Chapter 4

Data Communication

Data Communication
Data - Information that has been processed, organized,
and stored.
Data can be alphabetic, numeric, or symbolic and
consist of any one or combination of binary-code
alpha/numeric symbols, microprocessor op-codes,
control codes, user address, program data, or data
base information.
Data communications simply mean the transferring of
digital information(usually in binary form) between two
or more points (terminals).
At both the source and destination, data are in digital
form; however, during transmission, they can be in
digital or analog form.

Application of Data
Communication
Electronic Mail (e-mail or Email)
Videotext (Games, distance education
lectures)
Teleconferencing
Automated Banking Machines
Electronic Bulletin Boards
Groupware

Synchronous Digital Hierarchy

(SDH)
Synchronous

optical networking (SONET)&synchronous digital

hierarchy (SDH)arestandardizedmultiplexingprotocolsthattransfer
multipledigitalbitstreamsoveropticalfiberusinglasersor
light-emittingdiodes(LEDs)

SDHisthestandardintelecommunicationnetworksnow
Themajorgoals:

AvoidtheproblemsofPDH
Achievehigherbitrates(Gbit/s)
Itisdesignedtotransportvoiceratherthandata
Itcoversthelower2-3OSIlayers
SONET/SDHdefinesonlyapoint-to-pointconnectioninthenetwork

WHY WE NEED SDH

The Plesiochronous Digital Hierarchy
had a number of problems:
Each multiplexing section has to
add
overhead bits for justification
{higher rate -> more overhead)
Each part of the world has its own
transmission hierarchy (expensive
interconnection equipment)
Justification (bit stuffing) spreads
data over the frame

add-drop-multiplexers are
hard to build
extract a single voice call ->
demultiplex all steps down
switching of bundles of calls (n
* 64 kbit/s) is difficult
(every switch has to
demultiplex down to DS0 level)
The management and
monitoring functions were not
sufficient in PDH
PDH did not define a standard
format on the transmission
link
Every vendor used its own line
coding, optical interfaces etc
Very hard to interoperate

SDH LAYERING

SONET/SDH system consists of switches, multiplexers and

repeaters(and the fiber in between)
PATH is the connection between source and destination
LINE runs between two multiplexers (possibly through
repeaters)
SECTION is the connection of any two devices (point-to
point)

Plesiochronous Digital
Hierarchy(PDH)
ThePlesiochronous Digital
Hierarchy(PDH) is a technology used in
telecommunications networksto transport
large quantities of data over digital
transport equipment such asfibre opticand
microwave radiosystems.
works in a state when the various different
parts of a network are clearly synchronized.
being replaced bySDH/ SONETequipment
in most telecommunications networks.

Weakness of PDH
Asynchronous structure that is rigid.
Restricted management capacity.
Non availability of world standard on the
digital formats.
No optical interfaces world standard and
without an optical level, networking is not
possible.

Advantages of SDH

optical interfaces
capability of powerful management
world standard digital format
synchronous structure is flexible
cost effective and easy traffic cross
connection capacity and add and drop
facility
reduced networking cost due to the
transversal compatibility
forward and backward compatibility

SDH Advantages vs PDH

Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH)

SDH is based on the principal of direct synchronous
multiplexing.
Essentially, separate, slower signals can be
multiplexed directly onto higher speed SDH signals
without intermediate stages of multiplexing.
SDH is more flexible than PDH and provides advanced
network management and maintenance features.
Can be used in the three traditional
telecommunications areas: long-haul networks, local
networks and loop carriers. It can also be used to
carry CATV video traffic.

History of
Telecommunications
Invention of telegraph Samuel Morse 1837
Invention of telephone- Alexander Graham
Bell 1876
Development of wireless -1896

History of Telecommunications
Continued.
Telecommunications Act of 1996
Three main developments that led to the
growth of data communications systems:

Large-scale integration of circuits reduced the

cost and size of terminals and comm equipment
Developments of software systems made
establishment of communication networks easy
Competition among providers of transmission
facilities reduced the cost of data circuits

History of Data
Communication
Transistor developed by Bell Labs 1947
Hush-a-Phone Case
Carterphone case
MCI and Long Distance
Creation of networks (LANs and WANs)
Data Link Protocols
Microcomputers

http://carl.sandiego.edu/itmg360/internet_hi
story.htm

Simplified block diagram of a

data communications network

There is a source of digital information (primary station), a

transmission medium (facility) and a destination (secondary station).

