By Balwaniregha Ronald

DATA COMMUNICATION AND NETWORKING

Data Communication
The process of using computing and communication technologies to transfer data from
one place to another.

Elements of Data Communication

 Sender
The device or person that initiates the message.
Examples: computers, mobile phones, sensors.
 Receiver
The device or person that receives the message.
Examples: computers, printers, mobile phones.
 Messages
The actual data or information that is being communicated.
Examples: text, images, audio, video.
 Transmission Media
The physical pathway through which the message travels from sender to receiver.
Types:
Wired: Ethernet cables, fiber optics.
Wireless: Radio waves, microwaves.
 Protocol
A set of rules and conventions for communication.
Examples: TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP.

Data Communication Tools

Hardware and software that facilitate the transfer of data.
Examples:
Hardware:
 Routers,  Switches,

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 Modems.

Software:
 Email clients,
 Messaging apps,
 Network management software.
Electronic Data Communication Tools
Electronic data communication tools are devices and technologies designed to transmit
and receive data electronically over various networks
Examples:
Electronic tools include
 Computers,
 Mobile phones, and the internet, used for activities like email and web browsing.
Manual tools include
 Drums,
 Bells, and messengers, used for local signaling and message delivery.
Types of Electronic Data Communication Tools

Computers
Electronic devices that process and store data, and can connect to networks to
communicate with other devices.
Examples:
 Desktops,
 laptops,
 Servers.
Uses:
 Email,
 Web browsing,
 File sharing,
 Video conferencing.

Mobile Phones

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Portable devices that can make calls, send texts, and access the internet.
Examples:
 Smartphones,
 Feature phones.
Uses:
 Voice calls,
 Text messaging,
 Internet access,
 Mobile apps.

Internet
A global network of interconnected computers that allows for data exchange.
Examples:
 Web services,
 Online streaming,
 Cloud storage.
Uses:
 Browsing websites,
 Streaming media,
 Online communication,
 Social networking.

Routers
 Devices that direct data packets between networks,
 Connecting local networks to the internet.
Examples:
 Home routers,
 Enterprise routers.
Uses:
 Managing network traffic,
 Connecting multiple devices to the internet.

Switches

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Devices that connect multiple devices within a local area network (LAN), facilitating data
exchange.
Examples:
 Ethernet switches,
 Network switches.
Uses:
 Creating network segments,
 Managing data flow within a LAN.

Modems
Devices that modulate and demodulate signals for data transmission over telephone
lines, cable systems, or satellite links.
Examples:
 DSL modems,
 Cable modems,
 Satellite modems.
Uses:
 Providing internet access by converting digital data to analog signals and vice
versa.

Tablets
Portable touch-screen devices that combine features of smartphones and computers.
Examples:
 IPads,
 Android tablets.
Uses:
 Web browsing,
 Media consumption,
 App usage,
 Email.

Smart watches

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Wearable devices that offer computing capabilities and connectivity.

Examples:
 Apple Watch,
 Samsung Galaxy Watch.
Uses:
 Notifications,
 Health monitoring,
 Call and message management.

Television (Smart TV)

Televisions with integrated internet and interactive features.
Examples:
Smart TVs from brands like Samsung, LG, Sony.
Uses:
 Streaming content,
 Web browsing,
 Gaming.

Communication Software
Applications and platforms used for data exchange over networks.
Examples:
 Email clients (Outlook, Gmail),
 Messaging apps (WhatsApp, Slack),
 Video conferencing tools (Zoom, Microsoft Teams).
Uses:
 Sending emails,
 Instant messaging,
 Video calls,
 File sharing.
Comparison of Electronic and Manual Data Communication Tools
 Speed: Electronic tools offer instantaneous communication, while manual tools
are much slower.

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 Range: Electronic tools can reach globally, whereas manual tools are limited to
local or regional areas.
 Reliability: Electronic tools are generally more reliable, with backup systems and
error corrections, while manual tools can be influenced by environmental and
human factors.
 Complexity: Electronic tools require a certain level of technical knowledge and
infrastructure, whereas manual tools are simpler but may require knowledge of
specific codes or logistics.

Data Transmission Media

Data transmission media are the physical pathways or channels used to carry data
signals from one device to another.
These media facilitate the transmission of information between sender and receiver in a
data communication system.

Classification of Transmission media

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Types of Transmission media

1. Physical transmission
Physical transmission media are tangible materials or cables that are used to transmit
data signals from one device to another in a data communication network.

Types of physical transmission media

Twisted Pair Cable:
Consists of pairs of insulated copper wires twisted together.
Types:
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP): Used in Ethernet networks for short distances (e.g., in
offices).
Shielded Twisted Pair (STP): Offers better protection against electromagnetic
interference, used in environments with high interference.

Advantages:
 Cost-effective: Relatively inexpensive compared to other media.
 Flexibility: Easy to install and bend around corners.
 Widely Available: Standardized and widely used in Ethernet networks.
 Suitable for Short Distances: Effective for distances up to 100 meters
(depending on the category).

Disadvantages:
Susceptible to Interference: Prone to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and
crosstalk, especially UTP.
Limited Distance: Distance limitations compared to fiber optic cables.
Bandwidth Limitation: Limited bandwidth compared to fiber optics, especially at longer
distances.

Coaxial Cable:
Consists of a copper conductor surrounded by insulation, a braided metal shield, and an
outer jacket.

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Types:
Thin net (10BASE2): Thin coaxial cable used in older Ethernet networks.
Thick net (10BASE5): Thick coaxial cable used in older Ethernet networks for longer
distances.

