MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION

(Autonomous)
(ISO/IEC - 27001 - 2013 Certified)

WINTER – 2022 EXAMINATION

Model Answer
Subject Name: Instrumentation Data Communication. Subject Code: 22336
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Important Instructions to examiners:
1) The answers should be examined by key words and not as word-to-word as given in the model answer scheme.
2) The model answer and the answer written by candidate may vary but the examiner may try to assess the
understanding level of the candidate.
3) The language errors such as grammatical, spelling errors should not be given more Importance (Not applicable for
subject English and Communication Skills.
4) While assessing figures, examiner may give credit for principal components indicated in the figure. The figures
drawn by candidate and model answer may vary. The examiner may give credit for any equivalent figure drawn.
5) Credits may be given step wise for numerical problems. In some cases, the assumed constant values may vary and
there may be some difference in the candidate’s answers and model answer.
6) In case of some questions credit may be given by judgement on part of examiner of relevant answer based on
candidate’s understanding.
7) For programming language papers, credit may be given to any other program based on equivalent concept.
8) As per the policy decision of Maharashtra State Government, teaching in English/Marathi and Bilingual (English +
Marathi) medium is introduced at first year of AICTE diploma Programme from academic year 2021-2022. Hence if
the students in first year (first and second semesters) write answers in Marathi or bilingual language (English
+Marathi), the Examiner shall consider the same and assess the answer based on matching of concepts with
model answer.

Q. Sub Answer Marking

No. Q.N. Scheme

1. Attempt any FIVE of the following 10M

a) List different modes of communication. Give example of each. 2M

Ans Different modes of communication 1M-

1. Simplex Mode MODES
Examples: Keyboard and traditional monitors , public address system
2. Half-Duplex Mode 1M-
Examples: Walkie-talkie Example
3. Full-Duplex Mode
Examples: Telephone Network
b) List application of PCM (any two). 2M

Ans Application of PCM 1 M for

1. It is used in telephony
2. It is used in compact discs. 1
3. It is used in satellite transmission systems application
4. It is used in space communications.
c) State use of RJ45 and RJ11 connectors. 2M

1
 MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
(Autonomous)
(ISO/IEC - 27001 - 2013 Certified)

WINTER – 2022 EXAMINATION

Model Answer
Subject Name: Instrumentation Data Communication. Subject Code: 22336
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ans Use of RJ45 1M –one
1. It is used to connect computers onto Ethernet-based local area networks (LAN) use of each
2. A registered jack (RJ) is a standardized physical network interface for connecting
telecommunications or data equipment.
Use of RJ11
1. it is mainly used for plugging a telephone into the wall
2. It is used for plugging the handset into the telephone.
d) Sketch diagram of star topology. 2M

Ans 2M-
Diagram

e) Define following terms related to communication. 2M

(i)Signaling Rate (ii)Signal to noise ratio
Ans i) Signaling Rate: The average rate at which the data passes through a particular point 1M each
along the transmission channel within the system.
(ii) Signal to noise ratio):- It is the ratio of the signal power to the noise power. The
higher the value of SNR, the greater will be the quality of the received output.

f) State the function of Routers (any two). 2M

Ans Function of Routers 2M-

1. Router determines the short path between source and destination of data
transmission Any 2
2. Router performs the traffic direction function on “Internetwork” functions
3. Internet uses Routers to forward packets from one host to other.
4. A router is a device that forwards data packets between computer networks,
creating an overlay internetwork.
5. A router is connected to two or more data lines from different networks.
6. When a data packet comes in one of the lines, the router reads the address
information in the packet to determine its ultimate destination.
7. Then, using information in its routing table or routing policy, it directs the packet
to the next network on its journey.
2
 MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
(Autonomous)
(ISO/IEC - 27001 - 2013 Certified)

WINTER – 2022 EXAMINATION

Model Answer
Subject Name: Instrumentation Data Communication. Subject Code: 22336
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
g) List advantages of client server model. 2M

Ans. Advantages of client server model ½ M for 1

1. Centralized back up is possible. advantage
2. Use of dedicated server improves the performance of whole system.
3. Security is better in these networks as all the shared resources are centrally
administered.
4. Use of dedicated servers also increases the speed of sharing resources.
5. Up gradation and Scalability can be made easily by just upgrading the server. Also
new resources and systems can be added by making necessary changes in server.

