Computer Networks

Half-Duplex communication allows data transmission in both directions, but only one direction at a time, similar to how a walkie-talkie operates. Full-Duplex allows simultaneous two-way communication, Simplex is one-way only, and Synchronous refers to timing, not directionality.

All three types of cables—optical fiber, coaxial, and twisted pair—are commonly used in wired networks depending on the application and network requirements. Therefore, 'All of the above' is the correct answer.

A MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) typically connects devices within a city, covering a larger area than a LAN but smaller than a WAN. This makes option C the correct answer.

Full-Duplex communication allows data to be sent and received simultaneously, just like a telephone call where both parties can talk and listen at the same time. Simplex is one-way only, Half-Duplex allows two-way communication but not simultaneously, and Asynchronous refers to timing of data transmission, not duplex mode.

A modem (short for modulator-demodulator) converts digital signals from a computer into analogue signals for transmission over phone lines and vice versa, enabling communication between digital devices over analogue infrastructure.

In a mesh topology, every device is connected directly to every other device, providing high redundancy and reliability because multiple paths exist for data transmission.

In a star topology, all devices are connected to a central hub or switch, which acts as a common connection point for all nodes. This central device manages and controls the network traffic.

In a bus topology, all devices are connected to a single communication line (bus), sharing the same transmission medium. This allows all devices to receive the data sent over the bus, making option B correct.

A switch improves network efficiency by using MAC addresses to forward data only to the intended device, unlike a hub which broadcasts data to all connected devices. This targeted forwarding reduces unnecessary traffic and collisions.

An Ethernet cable is used to connect a printer directly to a network, allowing it to communicate with multiple devices over the network. USB, Serial, and Firewire connections are typically used for direct connections to a single computer, not for network connectivity.