Computer Networks MCQs (LAN, MAN, WAN, Topologies) with Answers
Solved Computer Networks MCQs with answers — LAN, MAN, WAN, PAN, VPN, topologies, MAC address, router & hub. Free quiz + PDF for PPSC, FPSC, NTS, CSS & PMS.
Computer Networks — Master Reference for Pakistani Competitive Exams
The chapter Computer Networks is one of the most repeated Computer Science topics in Pakistan’s PPSC, FPSC, NTS, CSS, PMS, OTS, CTS, BPSC, KPPSC and SPSC One Paper exams. Every Junior Clerk, Assistant, Sub-Inspector, Lecturer and BPS-14 to BPS-17 paper carries 2–4 MCQs from this chapter. This page consolidates solved MCQs with answers covering all seven network types (LAN, MAN, WAN, PAN, CAN, HAN, VPN), the six physical topologies (Bus, Star, Ring, Mesh, Tree, Hybrid), every key device (router, hub, network server) and the most-asked terms — MAC address, protocol stack, broadcast network, network nodes, virtual circuit network. For wider context on networking standards, see the Wikipedia overview of Computer Network and the IEEE standards body that publishes Ethernet (IEEE 802.3) and Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11).
Network Types — Quick Comparison
| Type | Full Form | Coverage Area | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAN | Local Area Network | Small area (room, building) | Office network |
| MAN | Metropolitan Area Network | City / metropolitan area | City-wide cable TV |
| WAN | Wide Area Network | State, country, worldwide | The Internet |
| PAN | Personal Area Network | Near a single person | Bluetooth devices |
| CAN | Campus Area Network | Multiple buildings within a campus | University campus |
| HAN | Home Area Network | Within a home | Home Wi-Fi |
| VPN | Virtual Private Network | Extends private over public | Secure remote access |
Network Topologies (Physical Layouts)
A network topology is the arrangement of nodes and connections in a network. The six classic physical topologies are:
| Topology | Description | Strength / Weakness |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | All devices connect to a single backbone cable. | Cheap; fails completely if backbone breaks. |
| Star | All devices connect to a central hub or switch. | Most common in LANs; central hub is single point of failure. |
| Ring | Each device connects to two others, forming a closed loop. | Equal access; one break disrupts the ring. |
| Mesh | Every device is connected to every other device. | Maximum redundancy; expensive cabling. |
| Tree | Hierarchical combination of star and bus. | Scalable; root failure brings whole tree down. |
| Hybrid | Combination of two or more of the above. | Used in enterprise WANs. |
Network Devices & Key Components
| Device / Term | Function |
|---|---|
| Router | Forwards packets between networks by processing routing information in each packet. |
| Hub | Connects multiple nodes to the network. |
| Network Server | Central repository of data and programmes shared by users. |
| Network Nodes | Devices that originate, route and terminate data. |
| MAC Address | 6 bytes (48 bits) long; unique identifier for each network device. |
| Protocol Stack | List of protocols used by a system — one protocol per layer. |
| Broadcast Network | Communication channel shared by all machines on the network. |
| Virtual Circuit Network | Each packet contains the full source and destination address. |
Key Facts to Memorise
- Network — A collection of computers and devices connected via communications devices and transmission media.
- Network server — Central repository of data and programmes shared by users.
- Two devices in a network — Two devices are in a network if a process in one is able to exchange information with a process in the other.
- Broadcast network — Communication channel shared by all machines on the network.
- Router — Forwards packets between networks by processing routing info in each packet.
- Protocol stack — A list of protocols used by a system — one protocol per layer.
- Unauthorized user — Considered a network performance issue.
- MAC address — 6 bytes / 48 bits long, in binary numbers.
- Network nodes — Computer devices that originate, route and terminate data.
- Hub — A device that connects multiple nodes to a network.
- Virtual Circuit Network — Each packet contains full source and destination address.
- LAN — Local Area Network. LAN card not necessary for a standalone computer.
- WAN — Internet is the classic example.
Exam tip: Lock six anchors and you cover ~80% of all MCQs from this chapter — LAN/MAN/WAN coverage areas, Internet = WAN, MAC = 48 bits / 6 bytes, Router forwards packets, Star topology = central hub, and Mesh topology = full redundancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
A computer network is a collection of computers and devices connected via communications devices and transmission media. Two devices are in a network if a process in one device can exchange information with a process in another device.
LAN (Local Area Network) is confined to a small area like a room or building. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) covers a city or metropolitan region. WAN (Wide Area Network) covers a state, country or the whole world — the Internet is the largest example of a WAN.
A MAC (Media Access Control) address is 6 bytes (48 bits) long, expressed in binary or hexadecimal — it uniquely identifies a network interface card (NIC).
A router forwards packets between networks by processing the routing information in each packet (Layer 3). A hub simply connects multiple nodes to the same network and broadcasts data to all connected devices (Layer 1).
The main physical topologies are Bus, Star, Ring, Mesh, Tree and Hybrid. In a Star topology all devices connect to a central hub or switch. In a Mesh topology every device is connected to every other device for maximum redundancy.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) extends a private network across a public network (such as the Internet) — letting users send and receive data securely as if they were on the private network.
Yes — essential. Computer Networks are tested in every One Paper, NTS NAT, GAT, OTS, CTS, BPSC, KPPSC, SPSC, PPSC and FPSC exam. Expect 2–4 MCQs from this chapter in any 100-mark paper.
Yes. Click the Download PDF button to get all Computer Networks MCQs with correct answers as a branded QuizWing PDF for offline revision.