CBSE Class 12 Computer Science NCERT Solutions: Chapter 9 - Networking and Open Source Concepts
This chapter, "Networking and Open Source Concepts," delves into fundamental aspects of computer networks and open-source principles, crucial for Class 12 Computer Science students. The NCERT Solutions provide clear explanations and answers to key questions related to communication technologies, including identifying domain names and URLs, understanding web hosting, and the characteristics of Wi-Fi. It also covers essential protocols like Telnet, advantages of optical fibers, and expansions of acronyms like GSM and GPRS. Furthermore, the solutions differentiate between packet and message switching and introduce the concept of cloud computing. These solutions are designed to help students grasp complex networking concepts, prepare for their board examinations, and build a strong foundation in computer science.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | Computer Science |
| Session | 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Type | NCERT Solutions |
| Chapter | 9. Networking and Open Source Concepts |
Chapter summary
Chapter 9, "Networking and Open Source Concepts," focuses on essential networking topics for Class 12 Computer Science. The NCERT Solutions cover the identification of domain names and URLs, the definition and purpose of web hosting, and key features of wireless technologies like Wi-Fi. It also explains protocols used for remote connections, benefits of optical fibers, and expands common acronyms such as GSM and GPRS. The chapter differentiates between packet and message switching techniques and introduces the concept of cloud computing, providing students with a solid understanding of basic networking principles.
Learning outcomes
- Identify domain names and URLs from given web addresses.
- Define and explain the concept of web hosting.
- List and describe characteristics of Wi-Fi technology.
- Understand the purpose of protocols like Telnet for remote connections.
- Enumerate advantages of using optical fibers for data transmission.
- Expand common networking acronyms like GSM and GPRS.
- Differentiate between packet switching and message switching.
- Explain the fundamental concept of cloud computing.
Topics covered
Paper topics
- Domain Name and URL Identification
- Web Hosting
- Wi-Fi Characteristics
- Telnet Protocol
- Optical Fiber Advantages
- GSM Expansion
- GPRS Expansion
- Packet Switching
- Message Switching
- Cloud Computing
Important topics
- Web Hosting and Domain Names
- Communication Technologies (Wi-Fi, Optical Fibers)
- Networking Protocols (Telnet)
- Switching Techniques (Packet vs. Message)
- Cloud Computing Basics
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Questions and Solutions
Question 1
In the given web address, the Domain name is the unique identifier of the website, which is income.in. The URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the complete address that specifies the protocol, domain, and the specific path to a resource on the internet, which is http://www.income.in/home.aboutus.hml.
Question 2
Web hosting is a service that makes a website accessible to users on the Internet. A web hosting provider offers space on its servers, where website files are stored. This allows other computers connected to the internet to access and view the website through a network connection.
Question 3
Two key characteristics of Wi-Fi are:
- Wireless Network: It enables devices to connect to a network and the internet without the need for physical cables.
- Short to Medium Range: Wi-Fi typically provides connectivity over a limited geographical area, such as a home, office, or public hotspot.
Question 4
The Telnet protocol is used for creating a connection with a remote machine. Telnet is an older internet utility that allows users to log in to a remote computer system and interact with it as if they were locally connected. It facilitates terminal emulation, enabling remote control and access.
Question 5
The protocol used to create a connection to a remote machine is Telnet.
Two advantages of using optical fibers are:
- High Speed: Optical fibers are capable of transmitting data at extremely high speeds, supporting bandwidth-intensive applications.
- No Electromagnetic Interference: Unlike copper cables, optical fibers are immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI), ensuring signal integrity in electrically noisy environments.
- Low Attenuation: They exhibit very low signal loss over long distances, reducing the need for frequent signal amplification.
Question 6
- GSM
- GPRS
The expansions are:
- GSM: Global System for Mobile Communication.
- GPRS: General Packet Radio Service.
Question 7
The key differences between packet switching and message switching are:
| Feature | Packet Switching | Message Switching |
|---|---|---|
| Block Size | A fixed size of packet is specified. | There was no upper limit on the block size. |
| Storage | All packets are stored in main memory in switching offices. | Packets (messages) are stored on disk. |
| Performance | Increases performance as access time is reduced. | Can have higher latency due to disk storage. |
Question 8
Cloud computing is a model for delivering computing services—including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence—over the Internet ('the cloud'). It allows for flexible and scalable access to resources and infrastructure, often on a pay-as-you-go basis, without direct active management of the technology by the user.
Common mistakes
- Confusing domain names with full URLs.
- Misunderstanding the role of web hosting.
- Inability to differentiate between packet and message switching.
- Lack of clarity on the specific uses of networking protocols.
Revision tips
- Review the definitions of key networking terms like URL, domain name, and web hosting.
- Create flashcards for networking protocols and their functions.
- Draw diagrams to illustrate the differences between packet and message switching.
- Practice identifying domain names and URLs in real-world examples.
- Summarize the advantages of different communication technologies like Wi-Fi and optical fibers.
Practice MCQs
Q1. In the URL http://www.example.com/page.html, what is the domain name?
Explanation: The domain name is the unique identifier of a website on the internet, which in this case is 'example.com'.
Q2. What is the primary function of web hosting?
Explanation: Web hosting provides the server space and technology needed to make websites visible and accessible to users worldwide via the internet.
Q3. Which of the following is a characteristic of Wi-Fi?
Explanation: Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology that allows devices to connect to the internet or a network without physical cables, typically over short to medium ranges.
Q4. Which protocol is used for logging into remote computer systems?
Explanation: Telnet is an older internet utility protocol specifically designed for logging into and interacting with remote computer systems, facilitating terminal emulation.
Q5. An advantage of optical fibers is:
Explanation: Optical fibers offer immunity to electromagnetic interference and can achieve extremely high-speed data transmission with very low signal loss (attenuation).
Q6. What does GPRS stand for?
Explanation: GPRS is an acronym for General Packet Radio Service, a mobile data standard that allows for the transmission of data and voice services.
Q7. In packet switching, what happens to data?
Explanation: Packet switching involves breaking data into smaller, fixed-size packets that are routed independently across the network and reassembled at the destination.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a domain name and a URL?
A domain name (e.g., 'example.com') is the unique address of a website, while a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the complete web address (e.g., 'http://www.example.com/page.html') that specifies the protocol, domain, and specific resource path.
Why is web hosting important for a website?
Web hosting is essential because it provides the server space and technology required to make a website accessible to users on the internet, allowing them to view its content.
What are the key benefits of using optical fibers for data transmission?
Optical fibers offer extremely high-speed data transfer and are immune to electromagnetic interference, making them a reliable choice for modern communication networks.
Can you explain the main difference between packet switching and message switching?
In packet switching, data is divided into fixed-size packets that travel independently. In message switching, entire messages are sent, and they are stored at intermediate nodes until the path is clear, with no strict size limit on messages.
What is cloud computing in simple terms?
Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services—like servers, storage, databases, and software—over the internet ('the cloud') on a pay-as-you-go basis, allowing users to access resources without managing physical infrastructure.
What does the acronym GSM stand for in mobile communication?
GSM stands for Global System for Mobile Communication, a widely used standard for digital mobile telephony.
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