IGNOU MCS-218 Assignment 2026-27
Data Communication and Computer Networks
Last updated by IGNOU: 27 Jul 2026. Guide written from the official PDF on 31 Oct 2026, 04:26 am.
| Course code | MCS-218 |
|---|---|
| Course title | Data Communication and Computer Networks |
| Programme | Master of Computer Applications (MCA_NEW/MCAOL)MCA_NEW, MCAOL |
| School | School of Computer and Information Sciences |
| Assignment code | MCA_NEW/MCAOL(II)/218/Assign/2026-27 |
| Session | July 2026 and January 2027 |
| Maximum marks | 100 |
| Weightage | 30% |
| Last date (June exam) | 15 Apr 2027 |
| Last date (December exam) | 31 Oct 2026 |
| Medium | English |
About the MCS-218 assignment
The MCS-218 assignment covers network topologies, channel bandwidth, modulation, signal levels, switching and retransmission strategies. It also includes wireless and Ethernet communication, routing, flooding, spanning trees and network security using DES.
There are nine compulsory questions carrying 80 marks, with another 20 marks for the compulsory viva voce. The questions combine explanations, numerical problems, diagrams and network-based tasks. The assignment has a total of 100 marks and a weightage of 30%.
What the assignment asks
| Question | Marks | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 4 × 2.5 = 10 | Explain bus, star, ring and mesh topologies, including the advantages and disadvantages of each. |
| Q2 | 5 | Calculate the bandwidth of a communication channel from its given lower and upper frequency limits. |
| Q3 | 4 × 2.5 = 10 | Explain the differences among frequency modulation, pulse code modulation, frequency shift keying and pulse amplitude modulation. |
| Q4 | 10 | Determine the maximum number of distinguishable amplitude levels using the specified voltage range and minimum separation between levels. |
| Q5 (a) | 2 | Explain why switching is important in communication networks. |
| Q5 (b) | — | Describe how circuit switching, multistage switching and packet switching work. |
| Q6 | 2 × 2.5 = 5 | Explain piggybacking and pipelining in retransmission strategies, using diagrams where needed. |
| Q7 (a) | 5 | Explain an 802.11 fragment burst and illustrate its sequence with a diagram. |
| Q7 (b) | 5 | Describe the binary exponential backoff algorithm used by Ethernet. |
| Q8 | 10+10=20 | Use Figure 1 to find the shortest route and cost from R1 to R7 with Dijkstra's algorithm, then build an R1-rooted spanning tree and compare flooding transmissions with and without it. |
| Q9 | 5 | Explain the architecture and algorithm of the Data Encryption Standard in the context of network security. |
This is a summary of each question. Download the official PDF above for the exact questions and word limits.
How to write and submit it
- Answer every question in the assignment.
- Follow the assignment presentation guidelines in the Programme Guide.
- Use illustrations and diagrams to support explanations where appropriate, including where questions specifically require them.
- MCA_NEW students must submit their assignments to the Coordinator of their Study Centre by the deadline.
- MCAOL students must submit their assignments through the LMS Portal by the deadline.
- Timely assignment submission is required for eligibility to appear in the corresponding term-end examination.
- Attend the compulsory assignment viva voce; submitting the assignment without attending the viva results in zero marks and an incomplete assignment.
Submission dates: 15 April 2027 (June TEE; January 2027 session); 31 October 2026 (December TEE; July 2026 session).
Frequently asked questions
Which sessions does the MCS-218 assignment cover?
It covers the July 2026 and January 2027 sessions for the MCA_NEW and MCAOL programmes.
What are the submission deadlines for MCS-218?
The deadline is 31 October 2026 for the July 2026 session and December TEE, and 15 April 2027 for the January 2027 session and June TEE.
How are the MCS-218 assignment marks divided?
The written questions carry 80 marks and the viva voce carries 20 marks, making 100 marks in total. The assignment weightage is 30%.
Are all MCS-218 questions compulsory?
Yes. The assignment requires students to answer all nine questions.
Where should MCA_NEW and MCAOL students submit the assignment?
MCA_NEW students must submit it to their Study Centre Coordinator. MCAOL students must submit it through the LMS Portal.
Is the MCS-218 assignment viva compulsory?
Yes. If a student submits the assignment but does not attend the viva voce, the assignment is treated as incomplete and awarded zero marks.
Other IGNOU MCA_NEW assignments
- MCS-201: Programming in C and Python
- MCS-208: Data Structures and Algorithms
- MCS-219: Object Oriented Analysis and Design
- MCS-224: Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Assignment details and PDFs come from IGNOU's official website; the guide is a summary of the official PDF. Always check the latest instructions and last dates on ignou.ac.in or with your Regional Centre before submitting.