Data Processing Paper 2, WASSCE (SC), 2022

Question 1

 

(a) Define information transmission.
(b)        D ifferentiate between:

  1. Internet and intranet;
  2. LAN and WAN.

(c)        List four devices used in a LAN environment.

 

Observation

  

The question tested the knowledge of the candidates in the definition of information transmission and networking terms. The Chief \examiner reported that most of the candidates were able to give the definition of the terms listed. 

The expected answer is:

    • Definition of information transmission

Information transmission is the act of sending and receiving/ transfer of/ exchange of  information/ message from one a person/place to another through a medium
OR
Information transmission is the exchange of information in any form (voice, data, text and images) from a sender to a receiver(s) over a medium (air, cable, water, etc ) using natural, or man-made equipment or tools.

    • Difference between:
      • Internet and Intranet

Internet

Intranet

A network of computers connected globally

A computer networks within an organization

A public network

A private network

Network of networks

A single network

Information is broad and unlimited

Information is limited to the organisation’s needs

Internet is not owned by anyone

Intranet is owned by an organisation

It can be accessed by anyone

It can only be accessed by employees and members of the organisation

It is less secured and not safe

It is often firewalled, restricted and considered secured and safe

Unlimited number of users

Has limited number of users as designed by the organisation

Support various services and protocols such as; http, ftp, smtp, gopher, telnet, irc,

Support limited services of the organisation, such as collaboration, shared calendar, training, Video and Audio Conferencing

High network traffic

Low network traffic

      • LAN and WAN

Local Area Network (LAN) is a network of computers that covers a small
geographical area while Wide Area Network (WAN) is a network that spans a large
geographical location across states, regions and continents.

    • Devices used in a LAN environment
  • Hub
  • Switch
  • Server
  • Bridge
  • Connectors
  • Bluetooth Radio
  • Wireless Adapters
  • Routers
  • Repeater
  • LAN Card/ NIC (Network Interface Card)
  • LAN Extender
  • Access points
  • Printer
  • Smart Devices
  • Mobile Phone
  • Scanner
  • Digital camera
  • Workstation/Computer/ Laptop/Desktop