The digital information is then transferred by using the transmission

medium such as free-space radio transmission, metallic cable
facilities (both digital and analog systems), and fiber-optic cable (light
wave propagation).

Data terminal equipment (DTE) refers to the interface

equipment used at the station (between the host and modem) to
adapt the digital signals from the computer and terminals to a suitable
form for transmission.

Data communications equipment (DCE) is a modem (modulator /

demodulator). It converts binary digital signals to analog signals

Simplified block diagram of a

data communications network

Serial and Parallel Data

Transmission

There are two basic ways to transfer binary

information from one place to another:
serial and parallel.

Serial Data Transmission

Serial Data Transmission

In serial data transfers, each bit of the word
is transmitted one after another.
Due to the sequential nature of the serial
data transmission, usually it takes longer
time to send this way.
Serial transmission is used for longdistance communications.

Parallel Data Transmission

Figure: Parallel Data Transmission

Parallel Data Transmission

In parallel data transfer, all the bits of a

code word are transferred simultaneously
and as a result, it is extremely fast.
In parallel data transmission, there is
one wire for each bit of information to be
transmitted. This means a multi wire cable
must be used.
As a general rule, parallel transmission is
used for short-distance communications and
within a computer.

Differences between SDT

&PDT
Serial Data Transmission

Parallel Data Transmission

a group of data bits are

transferred one bit at a time

group of bits are transferred

simultaneously

less cables used

More cables used

Ideal for long distance

transmission

Short distance

Cheaper

Expensive (more wires used)

Modes of Data
Transmission
Modes of Data Transmission is the flow of
data between two points. There are several
types modes of data transmission:
Simplex
Half Duplex
Full Duplex

Simplex

Data flows in only one direction on the data

communication line (medium). Examples are radio
and television broadcasts. They go from
the TV station to your home television.

Half Duplex

data flows in both directions but only one

direction at a time on the data communication
line. For example, a conversation on walkietalkies is a half-duplex data flow. Each person
takes turns talking. If both talk at once - nothing
occurs!

Bi-directional but only 1 direction at a time!

Figure: Half-Duplex transmission

Full Duplex
data flows in both directions simultaneously.
Modems are configured to flow data in both
directions.
Full duplex (FDX) operation requires 2
separate communication channels, so that
simultaneous 2 way communication can
occur.
Generally, this is accomplished by a 4 wire
circuit.

Full Duplex

Figure: Full-Duplex transmission

Data flow (simplex, half-duplex, and full-duplex)

Devices used to connects

network of computer

Hub/ Concentrator

is a device that provides a central connection point for cables from

workstations, servers, and peripherals.
In a star topology, twisted-pair wire is run from each workstation to a
central concentrator.
Hubs are multi slot concentrators into which can be plugged a number of
multi-port cards to provide additional access as the network grows in size.
Some concentrators are passive, that is they allow the signal to pass from
one computer to another without any change.
Most concentrators are active, that is they electrically amplify the signal as
it moves from one device to another. Active concentrators are used like
repeaters to extend the length of a network.
Concentrators are:
Usually configured with 8, 12, or 24 RJ-45 ports
Often used in a star or star-wired ring topology
Sold with specialized software for port management
Also called hubs
Usually installed in a standardized metal rack that also may store net
modems, bridges, or routers

Router
device that connects multiple networks that use
similar or different protocols.
It manages the best route between any two
communication networks.
It consists of hardware and software. The hardware
can be a network server or a separate computer.
The software includes operating system and
routing protocol.
Routers are used when several networks are
connected together. They can connect networks of
different countries. They transfer data in less time.

Gateway
device that connects two or more networks
with different types of protocols.
Two different types of networks require a
gateway to communicate with each other.
It receives data from one network and
converts it according to the protocol of
other network. For example, the computers
on a LAN require gateway to access the
internet.

Bridge
device that connects two network segments.
It is used to connect similar types of networks.
When a bridge receives a signal, it determines
the segment where the signal should be sent.
It reads the addresses of sending and
receiving computers. If both computes are in
the same segment, bridge does not pass the
signal to the other segment.
It reduces network traffic and increases
network performance.