2 Attempt Any THREE of the following 12M

a) State working principle of ASK. Draw its waveform. 4M

Ans Working principle of ASK:- 1M-

1. Carrier Oscillator: It generates sinewave with frequency fc. working
2. Product Modulator: It multiplies the modulating signal and carrier signal. Due to principle
multiplication, the ASK output will be present only when a binary ‘1’ is to be
transmitted. And output will be zero when a binary ‘0’ is to be transmitted as
shown in the waveform
3. Band Pass Filter (BPF): It allows only wanted frequency, rejecting unwanted
frequency.
Block Diagram:-
1M-block
diagram

waveforms
2M-
waveforms

3
 MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
(Autonomous)
(ISO/IEC - 27001 - 2013 Certified)

WINTER – 2022 EXAMINATION

Model Answer
Subject Name: Instrumentation Data Communication. Subject Code: 22336
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
b) Compare TDM and FDM (any 4 points). 4M

Ans 1M-1
TDM FDM comparison
TDM stands for Time division FDM stands for frequency division
multiplexing multiplexing
TDM works with digital signals as well as FDM works only with analog signals.
analog signals.
In TDM, time sharing takes place. In FDM, Frequency sharing takes place.
TDM is more efficient compared to FDM is less efficient compared to TDM
FDM
IN TDM problem of crosstalk is not IN FDM problem of crosstalk is present
present
In TDM synchronization pulse is In FDM synchronization pulse is not
necessary necessary

c) Draw schematic of BUS Topology. Describe working of it. 4M

Ans Diagram: 2M-

Diagram

Explanation:
 In local area networks where bus topology is used, each node is connected to a single 2M-
cable. Explanation
 Each computer or server is connected to the single bus cable.
 A signal from the source travels in both directions to all machines connected on the
4
 MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
(Autonomous)
(ISO/IEC - 27001 - 2013 Certified)

WINTER – 2022 EXAMINATION

Model Answer
Subject Name: Instrumentation Data Communication. Subject Code: 22336
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
bus cable until it finds the intended recipient.
 If the machine address does not match the intended address for the data, the machine
ignores the data.
 Alternatively, if the data matches the machine address, the data is accepted.
 Since the bus topology consists of only one wire, it is rather inexpensive to
Implement when compared to other topologies.
 The bus topology requires proper termination at both ends terminators stop signals
after reaching end of wire.
d) Draw block diagram of communication system. Describe function of each 4M
block.
Ans Basic Block diagram of communication system: 2M -
diagram

Function of each block:

1. Information source: - Human generates a message that we call the information or 2M -
intelligence signal. This signal is fed to the transmitter. function of
2. Transmitter: - It is the collection of electronic components & circuits designed to each block
convert the information into a signal suitable for transmission over a given
communication medium. It may be simple as microphone or as complex as a
microwave radio transmitter.
3. Communication channel:- It is the medium by which the electronic signal is sent
from one place to another . It may be a pair of wires that carry voice signal from
microphone to headset. It may be fiber-optic cable that carries the message on a
light wave. It may be radio, Radio is wireless communication
4. Receiver: It is another collection of electronic components & circuits that accept
the transmitted message from the channel & convert it back into a form
understandable by human. Again it may be simple earphone or complex electronic
receiver.
5. Noise: It is Random, undesirable electric energy that enters into communication
system & interferes with the transmitted message. Noise may come from the
atmosphere or produce internally by transmitter

5
 MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
(Autonomous)
(ISO/IEC - 27001 - 2013 Certified)

WINTER – 2022 EXAMINATION

Model Answer
Subject Name: Instrumentation Data Communication. Subject Code: 22336
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Attempt Any THREE of the following 12M

a) Draw labelled diagram of coaxial cable. List advantages of it. 4M

Ans. Diagram of coaxial cable: 2M -

diagram
2M –Any 4
advantages
( ½ M each)

