CS601 Data Communication - Practice Questions
1. What are the components of Data Communication?
The five main components of data communication are:
1. Message: The information to be communicated.
2. Sender: The device that sends the message.
3. Receiver: The device that receives the message.
4. Transmission Medium: The physical medium through which the message is sent (e.g., wires, air).
5. Protocol: A set of rules that governs data transmission.
2. What is the difference between Analog and Digital signals?
Analog signals are continuous signals that vary over time and can take any value within a given
range.
Digital signals, on the other hand, are discrete signals that only take specific values (typically 0 and
1).
3. What is Multiplexing? Explain different types of multiplexing.
Multiplexing is a technique used to combine multiple signals into one, enabling efficient use of the
transmission medium.
Types of Multiplexing:
1. Time Division Multiplexing (TDM): Allocates different time slots to each signal.
2. Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM): Divides the available bandwidth into different frequency
bands.
3. Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM): Uses multiple wavelengths (or light channels) to
transmit data simultaneously over fiber-optic cables.
4. What is the OSI Model?
The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model is a conceptual framework used to understand
network interactions in seven layers:
1. Physical Layer: Deals with the transmission of raw data over a physical medium.
2. Data Link Layer: Ensures reliable data transfer across the physical layer.
3. Network Layer: Responsible for data routing and addressing.
4. Transport Layer: Manages end-to-end communication and error handling.
5. Session Layer: Manages sessions and controls communication.
6. Presentation Layer: Translates, encrypts, or compresses data.
7. Application Layer: Provides network services to end-users.
5. Explain the difference between TCP and UDP.
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is a connection-oriented protocol, meaning it establishes a
connection before data transfer, ensuring reliable and error-free delivery.
UDP (User Datagram Protocol), on the other hand, is connectionless, meaning it doesn't establish a
connection before sending data, which may lead to faster but less reliable transmission.
6. What is Bandwidth and Bit Rate?
Bandwidth refers to the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over a communication
channel in a given period, typically measured in Hz.
Bit rate is the number of bits transmitted per second (bps) over a channel.
7. What is Shannon's Theorem?
Shannon's Theorem defines the maximum data rate that can be achieved in a communication
channel without error.
It is given by the formula: C = B * log2(1 + S/N), where:
C = Channel capacity (bps),
B = Bandwidth of the channel (Hz),
S/N = Signal-to-noise ratio.
8. What is the difference between Circuit Switching and Packet Switching?
Circuit Switching involves establishing a dedicated communication path between two devices for the
duration of the communication session.
Packet Switching, on the other hand, breaks data into smaller packets and sends them
independently across the network, where they may take different routes and are reassembled at the
destination.
