Question 1: Define a Local Area Network (LAN) and a Wide Area Network (WAN). Include at least two characteristics of each.

Answer: A LAN is a network that connects computers within a small geographical area, such as a school or office, and typically has high data transfer speeds. A WAN connects computers over large geographical areas, such as between cities or countries, and often uses public communication links like the internet.

Question 2: List three differences between a LAN and a WAN.

Answer: 1. Geographical range: LAN is limited to a small area, WAN covers large areas. 2. Speed: LAN usually has faster data transfer speeds than WAN. 3. Ownership: LANs are usually owned by a single organisation, whereas WANs often involve multiple organisations or service providers.

Question 3: Describe how data transfer differs between a LAN and a WAN.

Answer: Data transfer in a LAN is faster and more direct because devices are connected within close proximity, often via Ethernet cables or Wi-Fi. In a WAN, data may travel across long distances through multiple routers and switches, which can introduce delays and reduce speed.

Question 4: Imagine a school uses a computer network. Would it be a LAN or a WAN? Explain your reasoning.

Answer: It would be a LAN because the computers are located within the school premises, connected to share resources and data locally.

Question 5: Complete the truth table for a logic gate with two inputs, A and B, and an output, Y, where Y is true only when both A and B are true.

Answer: A | B | Y ---|---|--- 0 | 0 | 0 0 | 1 | 0 1 | 0 | 0 1 | 1 | 1

Question 6: Draw a simple logic circuit for an AND gate with two inputs. Label the inputs, the gate, and the output.

Answer: A correct sketch would show two lines representing inputs labeled A and B feeding into a symbol representing an AND gate (D-shaped), with a line from the gate labeled as the output Y.

Question 7: Sketch a diagram showing how a Wi-Fi router connects multiple devices in a LAN environment. Include at least three devices and the router.

Answer: A sketch should depict a central router with lines connecting to devices such as a laptop, smartphone, and tablet, illustrating wireless connections (Wi-Fi).

Question 8: Explain why a school might choose to use a LAN instead of a WAN for their internal network.

Answer: A school might choose a LAN because it allows fast data transfer, easy resource sharing like printers and servers, and is cost-effective for connecting devices within the school premises.

Question 9: Identify a scenario where a WAN would be necessary instead of a LAN.

Answer: A company with offices in different cities needs to connect its computers across locations, so it uses a WAN such as the internet or a leased line to link these offices.

Question 10: Describe one advantage and one disadvantage of using a WAN compared to a LAN.

Answer: Advantage: WAN allows connectivity over large distances, enabling remote communication. Disadvantage: WANs tend to have slower speeds and higher latency compared to LANs.