CBSE Class 12 Computer Science Chapter 7: Networking and Open Source Concepts NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 12 PDF

This chapter, "Networking and Open Source Concepts," delves into the fundamental aspects of computer networking and open-source principles, crucial for Class 12 Computer Science students. The NCERT Solutions cover essential topics like communication technologies, web hosting, Wi-Fi characteristics, and various network protocols. Students will learn about the differences between packet and message switching, the advantages of optical fibers, and the expansion of common acronyms like GSM and GPRS. The solutions also introduce the concept of cloud computing. These detailed explanations and rewritten answers are designed to help students grasp complex networking concepts, understand the underlying technologies, and prepare effectively for their board examinations by providing clear, step-by-step guidance.

Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 12
SubjectComputer Science (Python)
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 7

Chapter summary

Chapter 7, "Networking and Open Source Concepts," focuses on core networking principles and technologies. The NCERT Solutions provide clear explanations for concepts such as domain names, URLs, web hosting, and Wi-Fi. It covers important protocols, the benefits of optical fibers, and distinguishes between packet and message switching. Acronyms like GSM and GPRS are expanded, and cloud computing is introduced. These solutions aim to build a strong foundation in networking for Class 12 students.

Learning outcomes

  • Identify domain names and URLs from given web addresses.
  • Define and explain the concept of web hosting.
  • Describe the key characteristics of Wi-Fi technology.
  • Understand the purpose of protocols like Telnet in remote connections.
  • List and explain the advantages of using optical fibers.
  • Expand common networking acronyms such as GSM and GPRS.
  • Differentiate between packet switching and message switching.
  • Define and explain cloud computing.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Domain Names
  • URLs
  • Web Hosting
  • Wi-Fi Characteristics
  • Network Protocols (Telnet)
  • Optical Fibers
  • GSM
  • GPRS
  • Packet Switching
  • Message Switching
  • Cloud Computing

Important topics

  • Web Hosting
  • Wi-Fi Characteristics
  • Packet vs. Message Switching
  • Advantages of Optical Fibers
  • Cloud Computing

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Identify the Domain name and URL from the following: http://www.income.in/home.aboutus.hml
Solution: The provided web address is http://www.income.in/home.aboutus.hml. The Domain name is the unique identifier for the website, which in this case is income.in. The URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the complete address that specifies the exact location of a resource on the internet, which is the entire string http://www.income.in/home.aboutus.hml.

Question 2

What is web hosting?
Solution: Web hosting is a service that makes a website accessible to users on the Internet. A web hosting provider offers space on their servers, which are continuously connected to the network. This allows other computers worldwide to access the website's content via the internet.

Question 3

Write two characteristics of Wi-Fi.
Solution: Two key characteristics of Wi-Fi are:
  1. It enables wireless networking, allowing devices to connect without physical cables.
  2. It is designed for short-range communication, typically within a building or a limited area.

Question 4

Which protocol is used to creating a connection with a remote machine?
Solution: The protocol commonly used for creating a connection with a remote machine, particularly for logging in and terminal emulation, is Telnet. Telnet is an older internet utility that allows users to establish a session with a remote computer system as if they were directly connected to its terminal.

Question 5

Which protocol is used to create a connection to a remote machine? Give any two advantages of using optical fibers.
Solution: The protocol used to create a connection to a remote machine, as discussed previously, is Telnet. Two significant advantages of using optical fibers are:
  1. High Speed: Optical fibers are capable of transmitting data at extremely high speeds due to the nature of light signals.
  2. No Electromagnetic Interference: Unlike copper cables, optical fibers do not use electrical signals, making them immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and crosstalk.
  3. Low Attenuation: They exhibit very low signal loss (attenuation) over long distances, requiring fewer repeaters.

Question 6

Expand the following:
  1. GSM
  2. GPRS
Solution: The expansions for the given acronyms are:
  1. GSM: Global System for Mobile Communication.
  2. GPRS: General Packet Radio Service.

Question 7

What is the difference between packet and message switching?
Solution: The primary differences between packet switching and message switching are: Packet Switching:
  • Data is broken down into small, fixed-size blocks called packets.
  • Each packet contains header information (like destination address) and payload (data).
  • Packets can travel independently and may arrive out of order, requiring reassembly.
  • Packets are typically stored in main memory at switching nodes.
Message Switching:
  • Data is sent as a complete message or a larger block.
  • There is no strict upper limit on the size of the message.
  • Messages are stored and forwarded as whole units at each node.
  • Messages are stored on disk at switching offices, which can increase access time compared to main memory storage.
Packet switching generally offers better performance and efficiency for data networks.

Question 8

What is cloud computing?
Solution: Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services—including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence—over the Internet ("the cloud"). It allows for the sharing of compute resources (whether dedicated, time-shared, or dynamically allocated) and related infrastructure components like load balancers and firewalls, providing on-demand access to these resources without direct active management 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 techniques.
  • Not recalling the specific advantages of optical fibers.

Revision tips

  • Review the definitions of key networking terms like URL, domain name, and web hosting.
  • Compare and contrast different switching techniques (packet vs. message).
  • Memorize the expansions of common acronyms (GSM, GPRS).
  • Focus on understanding the benefits of modern communication technologies like Wi-Fi and optical fibers.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which part of a web address uniquely identifies a website's owner or topic?

Q2. What is the primary function of web hosting?

Q3. Which of the following is a key characteristic of Wi-Fi?

Q4. Which protocol is primarily used for logging into remote computer systems?

Q5. What is a significant advantage of using optical fibers for data transmission?

Q6. GPRS is an expansion of which acronym?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main focus of Chapter 7 in CBSE Class 12 Computer Science?

Chapter 7 focuses on "Networking and Open Source Concepts," covering essential topics like communication technologies, protocols, web hosting, and cloud computing.

How do these NCERT Solutions help students prepare for exams?

These solutions provide rewritten, detailed answers to all questions, clarifying complex concepts and ensuring students understand the methods and information required for exams.

What is the difference between a domain name and a URL?

A domain name (e.g., 'example.com') is the unique, human-readable address of a website, while a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the complete web address specifying the protocol, domain, and specific resource path (e.g., 'http://www.example.com/page').

What are the key benefits of using optical fibers mentioned in the solutions?

The solutions highlight that optical fibers offer extremely high speeds, are immune to electromagnetic interference, and have very low signal attenuation.

Can you explain web hosting in simple terms?

Web hosting is like renting space on a powerful computer (a server) connected to the internet, which allows your website to be available for anyone to visit online.

What is cloud computing according to the solutions?

Cloud computing involves sharing computing resources and infrastructure (like servers and storage) over the internet, providing on-demand access to these services.

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