Advantages:
1. Coaxial cables support high bandwidth.
2. It is easy to install coaxial cables.
3. Coaxial cables have better cut-through resistance so they are more reliable and
durable.
4. Less affected by noise or cross-talk or electromagnetic inference.
5. Coaxial cables support multiple channels

b) Draw diagram of RS232 pin connector. State function of each pin. 4M

Ans. Diagram of RS232 pin connector: 2M

diagram
2M
functions

6
 MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
(Autonomous)
(ISO/IEC - 27001 - 2013 Certified)

WINTER – 2022 EXAMINATION

Model Answer
Subject Name: Instrumentation Data Communication. Subject Code: 22336
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Function of each pin.
 Pin1 is a data carrier detect it is receiving a carrier from a remote DCE.
 Pin2 is a receive data pin, which is used to Carries data from DCE to DTE.
 Pin3 is a transmit data pin, which is used to Carries data from DTE to DCE. .
 Pin4 is a data terminal ready pin, DTE is ready to receive, initiate, or continue a
call.
 Pin5 is signal ground pin
 Pin6 is data set ready pin, DCE is ready to receive and send data
 Pin7 is the request to send pin, DTE requests the DCE prepare to transmit data.
 Pin8 is clear to send pin, DCE is ready to accept data from the DTE
 Pin9 is ring indicator; DCE has detected an incoming ring signal on the telephone
line.
c) Draw layered architecture of foundation field Bus. State function of any one 4M
layer.
Ans. Layered architecture of foundation field Bus. 2M
Diagram

2M
Function of
any one
layer

Function:
Physical layer:-
 Translating messages into physical signals on the wire - and vice versa.
 The physical layer also provides the common electrical interface for all.
 FOUNDATION fieldbus devices. It is defined by approved standards (IEC
61158-2 and ANSI/ISA 50.02,)
Data Link & Application layers:-
 It combines several technologies that together control transmission of data on the
fieldbus.
 The data link and applications layers provide a standard way of "packaging" the
7
 MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
(Autonomous)
(ISO/IEC - 27001 - 2013 Certified)

WINTER – 2022 EXAMINATION

Model Answer
Subject Name: Instrumentation Data Communication. Subject Code: 22336
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
data, as well as managing the schedule for communication and function-block
execution.
 They enable process control while providing standardization and interoperability.
User layer:-
 It enables user to interact with the other layers and with other applications.
 The user layer contains
i. Resource blocks: - describes characteristics of the fieldbus device such as device
name, mfr. and serial number, etc.
ii. Transducer blocks:- used to configure devices
iii. Function blocks: - The Control System Strategy is built using Function Blocks.
Input and output parameters of Function Blocks can be linked over the fieldbus
d) Define following terms related to fiber optic cable: 4M
(i)Acceptance Angle
(ii)Numerical Aperture
Ans. (i) Acceptance angle(θ): 2M Each
It is the maximum angle made by the light ray with the fiber axis, so that light can
propagate through the fiber after total internal reflection.
Relation NA and acceptance angle:
NA = Sin θa
θa = Sin-1 (NA)

(ii) Numerical Aperture:

Numerical Aperture is the light gathering ability or capacity of an optical fiber. More the
NA the more efficient will be fiber.
It is also known as figure of merit.
NA is given by equation
NA = √(n12 – n22 )
Where n1 ---- refractive index of core
n2 -----refractive index of cladding

8
 MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
(Autonomous)
(ISO/IEC - 27001 - 2013 Certified)

WINTER – 2022 EXAMINATION

Model Answer
Subject Name: Instrumentation Data Communication. Subject Code: 22336
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. Attempt Any THREE of the following 12M

a) Define modulation. State need of modulation. 4M

Ans. Modulation: 2M
It is defined as the process of superimposing a low-frequency signal on a high-frequency Definition
carrier signal.
2M need
Need of modulation.
The baseband transmission is a low frequency transmission. And it cannot transmit for
long distance. So to overcome this limitation, modulation is required.
Modulation is necessary in communication system because of the following reasons
1. Reduction in the height of antenna
2. Avoids mixing of signals
3. Increases the range of communication
4. Multiplexing is possible
5. Improves quality of reception
b) Draw layered architecture of TCP/IP model and state function of each layer. 4M

Ans. Layered architecture of TCP/IP model:- 2M

diagram
2M
functions

Function of each layer:

