability.
Answer:
Replace hubs with switches to send data only to the target device.
This reduces unnecessary traffic and speeds up the LAN.
Add a router to manage traffic between the LAN and the Internet.
Use a repeater if cables are long and signals become weak.
Check each NIC and cable for faults and proper connections.
Keep a server for shared files and printers to reduce duplication.
This plan makes the network faster, cleaner, and more stable.
Q8. You work from a home office. You want your phone, laptop, and wireless headphones to connect easily. Design a suitable network and explain choices.
Answer:
Use a PAN (Personal Area Network) for close-range devices.
Connect headphones to the phone or laptop via Bluetooth (range < 10 meters).
Share files between phone and laptop using Bluetooth or Wi‑Fi hotspot.
If you need printing, add a wireless printer connected to your home LAN.
Your home router connects the LAN to the Internet for email and web.
The PAN handles personal devices; the LAN handles home-wide sharing.
This mix gives flexibility,
convenience
meaning of word here
, and low cost.
Q9. A university has a campus network and a hostel 8 km away. They also need Internet access. Propose a complete design with correct network types.
Answer:
On the main campus, use a LAN with switches, NICs, and servers.
Connect the hostel (8 km) to campus with a LAN-to-LAN link using fiber and routers.
Since both are within the city, this forms a small MAN.
Use a router at campus to connect to the Internet (WAN).
A gateway can help if different protocols must interconnect.
Add repeaters on long links if signals weaken.
This setup supports local sharing, city-wide reach, and global access.
Q10. Trace how your laptop reaches a website on the Internet, naming the network components and types involved.
Answer:
Your laptop uses its NIC to put data on the LAN.
A switch forwards the data to the right port inside the LAN.
The router connects your LAN to another network, usually your ISP.
A modem may convert between digital and analog signals for the line.
Over the WAN (Internet), many routers move your data across long paths.
At the website’s side, a server receives and processes your request.
If networks use different rules, a gateway helps translate protocols.
Q11. Your office has two floors with separate LANs using the same protocol. They must share files as if they are one network. Which device connects them and why?
Answer:
Use a Bridge to connect the two LANs that share the same protocol.
A bridge filters traffic and forwards only the needed frames between LANs.
This reduces congestion and keeps local traffic local.
It helps both floors share printers, files, and servers easily.
If distance is long, add a repeater to keep signals strong.
For outside access, still use a router to reach other networks.
Thus, a bridge makes two LANs work smoothly together.
Q12. A company has branches on different continents. They want secure data exchange and reliable access to central servers. Which network type and components are essential?
Answer:
They need a WAN (Wide Area Network) because branches are far apart.
The Internet is the common WAN that links countries and continents.
Each site uses routers to direct data to the right network.
A modem or similar device connects to the public communication media.
The central server provides services that clients in all branches can use.
A gateway can connect systems using different protocols if needed.
This design ensures global connectivity with proper routing and access.