What is Protocol?
Is a set of rules that governs data
communications.
It represents an agreement between
communicating devices.
Without a protocol, two devices may be
connected but not communicating.

What is topology?
The physical topology of a network refers
to the configuration of cables, computers,
and other peripherals.
Physical topology should not be confused
with logical topology which is the method
used to pass information between
workstations.
Logical topology refer to how data is
actually transferred in a network as
opposed to its physical design.

Nodes
A set of devices (e.g: workstations, computer,
printer)
Backbone
One long cable that link all the devices in a
network.
Drop line
Is a connection running between the device and
the main cable.
Tap
Is a connector that splices into the main cable.

Bus Topology
Uses a trunk or backbone to which all of the
computers on the network connect.
All nodes (file server, workstations, and
peripherals) are connected to the linear
cable.

Bus Topology
Advantages

Disadvantages

Cheap and easy to implement

Network disruption when

computers are
added or removed

Require less cable

A fault or break in the bus cable

stops all transmission.

Does not use any specialized

network equipment.

Difficult to troubleshoot/ Difficult

to identify the problem if the
entire network shuts down.

Star Topology

is designed with each node (file server,

workstations, and peripherals) connected directly
to a central network hub, switch, or concentrator.

Figure: Star topology

Star Topology

Data on a star network passes through the hub,

switch, or concentrator before continuing to its
destination.
The hub, switch, or concentrator manages and
controls all functions of the network. It also acts as
a repeater for the data flow.
This configuration is common with twisted pair
cable; however, it can also be used with coaxial
cable or fiber optic cable.
Each device requires a single cable
Most widely implemented
Hub is the single point of failure

Advantages of a Star Topology

Easy to install and wire.
No disruptions to the network when connecting or
removing devices.
Easy to detect faults and to remove parts.
Security can be implemented on the hub/switch.

Disadvantages of a Star Topology

Requires more cable length than a linear topology.
If the hub, switch, or concentrator fails, nodes attached
are disabled.
More expensive than linear bus topologies because of
the cost of the hubs, etc.

Ring Topology

Computers connected in a closed loop

First passes data to second, second passes data to third,
and so on.
In practice, there is a short connector cable from the
computer to the ring
Primarily is used for LANs, but also is used in WANs

Ring Topology
Advantages

Disadvantages

Cable faults are easily located,

making troubleshooting easier

Expansion to the network can

cause network disruption

Ring networks are moderately

easy to install

A single break in the cable can

disrupt the entire network.

Mesh Topology

Each computer connects to every other.

High level of redundancy.
Rarely used.
Wiring is very complicated
Cabling cost is high
Troubleshooting a failed cable is tricky
A variation hybrid mesh create point to point
connection between specific network devices,
often seen in WAN implementation.

Mesh Topology

Advantage of Mesh Topology

The arrangement of the network nodes is such that it is possible to
transmit data from one node to many other nodes at the same time.
The use of dedicated link guarantees that each connection can carry
its own data load. It eliminates traffic problem.
If one link becomes unusable, it does not harm the entire system.
Privacy & security. When every message travels along a dedicated
line, only the recipient see it.

Disadvantage of Mesh Topology

More cabling & number of I/O ports required.
A full mesh network can be very expensive.(hardware)
The sheer bulk of the wiring can be greater than the available
space(in walls, ceilings, or floors) can be accommodate.
It is difficult to install and reconfigure.

Hybrid Topology
A combination of any two or more network
topologies.
hybrid topology is always produced when
two different basic network topologies are
connected.
Two common examples for Hybrid network
are:star ring networkandstar bus network

Hybrid - Star Bus Topology

Hybrid - Star Bus Topology

In a star-bus topology, several star topology
networks are linked to a bus connection.
In this topology, if a computer fails, it will
not affect the rest of the network.
However, if the central component, or hub,
that attaches all computers in a star is fails,
there is a big problems since no computer
will be able to communicate.

Hybrid Star Ring

Topology

Hybrid Star Ring

Topology
The computers are connected to a central
component as in a star network. These
components, however, are wired to form a
ring network.
Like the star-bus topology, if a single
computer fails, it will not affect the rest of the
network. By using token passing, each
computer in a star-ring topology has an equal
chance of communicating. This allows for
greater network traffic between segments
than in a star-bus topology.