Layer 1: Host-to-network Layer
1. Lowest layer of the all.
2. Protocol is used to connect to the host, so that the packets can be sent over it.
3. Varies from host to host and network to network.
Layer 2: Internet layer
1. It is the layer which holds the whole architecture together.
2. It helps the packet to travel independently to the destination.
3. IP (Internet Protocol) is used in this layer.
4. The various functions performed by the Internet Layer are:
9
 MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
(Autonomous)
(ISO/IEC - 27001 - 2013 Certified)

WINTER – 2022 EXAMINATION

Model Answer
Subject Name: Instrumentation Data Communication. Subject Code: 22336
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
 Delivering IP packets
 Performing routing
 Avoiding congestion
Layer 3: Transport Layer
1. It decides if data transmission should be on parallel path or single path.
2. Multiplexing, segmenting or splitting on the data is done in transport layer.
3. The applications can read and write to the transport layer.
4. Transport layer adds header information to the data.
5. Transport layer breaks the message (data) into small units.
Layer 4: Application Layer:
The TCP/IP specifications described a lot of applications that were at the top of the
protocol stack. Some of them were TELNET, FTP, SMTP, DNS etc.
1. TELNET is a two-way communication protocol which allows connecting to a
remote machine and run applications on it.
2. FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a protocol that allows File transfer amongst
computer users connected over a network. It is reliable, simple and efficient.
3. SMTP (Simple Mail Transport Protocol) is a protocol, which is used to
transport electronic mail between a source and destination, directed via a route.
4. DNS (Domain Name Server) resolves an IP address into a textual address for
Hosts connected over a network.
5. It allows peer entities to carry conversation.
c) Give working principle of LED. Draw its constructional diagram. 4M

Ans. Working principle of LED:- 2M

 A PN junction diode which emits light when forward biased is known as light working
emitting diode (LED). principle
 LEDs work on the principle of Electroluminescence. On passing a current
through the diode, minority charge carriers and majority charge carriers
recombine at the junction. On recombination, energy is released in the form
of photons.
 The amount of light output is directly proportional to the forward current.
 Thus higher the forward current, higher the output. 2M
Diagram
Constructional diagram:-

10
 MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
(Autonomous)
(ISO/IEC - 27001 - 2013 Certified)

WINTER – 2022 EXAMINATION

Model Answer
Subject Name: Instrumentation Data Communication. Subject Code: 22336
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
d) Compare PAM and PWN on the basis of (i) working principle (ii) waveforms. 4M

Ans. Comparison of PAM and PWM 2M

working
PAM PWM principle
Working In this technique, the amplitude In this technique, the width of
principle of each pulse is controlled by the modulated pulses varies in
instantaneous amplitude of the accordance with the amplitude of 2M
modulation signal. modulating signal. waveforms
Waveforms

e) List different modes of propagation in fiber optic cable. Describe any one with 4M
suitable diagram.
Ans. Different modes of propagation of light in fiber optic cable are as follows : 1M Listing
1. Step-index multimode fiber
2. Graded-index multimode fiber 2M
3. Single-mode fiber Explanation
1M
1. Step-index multimode fiber:
diagram
Has a large core, up to 100 microns in diameter. As a result, some of the light rays that
(Any one
make up the digital pulse may travel a direct route, whereas others zigzag as they bounce
mode)
off the cladding. These alternative pathways cause the different groupings of light rays,
referred to as modes, to arrive separately at a receiving point. The pulse, an aggregate of
different modes, begins to spread out, losing its well-defined shape. The need to leave
spacing between pulses to prevent overlapping limits bandwidth that is, the amount of
information that can be sent .Consequently, this type of fiber is best suited for
transmission over short distances, in an endoscope, for instance.

11
 MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
(Autonomous)
(ISO/IEC - 27001 - 2013 Certified)

WINTER – 2022 EXAMINATION

Model Answer
Subject Name: Instrumentation Data Communication. Subject Code: 22336
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Graded-index multimode fiber:
Contains a core in which the refractive index diminishes gradually from the center axis
out toward the cladding. The higher refractive index at the center makes the light rays
moving down the axis advance more slowly than those near the cladding. Also, rather
than zigzagging off the cladding, light in the core curves helically because of the graded
index, reducing its travel distance. The shortened path and the higher speed allow light at
the periphery to arrive at a receiver at about the same time as the slow but straight rays in
the core axis. The result: a digital pulse suffers less dispersion.

