Computer Networks CS402 Final Exam
2026/2027 | OSI Model Layers, IP
Addressing, Ethernet Frame Structure,
Network Topologies, Wireless Security,
VLANs, Subnetting, Troubleshooting &
Emerging Technologies (Wi-Fi 7, SD-WAN,
Network Slicing) with Complete Answer
Key
Description:
Master your Computer Networks CS402 final exam 2026/2027 with this comprehensive
115-question practice test covering OSI model layers, IP addressing (IPv4/IPv6), Ethernet
frames, LAN topologies (star, bus, ring, mesh), wireless security (WPA3, 802.1X),
VLANs, CIDR subnetting, troubleshooting methodology, and emerging technologies
including Wi-Fi 7, SD-WAN, and network slicing.
Each question includes detailed explanations and verified answers.
Updated for current academic standards and industry best practices. Download now and secure
your top grade this semester!
, Computer Networks Exam 2026/2027: OSI, IP, Ethernet,
Topologies
SECTION A: Local Area Network Fundamentals
1. What is the primary definition of a Local Area Network (LAN)?
A. A network that spans multiple cities using fiber optic cables
B. A network of users that share computer resources within a limited geographical area
C. A global network connecting millions of devices worldwide
D. A network that relies exclusively on satellite communication
Answer: B
Explanation: A LAN is defined as a network connecting computers and devices within a
confined area such as a home, office, school, or building, enabling resource sharing like files,
printers, and internet connections.
2. How are Local Area Networks primarily defined and characterized?
A. By the number of connected devices and the age of the network
B. By the protocol used and the topology employed for network access
C. By the color of cabling and the brand of network interface cards
D. By the operating system version and the manufacturer of workstations
Answer: B
Explanation: LANs are technically defined by their communication protocols (rules for data
exchange) and their topology (physical or logical arrangement of network devices), which
determine how devices access and share the transmission medium.
SECTION B: Network Topologies
3. Which topology uses a token that circulates around the ring to control transmission rights?
A. Bus topology
B. Star topology
C. Token Ring topology
D. Mesh topology
Answer: C
Explanation: Token Ring topology employs a special packet called a token that travels
,around the ring. Only the device holding the token is permitted to transmit data, ensuring
orderly access to the network medium.
4. What characteristic defines a deterministic network?
A. All devices transmit data simultaneously without waiting
B. Each station can transmit messages at irregular, random intervals
C. Each station can transmit messages at regular or fixed time intervals
D. The network speed is determined by the slowest connected device
Answer: C
Explanation: In deterministic networks, access to the transmission medium is controlled so
that each station gets guaranteed access at predictable time intervals, making them suitable
for real-time applications.
5. Which of the following is a disadvantage of the Token Ring system?
A. It cannot support multiple computers on the same network
B. If an error changes the token pattern, circulation may stop completely
C. It requires expensive fiber optic cables for all installations
D. It only supports wireless connections between devices
Answer: B
Explanation: Token Ring networks are vulnerable to token corruption. If a transmission error
alters the unique token pattern, no device can capture a valid token, causing the entire
network to halt until the error is resolved.
6. What was the primary solution to the maintenance challenges of Token Ring networks?
A. Replacing all devices with wireless adapters
B. Using a dual-ring configuration with backup paths
C. Connecting each device to a central token ring hub
D. Switching to coaxial cable instead of twisted pair
Answer: C
Explanation: A central token ring hub (or MAU – Multistation Access Unit) manages token
passing internally, allowing devices to be added or removed without physically breaking the
ring path, significantly improving maintainability.
, 7. In which topology do all devices share the same coaxial cable and can see all data traffic
on the network?
A. Star topology
B. Ring topology
C. Mesh topology
D. Bus topology
Answer: D
Explanation: Bus topology uses a single backbone cable (often ThinNet coaxial cable) to
which all devices connect. Every transmission travels the entire cable length, making it
visible to all connected devices.
8. What is a primary disadvantage of bus topology regarding data transmission?
A. Devices cannot transmit data at the same time without data corruption
B. The central hub creates a single point of failure
C. Adding devices requires shutting down the entire network
D. The network cannot be extended beyond 50 meters
Answer: A
Explanation: In bus topology, when two or more devices transmit simultaneously, their
signals collide on the shared medium, corrupting the data and requiring retransmission, which
reduces network efficiency.
9. Which topology is most commonly implemented in modern LANs?
A. Bus topology
B. Ring topology
C. Star topology
D. Tree topology
Answer: C
Explanation: Star topology has become the dominant LAN topology because it offers
superior fault isolation, easier troubleshooting, and better scalability. Each device connects
independently to a central switch or hub.
