What is bandwidth, and what role does it play in networks?
How does failure to manage bandwidth and/or packet size lead to packet delays? How can error detection/correction techniques hurt network performance?
Explain CRC and how it is used in error detection.
Explain why encoding is used when transmitting data and how does the receiver identify the start of each new packet?
Explain one type of encoding and how it works (i.e., NRZ, NRZI (NRZ Inverted), Manchester, 4B/5B, etc.). What are any advantages or disadvantages for the chosen type of encoding?
Explain the difference between Time Division Multiplexing and Frequency Division Multiplexing. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?
Explain the following Terms: T-1, E-1, DS-0, DS-1. Explain the difference in data rates (you may also provide a practical example).
Explain SONET synchronization and the different SONET rates (as well as multiplexing from slower to higher rates).
What are other ways for multiple channels to share a single wire? One approach is frequency-division multiplexing, or putting each channel on a different carrier frequency. Name the other ways.
What is the Optical Transport Network, or OTN three primary rates and what are their functions?