AS Computer Science

Data Transmission

Key terms Transmission modes The Open Systems Interconnection

(OSI) protocol stack
Term Definition Transmission modes refer to the mechanism of
transferring data between two devices connected A 7-layer protocol stack for information
Serial The process of transmitting data over a network. There are three modes. They direct exchange
transmission one bit at a time, sequentially, the direction of flow of information.
over a single communication link. Layer 1. Physical Layer: connectivity
SIMPLEX protocols include Ethernet,
Parallel The process of transmitting Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, IEEE.802.11.
Only one of the One Direction
transmission several bits of data
two devices on a Layer 2. Data Link Layer: protocols relate
simultaneously using multiple
link can transmit, IP addresses to MAC addresses
lines (8, 16, 32, 64).
the other can only of specific devices.
receive.
Multiplexing The process of combining and Layer 3.  etwork Layer: transfer of data
N
transmitting multiple signals over Send Receive
following the specified version of
a communications link at the HALF DUPLEX
A is sending, B is receiving the IP protocol.
same time as a single, complex In half-duplex
signal. Layer 4. Transport Layer: transmits data
mode, each
following protocols such as
station can both A B
Switching Directing a signal or data packet Transfer Control Protocol (TCP)
transmit and Receive Send
towards a specified hardware and User Datagram Protocol
receive, but not
destination. B is sending, A is receiving (UDP).
at the same
time. Layer 5. Session Layer: follows
Data packet A formatted unit of data that protocols for a node to node
A B
is transmitted over a packet- communication session.
switching network. FULL DUPLEX
Layer 6. Presentation Layer: converts
Protocol A formatted unit of data that In full-duplex Both Directions data formats to be readable by
is transmitted over a packet- mode, both the application layer, including
switching network. stations can decryption of ciphertext.
transmit PC Terminal
Layer 7. Application Layer: services
Routing The method of selecting paths and receive
including File transfer and email.
along which packets are sent on simultaneously.
Protocols followed include: HTTP,
a packet switched network. SMTP and FTP.

The need for multiplexing and switching

Serial -v- Parallel Transmission
IP routing
Networks and digital communication systems need
to balance link costs with device cost. High levels of
Comparison Serial Parallel service can be provided by ensuring that all users The internet comprises of interconnected
always have a live communications link available. networks, each responsible for blocks of IP
Transmission Comparatively
Slow ** addresses. Routing protocols direct packets
speed fast ** However, the costs associated with providing large
between networks using routing tables and
Communication numbers of links are high and can be offset using
Single Multiple destination IP addresses. Packets can take
links multiplexers and switches that allow more intelligent
different routes to the same place.
use of a smaller number of links.
= number of
Bits/clock cycle One
links used
Cost Low High Network collisions
Contents of a typical IP data packet
System upgrade Simple More complex
The device that receives transmitted data
Transmission The version of the IP protocol that applies to the should send an acknowledgment. If this
Full duplex Half duplex packet is specified in the header.
mode is not received by the transmitting device
within a set time a collision is detected, and
Suitable for Long distance Short distance Header Sender’s IP address
the data is retransmitted after a randomly
Receiver’s IP address
generated delay. Collisions can be reduced
Protocol
Serial vs Parallel Transmission speed by replacing hubs with switches.
Packet number
Improved signal integrity and transmission speeds Payload Data
in contemporary serial technologies have begun to
outweigh the advantages of parallel transmission. Trailer Data to show end of packet.
Error correction