Data Communication and Networks (DCN) Notes - Full Summary

Unit - I Fundamentals of Data Communication and Computer Network

1.1 Process of data communication and its components:

Transmitter: Sends data over the communication channel.

Receiver: Receives the data from the communication channel.

Medium: The physical path or channel through which data travels (e.g., wires, air, etc.).

Message: The data being communicated.

Protocol: A set of rules that governs data communication.

Advantages:

- Enables data transmission.

Disadvantages:

- Dependent on external medium for communication.

1.2 Protocols, Standards, Standard organizations, Bandwidth, Data Transmission Rate, Baud Rate

and Bits per second

Protocols: Rules for communication between devices.

Standards: Agreed-upon rules or guidelines.

Standard organizations: Bodies like IEEE, IETF, etc., that define standards.

Bandwidth: The maximum rate of data transfer.

Data Transmission Rate: The rate at which data is transmitted.

Baud Rate: The number of symbols transmitted per second.

Bits per second: The number of bits transmitted per second.

Advantages:

- Ensures compatibility between different devices.

- Provides uniformity in communication.

- Standards may evolve, causing outdated systems.

- Varying bandwidth may affect performance.

1.3 Modes of Communication: Simplex, Half duplex, Full Duplex

Simplex: One-way communication.

Half Duplex: Two-way communication, but not at the same time.

Full Duplex: Two-way communication at the same time.

Advantages:

- Simplex: Simple and low-cost.

- Half Duplex: Allows communication in both directions.

- Full Duplex: Fast communication in both directions simultaneously.

Disadvantages:

- Simplex: Limited communication.

- Half Duplex: Slower than full duplex.

- Full Duplex: More complex and costly.

1.4 Analog Signal and Digital Signal, Analog and Digital Transmission

Analog Signal: Continuous signal that varies over time.

Digital Signal: Discrete signal representing data in binary form.

Analog to Digital Conversion: Converts continuous analog signals into discrete digital form.

Digital to Analog Conversion: Converts discrete digital signals to continuous analog form.

Advantages:

- Analog signals: Better suited for audio, voice.

- Digital signals: Easier to process, more reliable.

Disadvantages:

- Analog: Susceptible to noise.

1.5 Fundamentals of Computer Network

Definition: A computer network connects multiple devices for sharing resources.

Need: Enables communication, sharing resources, and access to the internet.

Applications: File sharing, emails, VoIP, internet browsing.

Network Benefits: Cost savings, resource sharing, improved communication.

1.6 Classification of Network: LAN, WAN, MAN

LAN (Local Area Network): A network covering a small geographic area.

WAN (Wide Area Network): A network covering a large geographic area.

MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): A network covering a city or large campus.

Advantages:

- LAN: High speed, low cost.

- WAN: Covers large areas, connects distant locations.

- MAN: Ideal for cities or campuses.

Disadvantages:

- LAN: Limited range.

- WAN: High cost, complex setup.

- MAN: Limited by geographical area.

Unit - II Transmission Media and Switching

2.1 Communication Media: Guided Transmission Media

Twisted-Pair Cable: A pair of insulated copper wires twisted together.

Coaxial Cable: A single conductor surrounded by insulation, shielded with a metallic layer.

Fiber-Optic Cable: Uses light to transmit data, with high speed and bandwidth.

Advantages:
- Twisted-Pair: Cost-effective, easy to install.

- Coaxial: Higher data transfer rates than twisted pair.

- Fiber-Optic: Very high data transfer speed, secure.

Disadvantages:

- Twisted-Pair: Prone to interference.

- Coaxial: Bulky, expensive.

- Fiber-Optic: Expensive installation.

2.2 Guided Transmission Media: Radio Waves, Microwaves, Infrared, Satellite

Radio Waves: Electromagnetic waves traveling through the air.

Microwaves: High-frequency waves that require line-of-sight communication.

Infrared: Short-range transmission using light signals.

Satellite: High-frequency radio waves transmitted via satellites.

Advantages:

- Radio: Widely used for short-range communication.

- Microwave: High capacity, used for point-to-point communication.

- Infrared: Low cost, secure.

- Satellite: Long-range communication.

Disadvantages:

- Radio: Limited bandwidth, susceptible to interference.

- Microwave: Requires line-of-sight, weather conditions can affect.

- Infrared: Limited range.

- Satellite: High latency, expensive.

Unit - III Error Detection and Correction

3.1 Types of Errors, Forward Error Correction Versus Retransmission

Errors in data transmission: Loss, duplication, corruption, and ordering of data.

Retransmission: Resends the data in case of error.

Advantages:

- FEC: More reliable, does not require retransmission.

- Retransmission: Simpler to implement.

Disadvantages:

- FEC: Adds overhead to the data.

- Retransmission: Waste of bandwidth, delays.

3.2 Framing: Fixed-Sized and Variable-Sized Framing

Fixed-Sized Framing: Each frame is of a fixed length.

Variable-Sized Framing: Each frame can vary in size depending on the data being transmitted.

Advantages:

- Fixed-Sized: Easy to process.

- Variable-Sized: More efficient.

Disadvantages:

- Fixed-Sized: May waste space.

- Variable-Sized: More complex to manage.

3.3 Error Detection: Repetition Codes, Parity Bits, Checksums, CRC

Repetition Codes: Sends the same data multiple times.

Parity Bits: Adds an extra bit to make the number of 1's either even or odd.

Checksums: Adds up all bits and sends the sum for error checking.

CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check): More advanced method for error detection.

Advantages:

- Repetition: Simple.

- Parity: Simple error detection.

- CRC: Highly reliable.

Disadvantages:

- Repetition: Inefficient.

- Parity: Limited to detecting only certain errors.

- Checksums: Less reliable than CRC.

- CRC: More complex.

3.4 Error Correction: ARQ, Hamming Code

ARQ (Automatic Repeat Request): Requests retransmission if errors are detected.

Hamming Code: Adds extra bits to data to correct single-bit errors.

Advantages:

- ARQ: Reliable, simple.

- Hamming: Efficient error correction.

Disadvantages:

- ARQ: Requires additional time for retransmission.

- Hamming: Can only correct small errors.

Unit - IV Network Communication Models

4.1 OSI Model: Layered Architecture, Encapsulation

The OSI model defines seven layers for communication: Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport,

Session, Presentation, and Application. Each layer serves a specific function.

Encapsulation: Process of adding headers to data as it moves down the layers.

Advantages:

- Standardized communication.

Disadvantages:

- Complex and can cause overhead.

- Physical Layer: Transmits raw data over the physical medium.

- Data-Link Layer: Handles error detection and correction.

- Network Layer: Routes data across networks.

- Transport Layer: Ensures reliable end-to-end communication.

- Session Layer: Manages sessions between applications.

- Presentation Layer: Transforms data to a format suitable for the application layer.

- Application Layer: Provides services for network applications.

Advantages:

- Clear function for each layer.

Disadvantages:

- Adds complexity.

5.3 Network Connecting Devices: Switch, Router, Repeater, Bridge, Gateways and Modem

Switch: A device that connects devices in a LAN and forwards data based on MAC addresses.

Router: Connects different networks and routes data based on IP addresses.

Repeater: Amplifies signals to extend the range of communication.

Bridge: Connects and filters traffic between network segments based on MAC addresses.

Gateway: Connects different networks and performs protocol conversions.

Modem: Modulates and demodulates signals for data transmission over analog mediums.

Advantages:

- Each device serves a unique function in network communication.

Disadvantages:

- Devices like routers and gateways can be complex to configure.