About Principles of Communication Technology - CIT 303
CIT 303
NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA
14-16 AHMADU BELLO WAY, VICTORIA ISLAND LAGOS
SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 EXAMINATION
COURSE CODE: CIT 303
COURSE TITLE: Principles of Communication Technology
TIME ALLOWED: 3 Hours
INSTRUCTION: Answer any five (5) questions.
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NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA
14-16 AHMADU BELLO WAY, VICTORIA ISLAND LAGOS
SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 EXAMINATION
COURSE CODE: CIT 303
COURSE TITLE: Principles of Communication Technology
TIME ALLOWED: 3 Hours
INSTRUCTION: Answer any five (5) questions.
1a. Define Data Communications. (5 Marks)
Data communications is the exchange of data between two devices via some form of transmission medium such as a wire cable. For data communications to occur, the communicating devices must be part of a communication system made up of a combination of hardware (physical equipment) and software (programs). The effectiveness of a data communications system depends on four fundamental characteristics: delivery, accuracy, timeliness, and jitter. Data communication refers to the exchange of data between a source and a receiver. Data communication is said to be local if communicating devices are in the same building or a similarly restricted geographical area.
1b. What are the three basic modes of operation that can exist for any network connection, communications channel, or interface? (6 Marks)
In simplex mode, the communication is unidirectional, as on a one-way street. Only one of the two devices on a link can transmit; the other can only receive Keyboards and traditional monitors are examples of simplex devices. The keyboard can only introduce input; the monitor can only accept output. The simplex mode can use the entire capacity of the channel to send data in one direction.
In half-duplex mode, each station can both transmit and receive, but not at the same time. When one device is sending, the other can only receive, and vice versa. The half-duplex mode is like a one-lane road with traffic allowed in both directions. When cars are traveling in one direction, cars going the other way must wait. Half-duplex transmission, the entire capacity of a channel is taken over by whichever the two devices are transmitting at the time. Walkie-talkies and CB (citizens band) are both half-duplex systems.
CIT 303
In full-duplex operation, a connection between two devices is capable of sending data in both directions simultaneously. Full-duplex channels can be constructed either as a pair of simplex links or using one channel designed to permit bidirectional simultaneous transmissions. A full-duplex link can only connect two devices, so many such links are required if multiple devices are to be connected together. Note that the term “full-duplex” is somewhat redundant; “duplex” would suffice, but everyone still says “full-duplex” (likely, to differentiate this mode from half-duplex)
1c. List three of the basic elements/ components of Data Communications. (3 Marks)
1. Message
2. Sender
3. Receiver
4. Medium or Communication Channel
5. Encoder and Decoder
2a. A network must meet certain important criteria amongst which is one of them is performance, how can a network performance be measured?
Performance can be measured in many ways, including transit time and response time. Transmit time is the amount of time required for a message to travel from one device to another. Response time is the elapsed time between an inquiry and a response. (4 Marks)
2b. State two factors that determine the performance of a network. (4 Marks)
a. Number of Users
b. Type of transmission medium
c. Hardware
d. Software
2c. Explain two different types of computer network connection (6 Marks)
A point-to-point connection provides a dedicated link between two devices. The entire capacity of the link is reserved for transmission between those two devices. Most point-to-point connections use an actual length of wire or cable to connect the two ends, but other options, such as microwave or satellite links, are also possible. A point-to-point connection is a direct link between two devices such as a computer and a printer. It uses dedicated link between the devices. The entire capacity of the link is used for the transmission between those two devices. Most of today's point-to-point connections are associated with modems and PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) communications.
A multipoint connection is a link between three or more devices. It is also known as Multi-drop configuration. The networks having multipoint configuration are called Broadcast Networks. In broadcast network, a message or a packet sent by any machine is received by all other machines in a network. The packet contains address field that specifies the receiver. Upon receiving a packet, every
CIT 303
machine checks the address field of the packet. If the transmitted packet is for that particular machine, it processes it; otherwise it just ignores the packet. A multipoint (also called multidrop) connection is one in which more than two specific devices share a single link.
3a. Define network protocol.
In computer networks, communication occur between entities in different system entity is anything capable of sending or receiving information. However, two entities not simply send bit streams to each other and expect to be understood. For communicate to occur, the entities must agree on a protocol. A protocol is a set of rules that govern communications. A protocol defines what is communicated, how it is communicate when it is communicated. Network protocols include mechanisms for devices to identify and make connections with each other, as well as formatting rules that specify how data is packaged into messages sent and received. (2 Marks)
3b. What are the key elements of protocols?(6 Marks)
a. Syntax It refers to the structure or format of the data that is the order in which they are presented.
b. Semantics It refers to the meaning of each section of bits.
c. Timing refers to two characteristics: When data should be sent and how fast they can be sent.
3c. Which layers on the OSI Model are referred to as network support layers and which layers are the user support layers? (6 Marks)
Network support layers
a. Physical Layer
b. Data link Layer and
c. Network Layers
User support layers
a. Session Layer
b. Presentation Layer and
c. Application Layer
About National Open University of Nigeria, Lagos
National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)
Overview:
The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is Nigeria's foremost open and distance learning institution. Established in 1983 but suspended until 2002, NOUN was re-launched with a mission to provide flexible, accessible, and quality education to Nigerians. It operates under the auspices of the National Universities Commission (NUC) and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.
Mission and Vision:
Mission: To provide affordable, flexible, and high-quality education to all Nigerians, leveraging open and distance learning methodologies.
Vision: To be the foremost institution providing accessible and quality education through open and distance learning in Nigeria and beyond.
Key Features and Distinctions:
Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Model: NOUN operates primarily through distance learning methods, allowing students to study from any location and at their own pace. This flexibility caters to working professionals, adults seeking education, and individuals unable to attend traditional on-campus programs.
Programs and Accreditation: NOUN offers a wide array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fields such as Arts, Social Sciences, Management Sciences, Health Sciences, Education, Law, and Agricultural Sciences. All programs are accredited by the NUC, ensuring they meet national educational standards.
Admission and Enrollment: Admission into NOUN is open to all qualified individuals, irrespective of their educational background or location. Prospective students apply online and are admitted based on the fulfillment of specified entry requirements for each program.
Learning Resources and Support: The university provides robust learning resources and support services tailored for distance learners. This includes online course materials, virtual classrooms, academic counseling, and access to physical study centers across Nigeria.
Examinations and Assessment: Students participate in periodic examinations conducted at designated centers nationwide. Assessments may include assignments, quizzes, and final examinations, all designed to evaluate students' understanding and mastery of course materials.
Research and Development: NOUN promotes research and scholarly activities among its faculty and students, contributing to knowledge creation and dissemination in various academic disciplines.
Community and Outreach: Beyond academic pursuits, NOUN is committed to community engagement and outreach initiatives aimed at promoting educational opportunities and societal development.
Accolades and Recognition:
NOUN has earned recognition both nationally and internationally for its pioneering efforts in open and distance learning, contributing significantly to the democratization of education in Nigeria.
Future Directions:
Moving forward, NOUN continues to expand its program offerings, enhance its learning technologies, and strengthen its academic partnerships to further its mission of providing accessible and quality education to Nigerians.
Conclusion:
The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) stands as a beacon of open and distance learning in Nigeria, offering flexible educational opportunities that cater to the diverse needs of its student population. With its commitment to quality, accessibility, and innovation, NOUN plays a vital role in shaping the educational landscape of Nigeria and beyond.
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