What is the primary purpose of a computer network?
A) To increase the speed of a single computer
B) To share data, information, and hardware resources
C) To clean up storage space on a local drive
D) To monitor user activity
Answer: B
Which network device is "smart" enough to send data packets only to the specific intended computer?
A) Hub
B) Repeater
C) Switch
D) Amplifier
Answer: C
What type of cable contains eight color-coded copper wires twisted together?
A) Coaxial cable
B) Fiber-optic cable
C) Twisted Pair (Ethernet) cable
D) Satellite link
Answer: C
A private network accessible only to an organization's internal staff is called a/an:
A) Internet
B) Intranet
C) Extranet
D) Public Network
Answer: B
Which hardware component is necessary to physically connect a computer's motherboard to a network cable?
A) RJ-45 Connector
B) USB Flash Drive
C) Network Interface Card (NIC)
D) Modem
Answer: C
Section B: Short Answer Questions (2–3 Marks)
Q1. Define a computer network.
Answer: A computer network is a collection of interconnected computers, smartphones, and peripheral devices (like printers and scanners). They are linked together using communication media (wired or wireless) to exchange data and share hardware or software resources.
Q2. Explain the main difference between a Hub and a Switch.
Answer:
Hub: A basic connection device that broadcasts incoming data blindly to all computers connected to it, which can slow down network traffic.
Switch: A smarter device that reads the destination address of incoming data and routes it only to the specific recipient machine, making the network faster and more secure.
Q3. State two advantages of storing files on a central network server.
Answer:
Easy Backups & Information Preservation: If an individual workstation crashes, data is not lost because it is safely backed up on the central server.
Elimination of Data Redundancy: Instead of keeping multiple conflicting copies of a file on different computers, a single master file is stored and updated centrally.
Q4. What is the function of an RJ-45 connector?
Answer: The RJ-45 (Registered Jack-45) is a standard plastic plug clipped onto both ends of a twisted-pair network cable. It securely plugs into the Network Interface Card (NIC) slot of a computer or switch to establish a physical connection.
Section C: Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)
Q1. Discuss how computer networking reduces hardware costs and improves efficiency in an office setup.
Answer:
Computer networking drastically cuts down operational expenses and boosts workflow efficiency through the following methods:
Resource Sharing: Instead of purchasing a separate printer, scanner, or storage drive for every employee, a company can buy one high-quality device and share it across the entire network.
Centralized Software Storage: Instead of installing separate software packages on every single hard drive, applications can be hosted on a central server, saving local storage capacity.
Instant Document Delivery: Electronic files are sent digitally across a network in seconds, eliminating physical courier times and reducing paper waste.
Real-time Collaboration: Multiple team members can work on the same shared document simultaneously without generating conflicting copies on separate USB drives.
Q2. Differentiate between an Intranet and an Extranet with appropriate examples.
Answer:
FeatureIntranetExtranetDefinitionA strictly private network restricted to internal employees of an organization.A private network that extends limited access to select external users.AccessibilityCannot be accessed outside the physical building or company VPN.Can be accessed via the public internet using correct login credentials.Target UsersInternal staff, managers, and system administrators.Trusted clients, vendors, suppliers, and business partners.ExampleA bank's internal portal where employees log daily attendance and internal memos.