Unit 3: Data Communications and Computer Networks 5 hrs

Basic Element of Communication System, Data Transmission Modes, Data

Transmission Speed; Data Transmission Media, What is computer network?
Network Types, Network Topologies, communication Protocol, wireless
Networking
Basic Element of Communication System:
A communication system is made up of the following components:
1. Message: A message is a piece of information that is to be transmitted from one person to
another. It could be a text file, an audio file, a video file, etc.
2. Sender: It is simply a device that sends data messages. It can be a computer, mobile, telephone,
laptop, video camera, or workstation, etc.
3. Receiver: It is a device that receives messages. It can be a computer, telephone mobile,
workstation, etc.
4. Transmission Medium / Communication Channels: Communication channels are the medium
that connect two or more workstations. Workstations can be connected by either wired media
or wireless media.
5. Set of rules (Protocol): When someone sends the data (The sender), it should be understandable
to the receiver also otherwise it is meaningless. For example, Sonali sends a message to Chetan.
If Sonali writes in Hindi and Chetan cannot understand Hindi, it is a meaningless conversation.
Data Transmission Modes:
 In computer networks, the term "media" refers to the physical or wireless pathways
through which data travels from one device to another. Media mode specifies how the
communication media is utilized in the network. This can be categorized into three
primary modes based on how data is transmitted:
 1. Simplex Mode
 2. Half-Duplex Mode
 3. Full-Duplex Mode
Data Transmission Speed
 Media speed refers to the rate at which data can be transmitted through the
communication medium. It is typically measured in bits per second (bps) or its multiples
(e.g., Kbps, Mbps, Gbps, or Tbps). Media speed depends on the type of communication
medium and the technology used.
 Factors that affect media speed:
 Data transfer rate: Also known as bandwidth, this refers to the amount of data that can
be transmitted in a given amount of time.
 Signal strength: This can be affected by the distance the signal has to travel and the type
of media it is traveling through.
 Interference: The level of interference can affect the speed of data transmission.

Ethernet Type Bandwidth Cable Type

10Base-T 10Mbps Cat 3/Cat 5 UTP

100Base-TX 100Mbps Cat 5 UTP

100Base-TX 200Mbps Cat 5 UTP

Data Transmission Media

What is computer network:
Computer Network: A computer network is a collection of linked computers and other gadgets
that enable resource sharing, data exchange, and communication. To facilitate effective data
exchange and user participation within the network, these networked devices can communicate
with one another and share resources like files, printers, and internet connections.
Local area networks (LANs) that connect computers and networks within a single structure,
wide area networks (WANs) that link geographically separated places, and global networks like
the Internet that connect computers and networks worldwide are just a few different
configurations for computer networks.

Network Types:
LAN:
1. It is a network owned by a private owner.
2. Personal computers, printers, etc., are connected through LAN.
3. LANs are very easy to design and troubleshoot.
4. A central database is used to connect the LAN networks.
5. The data transfer rate of LAN is 10 Gbits/s.
6. LANs are limited to local areas.
MAN:
1. MAN is a larger network than LAN.
2. The geographical area covered is larger than LAN.
3. MAN generally covers a city. The television network is the prime example of MAN.
4. Two or more computers are connected through this network.
WAN:
1. The largest area, like a country, is covered by WAN.
2. Different metropolitan countries are linked through the telecommunications network.
3. WAN may be interconnected in and around the world.
4. The connection between the networks is established through telephone lines or
satellites.

Network Topologies:
Topology defines the structure of the network of how all the components are interconnected
to each other. There are two types of topology: physical and logical topology. Physical topology
is the geometric representation of all the nodes in a network. The types of network topology
which are Bus Topology, Ring Topology, Star Topology.
1) Bus Topology

 The bus topology is designed in such a way that all the stations are connected through a
single cable known as a backbone cable.
 When a node wants to send a message over the network, it puts a message over the
network. All the stations available in the network will receive the message whether it
has been addressed or not.
 The bus topology is mainly used in 802.3 (ethernet) and 802.4 standard networks.
Advantages of Bus topology:
 Moderate data speeds: Coaxial or twisted pair cables are mainly used in bus-based
networks that support upto 10 Mbps.
 Limited failure: A failure in one node will not have any effect on other nodes.
Disadvantages of Bus topology:
 Extensive cabling: A bus topology is quite simpler, but still it requires a lot of cabling.
 Difficult troubleshooting: It requires specialized test equipment to determine the cable
faults. If any fault occurs in the cable, then it would disrupt the communication for all
the nodes.
2) Ring Topology
  Ring topology is like a bus topology, but with connected ends.
 The node that receives the message from the previous computer will retransmit to the
next node.
 The data flows in one direction, i.e., it is unidirectional.
Advantages of Ring topology:
 Network Management: Faulty devices can be removed from the network without
bringing the network down.
 Product availability: Many hardware and software tools for network operation and
monitoring are available.
Disadvantages of Ring topology:
 Difficult troubleshooting: It requires specialized test equipment to determine the cable
faults. If any fault occurs in the cable, then it would disrupt the communication for all
the nodes.
 Failure: The breakdown in one station leads to the failure of the overall network.
3) Star Topology
  Star topology is an arrangement of the network in which every node is connected to the
central hub, switch or a central computer.
 The central computer is known as a server, and the peripheral devices attached to the
server are known as clients.
 Coaxial cable or RJ-45 cables are used to connect the computers.
Advantages of Star topology
 Efficient troubleshooting: Troubleshooting is quite efficient in a star topology as
compared to bus topology. In a bus topology, the manager has to inspect the kilometers
of cable
 Network control: Complex network control features can be easily implemented in the
star topology. Any changes made in the star topology are automatically accommodated.
Disadvantages of Star topology
 A Central point of failure: If the central hub or switch goes down, then all the connected
nodes will not be able to communicate with each other.
 Cable: Sometimes cable routing becomes difficult when a significant amount of routing
is required.
communication Protocol:
A communication protocol is a set of rules that govern how information is exchanged between
devices, networks, and applications. They ensure that data is sent and received correctly, and
that it is secure and reliable.
 They enable interoperability and compatibility between devices and systems.
 They provide mechanisms for error detection, correction, encryption, and
authentication.
Example:
HTTP: A client-server model protocol that is the basis for data communication on the
World Wide Web.
SMTP: A protocol used to send and receive email messages over the internet.
FTP: A protocol used to transfer files from one host to another over a TCP-based
network.
TCP/IP: Suite of communication protocols used to connect network devices on the
internet.

Wireless Networking:
Wireless networking is a way to connect devices to a computer network without using cables. It
uses radio waves to transmit data between devices.
 A wireless access point (AP) broadcasts a wireless signal.
 Computers with wireless network adapters detect the signal and connect to the AP.
 The AP can serve as a gateway to a wired network, like the internet.
 Flexibility: Wireless networks allow users to move around without being tied to a fixed
connection point.
Types of wireless networks Wireless local area networks (WLAN), Wireless metropolitan area
networks (MAN), Wireless personal area networks (PAN), and Wireless wide area networks
(WAN).
Examples of wireless technologies Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Radio frequency identification (RFID),
Cellular communication, and Global positioning systems (GPS).