Advantages:
 Higher Bandwidth: Offers higher bandwidth compared to twisted pair cables.
 Less Susceptible to Interference: Provides better protection against EMI due
to shielding.
 Longer Distance Capability: Can cover longer distances without signal
degradation compared to twisted pair cables.

Disadvantages:
 Cost: More expensive than twisted pair cables.
 Bulkiness: Thicker and less flexible than twisted pair cables.
 Installation Complexity: Requires careful installation due to its structure and
shielding.

Fiber Optic Cable:

Uses glass or plastic fibers to transmit data signals using light pulses.

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Types:
Single-mode fiber: Transmits a single mode of light, suitable for long-distance
communication.
Multi-mode fiber: Transmits multiple modes of light, suitable for shorter distances and
higher bandwidth.

Advantages:
 High Bandwidth: Supports high data transfer rates over long distances.
 Immune to Interference: Not affected by EMI or crosstalk.
 Long Distance Capability: Can transmit signals over kilometers without
degradation.
 Security: Difficult to tap into, providing secure data transmission.

Disadvantages:
 Cost: More expensive than copper-based cables.
 Fragility: Requires careful handling due to sensitivity to bending and tension.
 Complex Installation: Specialized equipment and expertise required for
installation and maintenance.

Ethernet Cable:
A type of twisted pair cable used specifically in Ethernet networks.

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Categories:
Cat 5e: Commonly used for Ethernet networks supporting speeds up to 1 Gbps.
Cat 6: Supports higher data transfer rates and less crosstalk than Cat 5e, suitable for
Gigabit Ethernet.

Advantages:
 Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of applications from home networks to
enterprise environments.
 Cost-effective: Provides a balance between cost and performance.
 Easy Installation: Simple to terminate and connect.

Disadvantages:
 Susceptible to Interference: UTP is vulnerable to EMI and crosstalk.
 Distance Limitations: Limited in distance compared to fiber optics.
 Performance: Lower performance compared to fiber optics in terms of
bandwidth and distance.

Power Line Communication (PLC):

Uses electrical wiring to transmit data signals, often used for home networking and
Internet access.
Advantages:
Utilizes Existing Infrastructure: Uses electrical wiring already in place, reducing
installation costs.
Ease of Deployment: Easy to set up and expand without additional wiring.
Versatility: Can be used for both data communication and power transmission.

Disadvantages:

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 Susceptible to electrical noise and interference from other devices on the same
power line.
 Limited bandwidth compared to dedicated data cables like Ethernet or fiber
optics.
 Slower speeds compared to Ethernet or fiber optic connections..

Advantages of Wireless Transmission Media:

 Users can access data and communicate from anywhere within the coverage
area.
 Easy to deploy and adapt to changing network needs without laying cables.
 Eliminates the cost of cable installation and maintenance.
 Easily expandable to cover larger areas or accommodate more devices.
 Facilitates quick setup for temporary or mobile network connections.

Disadvantages of Wireless Transmission Media:

 Susceptible to interference from other wireless devices, physical obstacles, and
environmental factors like weather.
 Wireless networks are more vulnerable to unauthorized access and data
breaches compared to wired networks.
 Generally lower speeds and bandwidth compared to wired connections,
especially in crowded environments.
 Signal strength and reliability can vary depending on distance from the
transmitter and interference levels.
 Limited range compared to some wired technologies, requiring more access
points for larger coverage areas.

Types of Wireless Transmission Media:

Bluetooth:
Short-range wireless technology (typically up to 10 meters) used for connecting devices
like headphones, keyboards, and smartphones.

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Wi-Fi:
Local area wireless technology that provides high-speed internet and network
connections over a range of several hundred feet to a few hundred meters.

Broadcast Radio:
Uses radio waves to transmit data over longer distances, typically used in radio
broadcasting and wireless LANs (e.g., WiMAX).

Cellular Networks:
Cellular networks are telecommunications networks that provide mobile communication
services using a system of cells, each served by a base station.
These networks enable mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, to provide
wide-area wireless connectivity using cellular towers to transmit voice and data signals
over large geographical areas (e.g., 3G, 4G LTE, 5G).
Satellite Communication:
Uses satellites to transmit data signals over large distances, suitable for providing
connectivity in remote or inaccessible areas.

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A satellite,
Refers to an artificial object placed into orbit around Earth or another celestial body

 Satellites can provide communication services to remote and rural areas where
terrestrial infrastructure is limited or nonexistent.
 Ideal for broadcasting television and radio signals over large geographic areas.
 Provides reliable communication during natural disasters when ground-based
infrastructure is damaged or destroyed.
 Supports mobile communication services, such as satellite phones, for users on
the move in areas without cellular coverage.
 Capable of handling a large number of users across different regions, scaling up
to meet demand without significant additional infrastructure.
 Operates independently of terrestrial networks, offering an alternative
communication path that is not susceptible to ground-based disruptions.
Disadvantages of Satellites:
 The time delay in signal transmission due to the long distances that signals must
travel to and from satellites, particularly with geostationary satellites, can affect
real-time applications like voice calls and online gaming.

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 The cost of building, launching, and maintaining satellites is very high compared
to terrestrial communication infrastructure.
 Satellite signals can be affected by adverse weather conditions, such as heavy
rain or storms, which can cause signal degradation or loss (rain fade).
 Satellites have a limited amount of bandwidth, which can become congested with
high usage, affecting performance.
 Signals transmitted to and from satellites can be intercepted, making them
potentially vulnerable to hacking and other security breaches.
 Satellites have a limited operational lifespan, typically ranging from 10 to 15
years, after which they need to be replaced

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