Section A (High-Value 30-Mark Questions)
- OSI Reference Model - appears in 4/4 papers
- Complete layer explanation with functions
- Layer interactions and protocols at each layer
- Diagrams showing data flow through layers
- Network Components - appears in 3/4 papers
- Hardware components (NIC, cables, hubs, etc.)
- Software components (protocols, drivers, OS)
- Connection devices and their functions
- Network Topologies - appears in 4/4 papers
- Star, Bus, Ring, Mesh, Hybrid topologies
- Advantages and disadvantages of each
- Detailed diagrams and practical applications
- Transmission Media (Guided) - appears in 4/4 papers
- Twisted pair, coaxial, fiber optic cables
- Characteristics, advantages, limitations
- Classifications and standards
- Wireless Transmission - appears in 2/4 papers
- Radio, microwave, infrared, satellite
- Propagation methods and characteristics
- Applications and limitations
Section B (20-Mark Questions)
- Analog vs Digital Signals - appears in 4/4 papers
- Characteristics and differences
- Conversion methods (modulation/demodulation)
- Advantages and disadvantages of each
- Network Types (LAN/MAN/WAN) - appears in 3/4 papers
- Comparison of scope, size, speed, management
- Technologies used in each
- Application scenarios
- Peer-to-Peer Networks - appears in 3/4 papers
- Architecture and characteristics
- Comparison with client-server model
- Advantages and limitations
- Network Devices - appears in 2/4 papers
- Hub, switch, router, bridge, gateway
- Functions and OSI layer operation
- Comparison between similar devices
- Packet Switching - appears in 2/4 papers
- Types (datagram, virtual circuit)
- Working principles
- Comparison with circuit switching
Section C (MCQs & Short Answers)
- OSI Model Questions - frequent across all papers
- Layer identification and functions
- Protocols at different layers
- Data formats at each layer
- Topology Characteristics - frequent across all papers
- Identifying topologies from descriptions
- Advantages/disadvantages
- Central components in each topology
- Transmission Media Properties - frequent across all papers
- Signal characteristics (attenuation, noise, etc.)
- Cable types and their properties
- Wireless transmission characteristics
- Network Devices Questions - frequent across all papers
- Device functions and operations
- Layer of operation in OSI model
- Connection capabilities
- Protocol Abbreviations - common in short answer section
- Full forms of TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP, SMTP, etc.
- Protocol functions and applications
- Standard organizations (IEEE, ISO, etc.)