Define Tele-communication and Data-communication.

Telecommunication :
• refers to the transmission of information over long distances using electronic means.
• It involves sending and receiving data, voice, video, and other forms of communication
through devices such as telephones, radios, televisions, and computers.
• The key components include transmission media (wires, fiber optics, radio waves), signal
encoding, and protocols.
• Examples of telecommunication systems include landline phones, mobile networks, and
satellite communication.

Data Communication
• is the exchange of data between devices or systems through transmission mediums like
cables, fiber optics, or wireless networks.
• It involves the transfer of digital or analog data between devices, such as computers or
smartphones, enabling sharing of information.
• Data communication uses various protocols to ensure data integrity, speed, and security.
• Examples include internet browsing, email communication, and file transfers.

Which are components of Data Communications?

The components of Data Communication ensure the successful transfer of data between
devices. These components include:
1. Message
o The information or data to be communicated, such as text, images, audio, video, or any
other type of digital or analog data.
2. Sender
o The device or entity that initiates and transmits the message, such as a computer,
smartphone, or sensor.
3. Receiver
o The device or entity that receives and interprets the message, such as another
computer, smartphone, or server.
4. Transmission Medium
o The physical or wireless medium through which the data is transmitted. Examples
include:
1. Physical media: Copper cables, fiber-optic cables.
2. Wireless media: Radio waves, microwaves, infrared signals.
5. Protocol
o A set of rules and conventions that govern data transmission. Protocols ensure proper
data formatting, error detection, synchronization, and reliable communication.
o Examples include TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP, and Bluetooth protocols.

List out various network criteria. Explain each in details.

1. Performance
o Refers to how well a network operates in terms of speed and efficiency.
o Determined by factors such as:
▪ Bandwidth: Maximum data transfer capacity.
▪ Latency: Delay in data transmission.
▪ Throughput: Actual data transferred in a given time.
▪ Error Rate: Number of corrupted data bits during transmission.
o Ensures faster data transmission and minimal delays.
2. Reliability
o Measures the consistency of a network's operation.
o Focuses on:
▪ Reducing downtime.
▪ Minimizing failure frequency.
▪ Ensuring quick recovery after disruptions.
o Ensures continuous communication without frequent interruptions.
3. Security
o Ensures the network and its data are protected from unauthorized access,
tampering, and cyber threats.
o Involves:
▪ Confidentiality: Restricting access to authorized users.
▪ Integrity: Ensuring data remains unaltered.
▪ Availability: Keeping resources accessible.
o Achieved through firewalls, encryption, and secure protocols.

What is Network?
• A network is a collection of interconnected devices that share resources, communicate,
and exchange data.
• Connections can be Wired: Using cables and Wireless: Using signals.
• Networks are essential for:
 o Sharing files.
o Accessing the internet.
o Enabling communication across devices.
Explain modes of data flow with examples and figures.

Data communication can be categorized into three modes depending on the direction of data flow:
1. Simplex
o Communication occurs in only one direction.
o Radio broadcast or television.
▪ The sender (radio station) transmits signals, but the receiver (radio listener)
cannot send signals back.
o Unidirectional communication.

2. Half-Duplex
o Communication occurs in both directions, but only one direction at a time.
o Walkie-talkies.
▪ When one person talks, the other listens. Only one can send information at a
time.
o Alternating communication.

3. Full-Duplex
o Communication occurs simultaneously in both directions.
o A computer connected to a network can send and receive data at the same time.
▪ Another example is a phone call where both participants can talk and listen
simultaneously.
o Bidirectional simultaneous communication.

Differentiate LAN and WAN.

Aspect LAN (Local Area Network) WAN (Wide Area Network)

Definition Connects devices in a small area. Connects devices over large

distances.

Coverage Limited to a building or campus. Covers cities, countries, or

continents.

Ownership Owned by one organization or Shared by multiple organizations.

person.

Speed High-speed data transfer. Slower due to longer distances.

Cost Low installation and maintenance High costs for setup and
costs. operation.

Technology Uses Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Uses leased lines or satellites.

Reliability More reliable with fewer Less reliable due to external

disruptions. factors.

List out Advantages of the network.

1. File Sharing: Enables easy sharing of files between devices connected to the network.
2. Resource Sharing: Allows sharing of resources like printers, scanners, and storage
devices across multiple computers.
3. Communication: Facilitates easy communication through email, messaging, and video
calls.
4. Flexible Access: Users can access data and resources from different locations,
enhancing mobility.
 5. Workgroup Computing: Tools like Microsoft BackOffice enable collaboration, allowing
multiple users to work on a document simultaneously.
6. Error Reduction and Improved Consistency: By using a central source of information,
errors are reduced, and consistency is maintained across all documents, such as
manuals and directories.

List out Disadvantages of the network.