Hybrid Topology
Advantages

Disadvantages

Faster speed

Difficult to design, complicated

More reliability

hard to troubleshoot

More efficiency

Exercise
Draw a hybrid topology with a star
backbone and 3 ring topology.

Local Area Networks (LAN)

suppliesnetworkingcapabilitytoagroupofcomputersin
closeproximitytoeachothersuchasinanoffice
building,aschool,orahome.
LANsaredesignedtoallowresourcestobeshared
betweenpersonalcomputersorworkstations.
isusefulforsharingresourceslikefiles,printers,games
orotherapplications.(hardware&software)
ALANinturnoftenconnectstootherLANs,andtothe
InternetorotherWAN.
Arebuildwithrelativelyinexpensivehardwaresuch
asEthernetcables,networkadapters,andhubs.

Local Area Networks (LAN)

The most common type of local area network is an

Ethernet LAN.
LAN size is limited to a few kilometers.
Data rates much higher
Error rates much lower
The smallest home LAN can have exactly two
computers; a large LAN can accommodate many
thousands of computers.

LANs

Advantages of LANs

Files can be stored on a central computer (the file server) allowing data to
be shared throughout an organization.

Files can be backed up more easily when they are all on a central fileserver
rather than when they are scattered across a number of independent
workstations.

Networks also allow security to be established, ensuring that the network

users may only have access to certain files and applications.

Software and resources can be centrally managed.

Network versions of software often allow for their speedy installation on

workstations from the file server.

Expensive devices such as laser printers or scanners can be shared.

Users can access their files from any workstation.

Disadvantages of LANs

If Sever develops a fault then users may not be able to run the
application programs.
A fault in the network can cause user to lose the data.
If the network stops operating then it may not be possible to access to
various computers.
It is difficult to make the system secure from hackers, or industrial
espionage.
Decisions on resource planning tend to become centralized.
Networks that have grown with little thought can be inefficient in the
long term.
As traffic increases on a network the performance degrades unless it is
designed properly.
The larger the network becomes difficult to manage.

Metropolitan Area Networks

(MANs)
is acomputer networkthat usually spans a
city or a large campus.
usually interconnects a number of local area
networks(LANs) using a high-capacity
backbone technology, such as fiber-optical
links, and provides up-link services towide
area networks (or WAN) and theinternet.
MAN links between local area networks have
been built without cables using
eithermicrowave, radio, orinfra-red laser
links.

CoverageofMANamong10 to50 km.

Support both data & voice.

Wide Area Networks

(WANs)
Wide Area Network: Network that connects
long distances and two or more LANs.
Large geographical area
A WAN is a geographically-dispersed
collection of LANs.

Wide Area Networks

(WANs)
A network device called arouter connects
LANs to a WAN.
In IP networking, the router maintains both a
LAN address and a WAN address.
Relyinpartoncommoncarriercircuits(PSTN)
Implementedusingfollowingtechnologies
Circuitswitching
Packetswitching
Framerelay
AsynchronousTransferMode(ATM)

Global Area Networks

(GANs)
Global Area Network (GAN) is a network that
is composed of different interconnected
computer networks and covers an unlimited
geographical area.
People will access information through a
Global Area Network (GAN) with anwireless
signal that grants access to satellite radio,
cellular networks, etc.

LAN, WAN and Home

Networking

Residences typically employ one LAN and

connect to the Internet WAN via anInternet
Service Provider (ISP)using abroadband
modem. The ISP provides a WANIP addressto
the modem, and all of the computers on the
home network use LAN (so-calledprivate) IP
addresses. All computers on the home LAN can
communicate directly with each other but must
go through a central gateway, typically
abroadband router, to reach the ISP.

Malaysian ISP

Malaysia Online - a commercial Integrated Value Added Services Provider.

Nasionet - a local commercial integrated value added services provider.

Silicon Central - Internet access, networking and Internet consulting.

Jaring - dial-up and leased line Internet access provider, Web hosting, virtual
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Putra.Net - offers Internet access, intranet, e-commerce, electronic publishing,

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TIMENet Central - provides dial-up, broadband, and Internet roaming access

with webmail, mobile messaging, and more. Site features local and
international news, travel reservation, and lifestyle, and friend finder channels.

Maxis Net - ISP with no registration or monthly subscription fees. Also offers
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TMnet - offers Internet access services, commerce and application services,

and content aggregation.

THANK YOU