Short Answer Questions (2-3 Marks)

1. What is a PAN (Personal Area Network)? Give one example.
Ans:- A PAN is a small network used to connect personal devices like mobile, laptop, and smartwatch within a short range. Example: Bluetooth connection between a phone and wireless earphones.

2. Define LAN. Mention one of its key advantages.
Ans:- LAN stands for Local Area Network. It connects computers in a small area like a school or office. One advantage is that it allows fast data sharing between devices.

3. What is a MAN? How is it different from LAN?
Ans:- MAN means Metropolitan Area Network. It covers a larger area than LAN, like a city. Unlike LAN, it connects networks from different buildings or areas within the city.

4. What is the full form of WAN? Give an example.
Ans:- WAN stands for Wide Area Network. It connects computers over a large distance. Example: The Internet is the biggest WAN.

5. What is the role of a NIC (Network Interface Card)?
Ans:- NIC is a hardware part that lets a computer connect to a network. It helps the computer send and receive data from other devices.

6. Differentiate between a hub and a switch.
Ans:- A hub sends data to all devices, even if not needed. A switch sends data only to the right device, making it faster and more secure.

7. What is the function of a router in a network?
Ans:- A router connects different networks and sends data to the correct destination. It also helps connect home devices to the internet.

8. Define an access point and its use in a wireless network.
Ans:- An access point is a device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network. It is used in places to extend Wi-Fi signals.

9. What is a hostname?
Ans:- A hostname is the name given to a computer on a network to identify it easily. It helps users find and connect to the device.

10. What do you mean by an IP address?
Ans:- An IP address is a number given to every device on a network. It works like a home address to find and communicate with the device.

11. Explain the term MAC address.
Ans:- A MAC address is a unique code assigned to a device’s network card. It helps identify the device on a network.

12. Write the full form of TCP/IP. What is its main function?
Ans:- TCP/IP stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. It controls how data is sent and received over the internet.

13. What does HTTP stand for? How is it different from HTTPS?
Ans:- HTTP means HyperText Transfer Protocol. HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP, using encryption to protect data.

14. What is the function of SMTP in email communication?
Ans:- SMTP stands for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. It helps in sending emails from one computer to another over the internet.

15. Write the purpose of FTP in computer networks.
Ans:- FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. It is used to upload or download files between a computer and a server.

16. Why is a switch considered better than a hub in a network?
Ans:- A switch is better because it sends data only to the correct device, saving time and reducing network traffic.

17. How does a router differ from a modem?
Ans:- A router connects many devices to a network, while a modem connects the network to the internet.

18. Write one use of the POP protocol.
Ans:- POP is used to download emails from a mail server to your computer so you can read them offline.

19. Why do computers on a network need unique IP addresses?
Ans:- Each computer needs a unique IP address so that data goes to the correct device without confusion.

20. What happens if two devices on a network have the same IP address?
Ans:- If two devices have the same IP address, it causes a conflict, and both devices may lose internet access or not work properly.

21. How does MAC address filtering enhance network security?
Ans:- MAC address filtering allows only selected devices to connect to a network, keeping unknown devices out.

22. List any two uses of a MAN.
Ans:- MAN is used to connect offices in a city and provide high-speed internet in urban areas.

Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)

1. Explain the different types of networks based on geographical area. Give examples of each.
Ans:-
Computer networks can be grouped by the area they cover. There are four main types:

PAN (Personal Area Network): This network is very small and connects personal devices around one person. Example: Connecting a smartphone to a laptop using Bluetooth.
LAN (Local Area Network): It covers a small area like a room, building, or school. It is used to connect computers in offices and homes. Example: Network in a school computer lab.
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): It is bigger than LAN and connects networks in a city. It can be used by businesses or governments. Example: A bank with branches across a city using MAN.
WAN (Wide Area Network): This is the largest network that connects computers over countries and continents. The Internet is the best example of a WAN.

2. Discuss the functions and differences between the following network devices: hub, switch, and router.
Ans:-
These three devices help in creating and managing networks, but they work differently:

Hub: A hub connects multiple computers in a LAN. It sends data to all connected devices, whether they need it or not. This creates more traffic.
Switch: A switch is smarter than a hub. It sends data only to the correct device by checking its address. It is faster and more secure than a hub.
Router: A router connects different networks, like a home network to the Internet. It sends data between networks and also assigns IP addresses.
Difference Summary:
A hub is simple and sends data to all.
A switch sends data to the right device.
A router connects networks and manages traffic between them.

3. Describe the roles of hostname, IP address, and MAC address in computer networks.
Ans:-
In a computer network, each device needs a way to be identified. These three help in identifying and communicating with devices:

Hostname: This is the name of the computer or device on the network. It is easy to remember and used by users. Example: John’s-PC.
IP Address: It is a unique number given to a device so it can send or receive data. It works like a digital address. Example: 192.168.1.5.
MAC Address: It is a permanent, unique code given to a device’s network card. It helps to identify the device physically in the network. Example: A1\:B2\:C3\:D4\:E5\:F6.
All three are important—hostname is for users, IP address is for locating devices, and MAC address is for identifying hardware.

4. What is TCP/IP? Explain the following Internet protocols with their functions: POP, SMTP, HTTP, HTTPS, and FTP.
Ans:-
TCP/IP stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. It is a set of rules that control how data is sent and received over the Internet. It makes sure data reaches the correct place in the correct order.

Here are some important Internet protocols:

POP (Post Office Protocol): Used to download emails from the mail server to a device. It removes the email from the server after download.
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol): Used to send emails from one computer to another. It is only for sending, not receiving.
HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol): Used to access websites. It helps browsers get data from web servers.
HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure): It is a secure version of HTTP. It encrypts data, making it safe for banking or shopping.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol): It is used to upload and download files between computers and servers.

5. Differentiate between PAN, LAN, MAN, and WAN in terms of coverage area and typical usage.
Ans:-

Here is a comparison of different networks based on size and use:

Type	Full Form	Coverage Area	Typical Usage
PAN	Personal Area Network	A few meters	Connecting personal devices like phone and smartwatch
LAN	Local Area Network	A room or building	Offices, schools, and homes for sharing files and printers
MAN	Metropolitan Area Network	A city or large campus	Connecting university buildings or city offices
WAN	Wide Area Network	Countries or continents	The Internet, for global communication