Computer Networks

Option (1) is the correct answer.

Dial-up is NOT a broadband connection - it uses narrowband analog telephone lines with maximum speeds around 56 Kbps. Cable, DSL, and satellite are all broadband technologies offering high-speed internet access. Broadband typically refers to connections faster than 256 Kbps, while dial-up is legacy narrowband technology.

The internet is globally defined as a massive interconnected network of smaller computer networks spanning the world. Therefore, option A accurately describes it.

Option (2) is the correct answer.

Option (4) is the correct answer.

Option (1) is the correct answer.

A modem (modulator-demodulator) converts digital signals from computers into analog signals that can travel over telephone lines, then converts analog signals back to digital at the receiving end. Routers direct traffic between networks, gateways connect different network architectures, and bridges connect network segments.

A server cluster is a group of servers that work together to distribute workload and provide high availability. If one server fails, others in the cluster can take over its functions, ensuring continuous service.

A LAN (Local Area Network) connects computers in a limited area like an office or building. Its primary purpose is enabling connected devices to share resources such as files, printers, scanners, and internet access.

Multiplexing is a technique that combines multiple input signals from different sources into one output signal and transmits them over a shared high-speed communication channel. This maximizes bandwidth utilization. Simplex and duplex modes describe transmission directions, not signal combining.

In two-tier architecture, the client handles presentation and business logic (fat client), while the server manages data. This contrasts with three-tier where business logic moves to a middle tier. 'Tire' is a typo for 'tier'.

Broadcast and point-to-point are standard transmission technologies. Narrowcast linking is not a recognized standard transmission technology term; the correct terminology is narrowcast (similar to broadcast but targeted to a specific audience), not narrowcast linking.

Client-server computing is particularly useful in networked multimedia applications where centralized servers manage resources and clients handle presentation. While it can be used in other contexts, network multimedia is a primary application domain.

Gateways enable networks to access resources on other systems, including mainframes. Routers strengthen signals, repeaters establish connections, and bridges optimize paths - but these functions are misstated. Gateways correctly provide cross-system resource access.