Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad B.Tech III Year COMPUTER NETWORKS Previous Question Paper (May - 2019 - R15)

Broadcasting is a communication method where a single sender transmits data to all possible receivers within a network or a specific network segment simultaneously, regardless of whether they requested the data. In contrast, multicasting is a communication method where data is transmitted to a specific, pre-defined group of interested receivers who have joined a multicast group, ensuring efficient bandwidth usage by sending only one copy of the data that is replicated by network switches or routers only when necessary.

Fiber optics serve as a high-performance transmission medium in computer networks, utilizing light pulses to transmit data through thin strands of glass or plastic. Its primary roles include:

• High Bandwidth: It supports significantly higher data transfer rates compared to copper-based media, making it ideal for the backbone of the internet and high-speed local area networks.
• Low Attenuation and Interference: Because it transmits data via light rather than electrical signals, it is immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI), allowing for reliable data transmission over much longer distances without signal degradation.
• Security: Fiber optic cables are difficult to tap into without detection, providing a more secure physical layer for sensitive network communications.