2026/2027 | OSI Model Layers, IP
Addressing, Ethernet Frame Structure,
Network Topologies, Wireless Security,
VLANs, Subnetting, Troubleshooting &
Emerging Technologies (Wi-Fi 7, SD-WAN,
Network Slicing) with Complete Answer
Key
Description:
Master your Computer Networks CS402 final exam 2026/2027 with this comprehensive
115-question practice test covering OSI model layers, IP addressing (IPv4/IPv6), Ethernet
frames, LAN topologies (star, bus, ring, mesh), wireless security (WPA3, 802.1X),
VLANs, CIDR subnetting, troubleshooting methodology, and emerging technologies
including Wi-Fi 7, SD-WAN, and network slicing.
Each question includes detailed explanations and verified answers.
Updated for current academic standards and industry best practices. Download now and secure
your top grade this semester!
, Computer Networks Exam 2026/2027: OSI, IP, Ethernet,
Topologies
SECTION A: Local Area Network Fundamentals
1. What is the primary definition of a Local Area Network (LAN)?
A. A network that spans multiple cities using fiber optic cables
B. A network of users that share computer resources within a limited geographical area
C. A global network connecting millions of devices worldwide
D. A network that relies exclusively on satellite communication
Answer: B
Explanation: A LAN is defined as a network connecting computers and devices within a
confined area such as a home, office, school, or building, enabling resource sharing like files,
printers, and internet connections.
2. How are Local Area Networks primarily defined and characterized?
A. By the number of connected devices and the age of the network
B. By the protocol used and the topology employed for network access
C. By the color of cabling and the brand of network interface cards
D. By the operating system version and the manufacturer of workstations
Answer: B
Explanation: LANs are technically defined by their communication protocols (rules for data
exchange) and their topology (physical or logical arrangement of network devices), which
determine how devices access and share the transmission medium.
SECTION B: Network Topologies
3. Which topology uses a token that circulates around the ring to control transmission rights?
A. Bus topology
B. Star topology
C. Token Ring topology
D. Mesh topology
Answer: C
Explanation: Token Ring topology employs a special packet called a token that travels
,around the ring. Only the device holding the token is permitted to transmit data, ensuring
orderly access to the network medium.
4. What characteristic defines a deterministic network?
A. All devices transmit data simultaneously without waiting
B. Each station can transmit messages at irregular, random intervals
C. Each station can transmit messages at regular or fixed time intervals
D. The network speed is determined by the slowest connected device
Answer: C
Explanation: In deterministic networks, access to the transmission medium is controlled so
that each station gets guaranteed access at predictable time intervals, making them suitable
for real-time applications.
5. Which of the following is a disadvantage of the Token Ring system?
A. It cannot support multiple computers on the same network
B. If an error changes the token pattern, circulation may stop completely
C. It requires expensive fiber optic cables for all installations
D. It only supports wireless connections between devices
Answer: B
Explanation: Token Ring networks are vulnerable to token corruption. If a transmission error
alters the unique token pattern, no device can capture a valid token, causing the entire
network to halt until the error is resolved.
6. What was the primary solution to the maintenance challenges of Token Ring networks?
A. Replacing all devices with wireless adapters
B. Using a dual-ring configuration with backup paths
C. Connecting each device to a central token ring hub
D. Switching to coaxial cable instead of twisted pair
Answer: C
Explanation: A central token ring hub (or MAU – Multistation Access Unit) manages token
passing internally, allowing devices to be added or removed without physically breaking the
ring path, significantly improving maintainability.
, 7. In which topology do all devices share the same coaxial cable and can see all data traffic
on the network?
A. Star topology
B. Ring topology
C. Mesh topology
D. Bus topology
Answer: D
Explanation: Bus topology uses a single backbone cable (often ThinNet coaxial cable) to
which all devices connect. Every transmission travels the entire cable length, making it
visible to all connected devices.
8. What is a primary disadvantage of bus topology regarding data transmission?
A. Devices cannot transmit data at the same time without data corruption
B. The central hub creates a single point of failure
C. Adding devices requires shutting down the entire network
D. The network cannot be extended beyond 50 meters
Answer: A
Explanation: In bus topology, when two or more devices transmit simultaneously, their
signals collide on the shared medium, corrupting the data and requiring retransmission, which
reduces network efficiency.
9. Which topology is most commonly implemented in modern LANs?
A. Bus topology
B. Ring topology
C. Star topology
D. Tree topology
Answer: C
Explanation: Star topology has become the dominant LAN topology because it offers
superior fault isolation, easier troubleshooting, and better scalability. Each device connects
independently to a central switch or hub.