1. Extra Hardware Required: Additional devices like servers, routers, and switches are
needed to set up and maintain a network.
2. Security Headaches: Networks are vulnerable to hacking and unauthorized access if
security measures are weak.
3. Data Theft: Hackers may steal data or sensitive information if the network security is not
strong.
4. Virus Spread: A virus in one computer can spread across the entire network, affecting
other systems.
5. Resource Sharing Issues: Networked computers rely on a central server for resources,
which can lead to inefficiency or bottlenecks.
6. Privacy Concerns: Sharing information over a network can sometimes lead to the leakage
of sensitive client data.
7. Maintenance Required: Regular maintenance, including backups and restoring data, is
necessary to keep the network running smoothly.

List out applications/uses of the network.

Network Application Areas
Here are potential application areas that can benefit from establishing computer networks:
1. Information Retrieval Systems
o Searching for books, technical reports, papers, and articles on specific topics.
2. News Access Machines
o Searching for past news stories or abstracts with search criteria.
3. Reservation Systems
o Airline, hotel, railway, and car rental reservations.
4. Writer’s Aid
o Access to a dictionary, thesaurus, phrase generator, quotations, and
encyclopedias.
5. Stock Market Information Systems
o Searching stocks based on specific criteria, performance comparisons, and
forecasting.
6. Electronic Financial Transactions (EFT)
o Transactions between banks and cheque clearing houses.
7. Online Games
o Games that evolve or change as enthusiasts contribute

Explain point-to-point and multi-point type of connection.

Point-to-Point Connection
• Definition: A point-to-point connection is a direct connection between two devices or
systems, forming a dedicated link between them.
• Characteristics:
o Simple and efficient.
o No sharing of communication path between other devices.
o Data can flow in either direction, but only between the two devices involved.
o Examples include a telephone call between two people or a dedicated cable
between two computers.
Multi-Point Connection
• Definition: A multi-point connection involves a single communication channel shared by
multiple devices. It allows more than two devices to communicate over the same
medium.
• Characteristics:
o Communication is shared among all connected devices.
o Devices must manage the sharing of bandwidth and resources.
o Examples include a network where multiple computers share the same Wi-Fi
connection or a conference call where many people are connected at once.
o It can be either half-duplex or full-duplex, depending on the network design.
List out topology of the network. Explain each one in detail.

Mesh Topology Star Topology

Bus Topology Ring Topology

Bus Topology
• Description: In bus topology, all devices are connected to a single cable or backbone.
Advantages
1. Small Network Efficiency: It works well for small networks.
2. Simple Setup: The linear connection makes it easy to set up.
3. Less Cable Usage: Requires less cabling than star topology.
Disadvantages
1. Troubleshooting Difficulty: It's hard to identify issues if the network fails.
2. Not Suitable for Large Networks: It is inefficient for large networks.
3. Network Failures: If the main cable is damaged, the entire network fails.
4. Slower with Additional Devices: Adding devices slows down the network.

Define Protocol. Explain its 3 elements in detail.

Protocols
• A protocol is a set of rules that govern data communication.
• It defines how data is communicated, when it is communicated, and how it is interpreted.
• The key elements of a protocol are syntax, semantics, and timing.
Elements of a Protocol
1. Syntax
o Refers to the structure or format of the data.
o Determines how the bits are arranged and read, including field delineation (how bits
are grouped into fields).
2. Semantics
o Interprets the meaning of the bits.
o Defines which fields in the message represent specific actions or data.
3. Timing
o Specifies when data should be sent.
o Ensures proper timing for the speed at which data should be transmitted or
received.

Write short note on Hub

• A hub has multiple input lines that it joins electrically.

• Frames arriving on any line are broadcast to all other lines.
 • If two frames arrive at the same time, they will collide, similar to what happens in a coaxial
cable.
• All the lines connected to a hub must operate at the same speed.
• Hubs differ from repeaters in that they do not amplify incoming signals; instead, they
forward data.
• Like repeaters, hubs are physical layer devices and do not examine or use link-layer
addresses.

Write short note on Router.

• When a packet arrives at a router, the frame and trailer are stripped off.
• The packet within the frame’s payload field is then passed to the router’s routing
software for further processing.

Differentiate hub and repeater.

Feature Hub Repeater

Function Broadcasts data to all connected Amplifies and retransmits signals.

devices.

Layer Physical Layer (Layer 1) Physical Layer (Layer 1)

Signal No amplification; just forwards data. Amplifies weak signals to extend

Amplification range.

Traffic Can handle multiple devices (ports). Only regenerates signals, not data
Handling traffic.

Collisions Collisions can occur as data is No direct effect on collisions.

broadcasted.

Speed Control All connected devices must operate Does not control speed, just signal
at the same speed. strength.

Purpose Used to connect multiple devices in a Used to extend the range of a

network. network by boosting signals

Write short note on Transport gateway.

Transport Gateways
o Connect two computers using different connection-oriented transport protocols.
o Example: A transport gateway enables communication between a computer using
TCP/IP and another using SCTP (Stream Control Transmission Protocol).
o It copies packets from one protocol, reformats them, and forwards them to the other
connection.

Write short note on Application gateway.

Application Gateways
o Understand the format and contents of data and can translate messages between
different formats.
o Example: An email gateway translates Internet messages into SMS messages for
mobile phones.
o A general term, gateway refers to a forwarding process operating at a higher layer of the
network stack.