ASSIGNMENT #1
SPRING 2025
CS610 COMPUTER NETWORKS
bc230214956
Submitted by Ali Hassnain
QUESTION #1
Question#1:
You are a network technician in a company using a 10Base-T Ethernet
network. Several users report intermittent disconnection issues, specially
when transferring large files. You decide to use a network analyzer called
as sniffer to diagnose the problem.
While monitoring, you may observe:
A high collision rate.
Several frames being dropped due to unknown protocol types.
All computers are using the same wiring topology with a central
hub.
Based on your knowledge of Ethernet and LAN technologies,
answer the following:
1. What could be causing the high collision rate in this setup? (3
marks)
2. Why might frames be getting dropped due to unknown types? (3
marks)
3. How can a network analyzer help resolve these issues? (4 marks)
ANSWER:
1. What could be causing the high collision rate in this setup?
The high collision rate is likely because the network is using a hub, not
a switch. A hub sends data to all connected devices, so when multiple
computers try to send data at the same time (especially big files), their
signals collide. This is common in 10Base-T networks with hubs.
2. Why might frames be getting dropped due to unknown
types?
Frames might be dropped because some devices might be sending
data using protocols that the others don’t recognize. This can happen if
there's older or incompatible software, or if the network has some non-
standard devices sending unusual traffic.
3. How can a network analyzer help resolve these issues?
A network analyzer (like a sniffer) can monitor traffic in real-time,
showing you exactly what's happening on the network. It helps by:
Showing which devices are causing collisions.
Identifying unknown or unsupported protocols.
Letting you see traffic patterns, so you can decide if it's time to
upgrade from a hub to a switch, or update devices.
It basically gives you a clear picture of what's wrong so you can fix it
properly.
Question#2:
You are assigned to set up a new LAN in an office space with 20 desktop
computers located in close proximity. Your manager wants a cost-effective,
easy-to-maintain solution with minimal downtime in case of cable issues.
You have access to the following technologies:
Thick Ethernet
Thin Ethernet
10Base-T Ethernet with hubs Also, each computer requires a
compatible Network Interface Card (NIC).
Answer the following:
1. Which Ethernet technology would you recommend for this setup and
why?
2. What kind of NIC would be most suitable in this case?
3. What are the limitations of the technologies you did not choose?
ANSWER:
1. Which Ethernet technology would you recommend for this
setup and why?
I would recommend using 10Base-T Ethernet with hubs. It’s more
modern, cost-effective, and easier to manage compared to Thick
or Thin Ethernet. It uses twisted pair cables (like regular LAN cables)
and a star topology, so if one cable fails, only one computer is
affected, not the whole network. It's also easier to troubleshoot and
upgrade later.
2. What kind of NIC would be most suitable in this case?
A 10/100 Mbps RJ-45 Ethernet NIC would be most suitable. It’s
compatible with 10Base-T networks and uses standard twisted pair
cables (Cat5e or Cat6), which are common and affordable.
3. What are the limitations of the technologies you did not
choose?
Thick Ethernet (10Base-5):
o It's old and bulky.
o Hard to install and bend.
o Requires special transceivers.
o If the cable gets damaged, the whole network can go
down.
Thin Ethernet (10Base-2):
o Slightly better than Thick Ethernet but still outdated.
o Uses a bus topology, so if there's a break in the cable, the
entire network might stop working.
o Harder to troubleshoot.
THE END
