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5 Data transmission and Networking (a) Describe the characteristics of a local area network (LAN) and a wide area network (WAN) LAN WAN Computers are geographically remote from each other, e.g. regional, nationwide or global. Computers on a WAN are connected by phone lines (through modems), dedicated lines or satellite communications. Internet is an example of WAN. Computers are geographically close to each other. Computers on a LAN are usually connected by cables (but can be wireless through router). Generally used in school, buildings, etc.

(b) show an understanding of the hardware and software needed for a local area network (LAN) and for
accessing a wide area network (WAN) Hardware needed for LAN NIC(Network Interface Card); it acts as an interface between the physical network and processor Cables to connect one computer to another

Software needed for LAN - Network Operating System Hardware needed for WAN MODEM to connect phone line and computer Router NIC(Network Interface Card); it acts as an interface between the physical network and processor

Software needed for WAN Browser software to access the WAN, for example Internet

(c) describe basic network topologies (bus, star and ring) explaining the benefits and drawbacks of each Topology Refer to notes; they are clearly explained there (d) describe the different types of data transmission: serial and parallel; simplex, half duplex and full duplex modes Serial: Serial transmission of data means transferring information, one bit at a time, down a single wire. Parallel: Parallel transmission of data means transferring information down several wires at the same time, for example, one byte can be transferred along eight wires.

REFER TO NOTES FOR FURTHER DETAILS In simplex mode, data can only be transmitted in one direction. (e.g. newspaper) In duplex mode, data can be transmitted in both directions. There are two duplex modes; Half duplex: Data can only be transmitted in both directions, but only one direction at a time. (e.g. CB radio) Full duplex: Data can be transmitted in both directions at the same time. (e,g. telephone)

(e) explain the relationship between bit rates and the time sensitivity of the data - The bit rate is the number of bits that can be sent in one second. - The higher the bandwidth, the more data can be sent at one time (thus the bit rate is higher). - Time sensitive data- data which is real time and is continually being sent and read; example: video at youtube - Time-sensitive data (such as streamed video) must be sent at a high bit rate; otherwise the output will not be clear to the viewer. - Downloaded text documents will be read after the whole file has been transmitted so they do not need a high bit rate, but video streaming needs high bit rate. Conclusion: Time-sensitive data: High bit rate (not necessarily big file size); example: online video streaming Non-time sensitive data: High bit rate not required; example: text files, pdf files (f) recognise that errors can occur in data transmission; explain the use of parity checks, echoing and checksums in detecting and correcting these errors Refer to notes, they are explained there, however I will explain a bit here too!

During the period of data transmission, errors may occur. Any data that are transmitted are made up of a large number of bits. Even if a bit gets flipped (0 becomes 1 or 1 becomes 0), it may lead to a serious error. To check this, the following methods are used. (i) (ii) Echoing back- Echoing involves the receiver transmitting the received data back to the sender. If the echoed data are not the same as what was sent, the data are sent again. Check sum- A check sum is calculated by adding all the bytes of the data sent. The check sum is also sent and the receiver compares the received check sum with the check sum it calculates. If they are different, the receiver asks for the data to be sent again. Parity check- A parity check ensures that number of 1s transmitted in a byte is odd or even (as agreed between the computers). If the number of 1s in the received data is even or odd (opposite of type of parity used), the receiver asks for it to be sent again.

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(g) explain the difference between packet switching and circuit switching

Packet switching: In packet switching system, packets of data sent independently around the network. The data packets have destination address and order number attached to them in their header. When they arrive at the destination, they need to be put in order and the message is reassembled. Circuit switching: In a circuit switching system, data are sent along the same route around the network. The route is reserved during the period of data transmission. At the destination, data arrive in order. The circuit is only released for further use when the communication is completed. Main difference between them: In packet switching, any free route available is used, but a route is reserved in circuit switching. (h, i) define the term protocol and general needs A protocol is a set of rules that define how data is transferred between devices and computers. Protocols define for example:

Whether the connecting wire is serial or parallel The bit rate used The type of parity used
Q. Why is protocol necessary? A. In terms of connection mode; Two devices communicating should agree to use the same rules. For example, if one device sends data using serial communication mode and the other device operates in parallel communication mode, they cannot communicate In terms of bit rate; Two communicating devices must send and receive data at the same bit rate. For example, if one devices sends data very fast(or higher bit rate) and other receives very slowly(less bit rate), there will be serious error in communication. They need to agree about the communication rules. In terms of parity used; Both devices should agree to use the same type of parity check. If one device is set to use odd parity check and other uses even parity checking method, error is going to be there in communication. (j) explain the need for both physical and logical protocols and the need for layering in an interface Physical protocols define the wires or other connections between the computers. Logical protocols define the types of error-checking and synchronization of data. The main advantage of layering the interface is that changes may be made to one layer without having to make a change to any of the other layers. It also allows manufacturers to develop communication systems and software which use standard protocols.