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CS3591 Computer Networks Previous Year Question Papers - Anna University

Access Anna University Computer Networks (CS3591) previous year question papers on LearnSkart for smarter semester exam preparation. This Anna University PYQ page offers year-wise Anna University exam papers aligned with Regulation 2021, so students can understand recurring questions, important units, and expected marking schemes. You can view every CS3591 Computer Networks question paper online and use free PDF download options for focused revision before internal and semester exams.

2024

  • 2024 - CSE-ND-2024-CS 3591-Computer Networks -260702950-20250604161745 (10).pdf
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2023

  • 2023 - CSE-ND-2023-CS 3591-Computer Networks-331495196-20875.pdf
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Important Questions - CS3591 Computer Networks

UNIT I: Introduction and Application Layer

Part A (2 Marks)

  • Define a Computer Network and its components.
  • What are the seven layers of the OSI model?.
  • Differentiate between IMAP and POP protocols.
  • Why is HTTP considered a stateless protocol?.

Part B (13/16 Marks)

  • OSI Reference Model: Detailed explanation of all seven layers and their functions.
  • TCP/IP Protocol Suite: Architecture and comparison with the OSI model.
  • HTTP Protocol: Working mechanism, request/response messages, and persistent connections.
  • Domain Name System (DNS): Hierarchy, name resolution process, and record types.
  • Email Protocols: Detailed study of SMTP, POP3, and IMAP architecture.

UNIT II: Transport Layer

Part A (2 Marks)

  • Difference between TCP and UDP.
  • Define Congestion Control and Quality of Service (QoS).
  • What is a socket address?.

Part B (13/16 Marks)

  • TCP Connection Management: Three-way handshake for establishment and four-way for termination.
  • TCP Congestion Control: Explanation of Slow Start, Congestion Avoidance, Fast Retransmit, and Fast Recovery.
  • Congestion Avoidance Algorithms: Mechanisms like DECbit and Random Early Detection (RED).
  • Reliable Data Transfer: Comparison of Go-Back-N and Selective Repeat ARQ protocols.

UNIT III: Network Layer

Part A (2 Marks)

  • What is a subnetwork mask?.
  • Define the purpose of ICMP and ARP protocols.
  • What is tunneling in networking?.

Part B (13/16 Marks)

  • IP Addressing: Detailed explanation of IPv4 addressing, subnetting, and supernetting.
  • IPv6: Header format and transition mechanisms from IPv4 to IPv6.
  • DHCP: The working process of the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol.
  • Packet Switching: Concepts and differences between datagram and virtual circuit switching.

UNIT IV: Routing

Part A (2 Marks)

  • Define unicast and multicast routing.
  • What is the count-to-infinity problem?

Part B (13/16 Marks)

  • Distance Vector Routing (DVR): Working of the RIP protocol and the Bellman-Ford algorithm.
  • Link State Routing: OSPF protocol and Dijkstra's algorithm for path selection.
  • Inter-domain Routing: Detailed explanation of the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP).
  • Multicast Routing: Concepts of DVMRP and PIM protocols.

UNIT V: Data Link and Physical Layers

Part A (2 Marks)

  • Define Propagation Delay and Transmission Delay.
  • What is Framing and what are its methods?.
  • Difference between CSMA/CD and CSMA/CA.

Part B (13/16 Marks)

  • Error Control: Techniques for error detection and correction (CRC, Hamming Code, Parity).
  • Ethernet Standards: Detailed look at IEEE 802.3 (Wired) and 802.11 (WLAN/Wi-Fi).
  • Media Access Control: PPP and CSMA protocols.
  • Transmission Media: Advantages and disadvantages of guided and unguided media.

Most Repeated / High-Weight Questions

OSI model layers and functions, TCP/IP architecture, routing algorithms (RIP, OSPF, BGP), congestion control mechanisms, error detection and correction techniques, IPv4/IPv6 addressing and subnetting.

Additional Resources

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How to Use These Question Papers

Frequently Asked Questions about CS3591 Computer Networks

Which topics are most critical in CS3591 exam preparation?

OSI model with detailed layer functions (Unit I), TCP congestion control (Unit II), IPv4 subnetting (Unit III), and routing algorithms (Unit IV) together account for 70% of exam marks. Understand protocols at application layer and algorithms at network/transport layers.

How should I approach routing algorithm questions in CS3591?

For RIP: Use Bellman-Ford algorithm, trace distance vector updates, show count-to-infinity problem. For OSPF: Calculate shortest paths using Dijkstra, build SPF tree. For BGP: Understand inter-domain policy routing. Practice with network topologies of 5-6 nodes.

What is the best strategy for subnetting problems in CS3591?

Understand CIDR notation and subnet mask calculation. Practice breaking down Class A/B/C addresses into subnets. Know how to calculate network address, broadcast address, and host range. Solve at least 15-20 subnetting problems for speed and accuracy.

How can I master TCP congestion control in CS3501?

Understand Slow Start (exponential growth), Congestion Avoidance (linear growth), Fast Retransmit, and Fast Recovery phases. Trace congestion window changes with network scenarios. Understand TCP Tahoe vs Reno variants. These appear as 13-16 mark diagram/trace questions.

What should I prioritize in data link and physical layer questions?

Master error detection (parity, CRC) and correction (Hamming code) techniques. Understand CSMA/CD vs CSMA/CA differences. Study Ethernet (IEEE 802.3) and Wi-Fi (802.11) standards. Know transmission media characteristics and delays.

How should I handle DNS and email protocol questions in CS3591?

Understand DNS hierarchy, name resolution process, and record types (A, MX, CNAME). Study SMTP, POP3, IMAP architecture and differences. Practice application layer protocol interactions. These protocol-specific questions appear with 13-16 marks regularly.