QUESTION $1$

a$.$ Explain the significance of subnetting?

$[8$ Marks$]$

b$.$ A network on the Internet has a subnet mask of $255\mathrm{.}255\mathrm{.}224\mathrm{.}0.$ What is the maximum number of hosts it can handle?

$[4$ Marks$]$

c$.$ A large number of consecutive IP addresses are available starting at $192\mathrm{.}32\mathrm{.}0\mathrm{.}0.$ Suppose that three organisations, X$,$Y and Z$,$ request $1000,500,$ and $85$ addresses, respectively. For each of these, give the first IP address assigned, the last IP address assigned, and the mask in the a$.$b$.$c$.$d$/$s notation.

$[8$ Marks$]$

d$.$ What happens if a message addressed to $192\mathrm{.}32\mathrm{.}4\mathrm{.}4$ arrives at the router connecting all three organisations?

$[5$ Marks$]$

QUESTION $2$

Appex Financial Services is a leading financial institution that deals with sensitive customer financial data. The company has implemented a Rule$-$Based Access Control $($RBAC$)$ system to manage access to this sensitive information.

a$.$ Explain the process through which Appex Financial Services implemented the RBAC system. What considerations were taken into account during the design and deployment phases to ensure the security and effectiveness of the system?

$[7$ Marks$]$

b$.$ Provide examples of specific access rules within the RBAC system at Appex Financial Services. Consider rules related to different job roles within the organization, especially those dealing directly with sensitive financial data.

$[5$ Marks$]$

c$.$ In a dynamic business environment, roles and responsibilities may change. How does Appex Financial Services ensure that access rules are promptly adjusted to reflect changes in employee roles or organizational structure? Provide insights into the process of dynamic rule adjustments.

$[7$ Marks$]$

d$.$ Identify potential challenges associated with the RBAC system in a financial services context. What mitigations or best practices does Appex Financial Services employ to address these challenges and maintain the integrity and security of the RBAC system?

$[6$ Marks$]$