3. Single-mode fiber: has a narrow core (eight microns or less), and the index of
refraction between the core and the cladding changes less than it does for multimode
fibers. Light thus travels parallel to the axis, creating little pulse dispersion. Telephone
and cable television networks install millions of kilometers of this fiber every year.

5. Attempt Any TWO of the following. 12M

a) Compare LAN, MAN, WAN on the basis of 6M

(i)Area covered
(ii)Ownership of Network
(iii)Propagation delay
(iv)Used for (Application)
Ans. Each Point
1½M
Parameters LAN MAN WAN
It covers relatively large
Area Local areas only Large geographic
region such as cities, towns,
covered (e.g., homes, areas (e.g., cities,
covers an area of between 5
offices, schools) states, nations)
and 50 km diameter.
Propagation There is a moderate
Short Long
Delay propagation delay in a
12
 MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
(Autonomous)
(ISO/IEC - 27001 - 2013 Certified)

WINTER – 2022 EXAMINATION

Model Answer
Subject Name: Instrumentation Data Communication. Subject Code: 22336
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
MAN.
WANs have a lower
LANs have a high
Moderate, While the data transfer rate
Speed data transfer rate.
transmission speed of a compared to LANs.
High speed (1000
MAN is average. Less speed (150
mbps)
Mbps)
While there is more
Congestion Less congestion More congestion
congestion in MAN.

b). Sketch HART communication protocol. Give number of nodes and 6M

communication speed of it.
Ans. Diagram: 3M-
Diagram
1.5 M-
Number of
nodes
1.5M-
Speed

Explanation:
Number of nodes:
Fortunately, HART allows for multiple master nodes, so that the control system AND a
hand-held communicator can both be connected to the loop and can communicate with the
device at the same time.
Speed:
The HART Protocol communicates at 1200 bps without interrupting the 4-20mA signal
and allows a host application (master) to get two or more digital updates per second from
a smart field device.
c) For the bit sequence 101 10011 draw ASK, FSK and BPSK waveforms. 6M

Ans. 1.5M-I/P
waveform
1.5M-ASK
1.5M-FSK

13
 MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
(Autonomous)
(ISO/IEC - 27001 - 2013 Certified)

WINTER – 2022 EXAMINATION

Model Answer
Subject Name: Instrumentation Data Communication. Subject Code: 22336
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
1.5M-BPSK

6. Attempt Any TWO of the following. 12M

a) Draw layered architecture of OSI reference model. Give function of data link 6M
and network layer.
Ans. Diagram: 2M

Function of
i) Data link Layer: (Consider any two points)

 Link Establishment and Termination: Establishes and terminates the logical link 2M
between two nodes.
14
 MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
(Autonomous)
(ISO/IEC - 27001 - 2013 Certified)

WINTER – 2022 EXAMINATION

Model Answer
Subject Name: Instrumentation Data Communication. Subject Code: 22336
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
 Physical addressing: After creating frames, Data link layer adds physical addresses
(MAC address) of sender and/or receiver in the header of each frame.
 Frame Traffic Control: Tells the transmitting node to “back-off algorithm” when
no frame buffers are available.
 Frame Sequencing: Transmits/receives frames sequentially.
 Frame Acknowledgment: Provides/expects frame acknowledgments. Detects and
recovers from errors that occur in the physical layer by retransmitting non-
acknowledged frames and handling duplicate frame receipt.
 Frame Delimiting: Creates and recognizes frame boundaries.
 Frame Error Checking: Checks received frames for integrity.
 Media Access Management: determines when the node “has the right” to use the
physical medium.
 Flow control: It is the traffic regulatory mechanism implemented by Data Link layer
that prevents the fast sender from drowning the slow receiver. If the rate at which
data is absorbed by the receiver is less that the rate produced in the sender, the data
link layer imposes this flow control mechanism.
 Error control: Data link layer provides the mechanism of error control in which it
detects and retransmits damaged· or lost frames. It also deals with the problem of
duplicate frame, thus providing reliability to physical layer.
 Access control: When a single communication channel is shared by multiple
devices, MAC sub-layer of data link layer helps to determine which device has
control over the channel at a given time.
 Feedback: After transmitting the frames, the system waits for the feedback. The
receiving device then sends the acknowledgement frames back to the source
providing the receipt of the frames.
ii) network layer: (Consider any two points)

