Neco 2020 Computer Studies Question 7

Practice essay / theory question 7 from the 2020 Neco Computer Studies examination. This question covers Network Topologies, Subnetting, Cable Management, Network Security .

Neco 2020 Computer Studies Essay / Theory
Topics: Network Topologies Subnetting Cable Management Network Security
Question 7 NECO • 2020 • COMPUTER_STUDIES • essay

A secondary school plans to install a Local Area Network (LAN) that will connect 120 desktop computers distributed among three departments: Administration (30 computers), Science (50 computers) and Arts (40 computers). The computers in each department will be connected to a departmental switch, and the three switches will be linked to a central server room where the main file server, printer server and Internet router are located. The school wants the network to be reliable, easy to manage and to allow each department to be isolated for security and administrative purposes. The distance from the server room to each departmental switch is 30 metres. The switches will be interconnected in a star configuration using a backbone cable of 80 metres. Answer the following questions:

Question Parts

( a )
Recommend the most suitable LAN topology for the above scenario. State at least two advantages and two disadvantages of the chosen topology compared with the other two basic topologies (bus and ring).
( b )
Using the private Class C address 192.168.10.0/24, design a subnetting scheme that creates three sub‑nets – one for each department – each capable of supporting at least 30 usable host addresses. Show the subnet mask, network address, first usable address and broadcast address for each sub‑net.
( c )
Calculate the total length of cable required for the backbone of the network (the inter‑switch links and the links from each switch to the server room). Assume the backbone cable between the three switches is a single 80‑metre cable that runs in a star pattern from a central patch panel in the server room.
( d )
Suggest two network‑layer security measures that the school can implement to keep each department’s traffic separate and protect the internal resources from external threats.

Detailed Solution & Marking Scheme

Get the step-by-step solution, key points required by examiners and detailed marking guidance through the Edcrib AI Tutor.

Reveal Answer

About This Question

This is Neco 2020 Computer Studies Question 7. It is one of the essay questions from the 2020 Neco Computer Studies examination.

The question covers Network Topologies, Subnetting, Cable Management, Network Security .

View More Neco 2020 Computer Studies Questions More Neco Practice Questions Back to Questions

Master the Exam!

You've seen a preview, but there are thousands more questions plus AI tutor to break down complex solutions.

Unlock Full Access Available for Android & Windows
Chat with Support