Question 2 a) Discuss the various factors considered while choosing a type of network topology to be used (5 marks) b) List and explain the top-level domains currently in use. (5 marks) c) Discuss how transmission control protocol(TCP)/internet protoco I(IP) operates (5 marks) SECTION B (39 marks) (Five questions each carrying 13 marks) ANSWER ANY THRI EE QUESTIONS Question 3 a) State the various standards organizations and explain their defined roles. (5 marks) b) To be considered effective and efficient a network must meet a number of criteria. Discuss these criteria. (5 marks) c) Explain the different types of existing transmission modes. (3 marks)

Question 2<br /><br />a) Discuss the various factors considered while choosing a type of network topology to be used (5 marks)<br /><br />When selecting a network topology, several factors are considered to ensure it meets the organizational needs. These include scalability, cost, complexity, reliability, and the type of applications that will be run over the network. Scalability refers to the ability to add new devices to the network easily. Cost involves the initial setup and maintenance expenses. Complexity pertains to how difficult it is to implement and manage the network. Reliability is about the network's ability to withstand failures, and application-specific requirements include considerations like real-time data transmission needs.<br /><br />b) List and explain the top-level domains currently in use. (5 marks)<br /><br />The top-level domains (TLDs) are the highest level of domain names in the Internet's Domain Name System (DNS). Currently, there are generic TLDs such as.com,.org,.net, and country-code TLDs like.us,.uk,.ca, etc. Each TLD has a specific purpose; for example,.com is typically used for commercial entities,.org for organizations, and.net for network-related services. Country-code TLDs are used by entities based in specific countries.<br /><br />c) Discuss how transmission control protocol (TCP)/internet protocol (IP) operates. (5 marks)<br /><br />TCP/IP operates through a suite of protocols that enable devices to communicate over the internet. IP is responsible for addressing and routing packets of data so they reach the correct destination. TCP, on the other hand, ensures reliable data transfer by establishing a connection, sequencing data packets, and acknowledging received packets. It handles error-checking and retransmission of lost data, ensuring that the data transmitted is accurate and complete.<br /><br />Question 3<br /><br />a) State the various standards organizations and explain their defined roles. (5 marks)<br /><br />Standards organizations play a crucial role in developing and promoting technical standards. Examples include the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which develops international standards across various industries; the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), which focuses on internet standards; and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), which oversees the development of U.S. standards. Each organization has a specific role in ensuring that products and services meet consistent quality and safety standards.<br /><br />b) To be considered effective and efficient, a network must meet a number of criteria. Discuss these criteria. (5 marks)<br /><br />An effective and efficient network must meet several criteria, including reliability, scalability, security, performance, and manageability. Reliability ensures the network operates consistently without failures. Scalability allows the network to grow and accommodate increasing traffic. Security protects the network from unauthorized access and cyber threats. Performance measures how quickly and efficiently data is transmitted. Manageability involves the ease with which the network can be monitored and maintained.<br /><br />c) Explain the different types of existing transmission modes. (3 marks)<br /><br />Transmission modes refer to the methods by which data is sent over a network. Common types include simplex, half-duplex, and full-duplex. Simplex mode allows data transmission in one direction only, like a one-way radio broadcast. Half-duplex permits data transmission in both directions but not simultaneously, similar to a walkie-talkie. Full-duplex enables simultaneous two-way data transmission, like a telephone conversation, allowing for bidirectional communication without interference.