 Subnet Traffic Control: Routers (network layer intermediate systems) can instruct a 2M
sending station to “throttle back” its frame transmission when the router’s buffer fills
up.
 Logical-Physical Address Mapping: translates logical addresses, or names, into
physical addresses.
 Subnet Usage Accounting: has accounting functions to keep track of frames
forwarded by subnet intermediate systems, to produce billing information.
b) Draw profibus protocol stack. Describe function of each layer. 6M

Ans. Diagram: 2M

15
 MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
(Autonomous)
(ISO/IEC - 27001 - 2013 Certified)

WINTER – 2022 EXAMINATION

Model Answer
Subject Name: Instrumentation Data Communication. Subject Code: 22336
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

4M

Function
Description:-
 PROFIBUS networks make use of three separate layers of the OSI Network
Model.
 First, PROFIBUS describes the application layer. There are multiple versions of
PROFIBUS that handle different types of messaging at the application layer.
 Some of the types of messaging PROFIBUS supports include cyclic and a cyclic data
exchange, diagnosis, alarm-handling, and isochronous messaging.
 PROFIBUS does not define layers three through six. It does, however, define the data
link and physical layers, layers one and two.
 The data link layer is completed through a Field bus Data Link, or FDL. The FDL
system combines two common schemes, master-slave methodology and token
passing. In a master-slave network, masters, usually controllers, send requests to
slaves, sensors and actuators. The slaves respond accordingly.
 PROFIBUS also includes token passing, a system in which a “token” signal is passed
between nodes. Only the node with the token can communicate.
 The token passing concept is like the speaking conch; only the person with the conch
is allowed to talk.
 Finally, PROFIBUS defines a physical layer, though it leaves room for flexibility.
PROFIBUS systems can have three types of media. E.g. Standard twisted-pair wiring
system (RS485), fiber-optic transmission.
 PROFIBUS uses the bus topology.

c) List features of IEEE 802.3 protocol. Describe CSMA/CD used for it. 6M

Ans. Features of IEEE 802.3 3M

1. Speed
The standard defines the maximum speed of a networking system. The speed normally is
measured in megabits per second (Mbps), although some faster network systems use
gigabits per second (that is, Gbps, where 1Gbps is equivalent to 1000Mbps). A token ring

16
 MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
(Autonomous)
(ISO/IEC - 27001 - 2013 Certified)

WINTER – 2022 EXAMINATION

Model Answer
Subject Name: Instrumentation Data Communication. Subject Code: 22336
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
(802.5) network has a maximum speed of 16Mbps. Many Ethernet networks (802.3
variants) now operate at 100Mbps and far beyond.
2. Access Methods
Access methods govern the way in which systems access the network media and send
data. The most popular are CSMA/CD, CSMA/CA, and a distant third would be token
passing.
3. Token Passing
On a token-passing network, a special data frame called a token is passed among the
systems on the network. The network has only one token, and a system can send data only
when it has possession of the token.
4. Topology
5. Media
Each IEEE specification defines what media are available to transport the signal around
the network. Common network media types include twisted-pair cable, coaxial cable,
infrared, radio frequency, and fiber-optic cable.
Explanation of CSMA/CD : 3M
● Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) is defined in the IEEE
802.3 standard. CSMA/CD is the most common media access method because it is
associated with 802.3 Ethernet networking.
● On a network that uses CSMA/CD, when a system wants to send data to another
system, it first checks to see whether the network media is free. It must do this because
each piece of network media used in a LAN can carry only one signal at a time. If the
sending node detects that the media is free, it transmits, and the data is sent to the
destination.
● Collision detection works by detecting fragments of the transmission on the network
media that result when two systems try to talk at the same time. The two systems wait for
a randomly calculated amount of time before attempting to transmit again. This amount of
time—a matter of milliseconds—is known as the back off.
● When the back off period has elapsed, the system attempts to transmit again. If the
system doesn't succeed on the second attempt, it keeps retrying until it gives up and
reports an error.

17