Suggest the most appropriate location of the server inside the Amritsar University Campus. Justify your choice.
Suggest the most appropriate location of the server inside the Amritsar University Campus. Justify your choice.
The server should be placed in the ACADEMIC block.
Justification: ACADEMIC has the maximum number of computers (600) among all four blocks (ADMIN = 25, HOSTEL = 120, SPORTS = 50). Placing the server in the block with the largest number of nodes minimises the average cable length and data travel time for the majority of users, giving the best overall network performance.
Marking Scheme
- 11 mark: correctly naming ACADEMIC as the server location with the reason that it has the maximum number of computers (600).
Hint
Compare the number of computers given for each block — the server goes in the block with the maximum count.
Quick Oral Answer
The server should be in the ACADEMIC block because it has the maximum number of computers (600), which minimises overall cable length and keeps the network fastest for most users.
Analysis & Explanation
Server-placement questions in CBSE networking case studies are decided purely by node count, not by physical distance between blocks.
Concept: The rule of thumb is — place the server (and by extension, any centralised switch/hub) in the block that houses the maximum number of computers, since that minimises the number of long cable runs and keeps the busiest segment of the network fastest.
Exam trap: Students sometimes pick ADMIN because it 'sounds' like the administrative/central block; the correct criterion is always the computer count given in the data table, which here clearly favours ACADEMIC (600 computers) over ADMIN (25), HOSTEL (120) and SPORTS (50).
Real-world application: This mirrors real campus network design, where core switches and servers are physically located in the building with the highest device density to reduce backbone cable cost and latency.
Common Mistakes
- 1Choosing ADMIN block by assuming administrative importance instead of checking the computer-count data.
- 2Giving the answer without stating the justification (number of computers), which is required for full credit.
Interesting Facts
In real enterprise networks, this principle is called placing the server in the 'highest traffic density zone' to minimise backbone congestion.
A single ACADEMIC block here (600 computers) has more nodes than the other three blocks combined (), making it an obvious hub candidate.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn't distance between blocks the deciding factor for server placement?
Distance mainly affects cable-layout choices and repeater placement; server placement is decided by which block has the most computers, since that minimises the number of devices needing the longest possible path to the server.
Would the answer change if ADMIN had more computers than ACADEMIC?
Yes — the server should always go in whichever block has the maximum computer count in the given data; the specific block name is not fixed, only the rule is.