IGNOU BCS-041 Fundamentals of Computer Networks, Latest Solved Assignment (July 2023 - January 2024 )
Q.5) (a) Write the steps for Message Digest 5 (MD5) algorithm.
Ans. There are the following steps are performed to compute the message digest of the message which are as follows −
- Step 1 − Append padding bits − The message is continued or padded in such a method that its total length in bits is congruent to 448 modulo 512. This operation is continually implemented even if the message’s length in bit is originally congruent to 448 modulo 512. 448 + 64 = 512, therefore the message is padded such that its length is now 64 bits less an integer multiple of 512.
- Step 2 − Append length − A 64 bit description of the length in bits of the original message M (before the padding bits were inserted) is added to the result of step 1. If the length of the original message is higher than 264 = 184 467 440 73 709 551 616, therefore only the low order 64 bits of the length of message M are utilized.
Therefore, the field includes the length of the original message M modulo 264. These bits are added as two 32 bit words and added low-order (least significant) word first. The result of step 1 and step 2 is a message with a length in bits that is an integer multiple of 512 bits.
- Step3 − Initialize MD Buffer − A 128-bit buffer can be used to hold intermediate and last result of the MD5 hash algorithm. A four-word buffer (A, B, C, and D) can be used to evaluate the message digest. Therefore, each A, B, C, D is a 32-bit register. These registers are boot up to the following values in hexadecimal, low-order bytes first −
Word A: 01 23 45 67
Word B: 89 ab cd ef
Word C: fe dc ba 98
Word D: 76 54 32 10
- Step 4 − Process message in 512 bit (16-word) blocks − A compression function includes four rounds of processing. Each round creates an input the current 512-bit block being processed (Yq) and the 128-bit buffer value ABCD and update the element of buffer.
It can describe four auxiliary functions that each create as input three 32-bit words and generate as output one 32-bit word.
F (X, Y, Z) = XY v not (X) Z
G (X, Y, Z) = XZ v Y not (Z)
H (X, Y, Z) = X xor Y xor Z
I (X, Y, Z) = Y xor (X v not (Z))
In each bit position, F acts as conditional: If X then Y else Z. The function F can have been represented using + instead of v since XY and not X(Z) will never have 1’s in the similar bit position.
- Step5 − Output − The message digest created an output including A, B, C, D. The output from the final round is the 128-bit hash result or message digest it can acquired after it can have incrementally processed all t 512-bit blocks of the message.
(b) Compare Hub and Switch. Give the advantages and disadvantages of both Hub and Switch. Briefly discuss the functions of layer-2 switch and layer-3 switch.
Ans. Hub is a network device used to connect multiple Ethernet devices uses a twisted pair. Here this article gives information about the advantages and disadvantages of a hub to know more details about it.
Advantages:
- Easy to install
- Very little delay
- It is used for internal connectivity between the system
- Can different media type
Disadvantages:
- It runs half-duplex
- Can not filter information
- It cannot connect different type of network architecture such as a token ring and Ethernet extra
- It does not have a mechanism to reduce the network traffic.
A switch is a network device which transfers data only to the host where it is being addressed. This article gives the information about the advantages and disadvantages of a switch to know more details about it.
Advantages of a switch :
- It can make use CAM table for a port to MAP mapping
- It helps in logical segmentation by supporting VLANs
- The number of broadcast domains gets decreases
- Support centralized management
Disadvantages of a switch:
- High cost
- Failure of switch bridge down the network
- When we use a switch, a network connectivity problem can be difficult to trace through a
switch - Broadcast traffic may be troublesome
Layer 2 switches are similar to bridges. They interconnect networks at layer 2, most commonly at the MAC sublayer, and operate as bridges, building tables for the transfer of frames among networks.
Layer 3 switches make the use of virtual local area networks (VLANs) and interVLAN routing easier and faster. They make VLANs easier to configure because a separate router is not required between each VLAN; all the routing can be done right on the switch.
Assignment Submission Last Date
The IGNOU open learning format requires students to submit study Assignments. Here is the final end date of the submission of this particular assignment according to the university calendar.
30th April (if Enrolled in the June Exams)
31st October (if Enrolled in the December Exams)
