Data Communication

& Computer Network

 What is a Computer Network?
• Computer Network is a group of computers connected with each
other through wires, optical fibres or optical links so that various
devices can interact with each other through a network.
• Communication means sending and receiving data between
two people or nodes, where one acts as the sender and
another is the receiver. Nodes are the computers that
participate in the communication. More than two computers
can be involved.
• It is not about sharing data or information, through
communication it is possible to share resources also.
• In the case of computer network technology, there are several
types of networks that vary from simple to complex level.
Introduction to basic Networking
Terminology
Here are some basic terms and their definitions to help
you understand the fundamentals of networking:
• Network: A collection of interconnected devices, such
as computers, printers, and servers, that can
communicate with each other.

• Node: Any device connected to a network, such as a

computer, printer, or router.

• Protocol: A set of rules and standards that define how

devices on a network communicate with each other.
• IP Address: A unique numerical identifier assigned to each device
on a network, used to identify and communicate with other
devices.
• Router: A networking device that connects multiple networks
together and forwards data packets between them.
• Switch: A networking device that connects devices on a network
and forwards data packets between them.
• Firewall: A security device or software that monitors and controls
incoming and outgoing network traffic, based on a set of
predefined security rules.
• DNS (Domain Name System): A system that translates domain
names (such as www.example.com) into IP addresses, allowing
devices to locate and connect to websites and other network
resources.
• LAN (Local Area Network): A network that connects devices within
a limited geographical area, such as a home, office, or building.
• WAN (Wide Area Network): A network that connects devices over
a large geographical area, such as multiple offices in different cities
• DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol): A protocol that
automatically assigns IP addresses and network configuration
settings to devices on a network.
• TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol): A set
of protocols used to communicate over the internet and other
networks.
These are just a few basic networking terms, but
understanding them is essential to building a strong foundation in
computer networking.

Some basic Protocols are:

• IP : Internet Protocol
• FTP : File Transfer Protocol
• SMTP : Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
• HTTP : Hyper Text Transfer Protocol
 Components Of Computer Network:

A communication system is made up of the following components:

• 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.
• Sender: It is simply a device that sends data messages. It can be a computer,
mobile, telephone, laptop, video camera, or workstation, etc.
• Receiver: It is a device that receives messages. It can be a computer,
telephone mobile, workstation, etc.
• 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.
• 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, Anu sends a message to Pranitha. If Anu writes in Hindi and
Pranitha cannot understand Hindi, it is a meaningless conversation.
Therefore, there are some set of rules (protocols) that is followed by every computer
connected to the internet. There are two types of protocols Transmission Control
Protocol(TCP) and the other one is User Datagram Protocol (UDP).:

1. Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)

2. Internet Protocol(IP)
1. Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)

• TCP(Transmission Control Protocol): It is responsible for

dividing messages into packets on the source computer and
reassembling the received packet at the destination or
recipient computer.
• It also makes sure that the packets have the information about
the source of the message data, the destination of the
message data, the sequence in which the message data should
be re-assembled, and checks if the message has been sent
correctly to the specific destination.
 IP(Internet Protocol):
• Do You ever wonder how computer determines which packet belongs to which
device. What happens if the message you sent to your friend is received by your
father? Scary Right. Well!

• IP is responsible for handling the address of the destination computer so that

each packet is sent to its proper destination.
Transmission Modes in Computer Networks

• Transmission mode, also known as a communication mode, is

the transfer of data between two devices via a communication
channel that includes an optical fiber, wireless
channels, copper wires, and other storage media .
• Data is transmitted between two devices in the form of
electromagnetic waves. There are numerous data transmission
methods in which the message is delivered in the form of a
sequence of pulses utilizing digital modulation.
The transmission mode is classified into three types:
• simplex,
• half duplex,
• full duplex.
What are Transmission Modes in Computer Networks?

• The Data Transmission mode specifies the direction of

information flow between two communication devices via
a communication channel that includes an optical
fiber, wireless channels, copper wires, and other storage
media . It is also known as Data Communication Mode.

• The transmission mode is sometimes referred to as a

directional mode because each communication channel is
coupled with a direction provided by the transmission media.
 Types of Transmission Mode
• The term transmission mode refers to the transmission of information
between two communication devices via an interaction channel that
indicates the direction of information flow between the devices. There
are three primary types of transmission modes based on the direction of
the exchange of information. The first is simplex, followed by half duplex,
and finally full duplex.
 Simplex mode
• The Simplex transmission mode is used in computing networks when there is
a single or one-way flow of information from sender to receiver. In this mode
of transmission, communication occurs only in one direction, i.e., the circuit is
configured so that it is either transmit only or receive only. Simplex mode is
just like a one-way road in which the traffic travels only in one direction, which
means no vehicle from the opposite direction is allowed to drive through.
• Simplex transmission mode is not very popular as mainly communications
require two-way data exchange . The simplex mode is used in business as in
sales that do not require a corresponding reply.
Examples
• A basic example of simplex transmission mode is communication
between a computer and a keyboard. The keyboard can only accept data
from the user, and the monitor can only display data on the screen.
• The radio station is a simplex channel since it transmits the signal but
never permits listeners to transmit it back.
Advantages
• The station can broadcast more data at once when operating in simplex
mode since it can use the complete bandwidth of the communication
channel.
• In a simplex mode of transmission, radio stations can use the complete
bandwidth of the communicating channel to send all data in one shot
with no data loss.
Disadvantages
• The simplex transmission mode is primarily utilized in corporate
environments where rapid response is not necessary because
communications primarily involve two-way data exchange .
• Since device communication is unidirectional in simplex mode, there is
no intercommunication between them.
 Half duplex mode
The half duplex mode of transmission is used in computer networks when there is a
way to flow information from sender to receiver but only one at a time. In this mode,
the connected devices can transmit or receive the data but not simultaneously. In
half duplex mode, the direction of communication can be reversed as the radio
stations can receive as well as transmit the data. The half-duplex mode is used when
communication in both directions is not required at the same time .
Examples
• A communication using a Walkie-talkie is an example of a half
duplex mode. When using a walkie-talkie, one party speaks while
the other listens. After a slight pause, the other party speaks while
the first party listens. Speaking at the same time produces a
distorted sound that cannot be understood.
Advantages
• In half duplex mode, error detection is available, and if an error
occurs, the receiver demands that the sender retransmit the data.
• Since this method of transmission allows for two-way
communication, the entire bandwidth of the communication
channel is used in only one direction at a time.
Disadvantages
• In half duplex mode, when one of the devices is sending the data,
then another one has to wait. This causes a delay in sending the
data at the right time.
Full duplex
The Full Duplex mode of transmission is used in computing networks when
there is simultaneous information flow in both directions, from sender to
receiver. In this mode of transmission, the channel capacity is shared
between the two devices, and communication occurs in both directions
across a communication link that requires two wires. The Full Duplex mode
features two simplex channels. One channel has traffic flowing in one
direction, while the other channel has traffic flowing in the other way. The
full duplex mode is used when communication in both directions is required.
Examples
• A telephone network in which two people communicate over a
phone line on which both can talk and listen at the same time.
• In the messaging app, we can send and receive messages
simultaneously.
Advantages
• The full duplex transmission mode is the fastest because the
transmission happens in both ways.
• Both stations can send and receive data simultaneously.
Disadvantages
• No dedicated path exists between the devices, the communication
channel's capacity is divided into two parts.
Differences between Simplex, Half-Duplex, and Full-Duplex Mode

Basis for Comparison Simplex mode Half Duplex mode Full Duplex mode

Bidirectional flow of
Unidirectional flow of Bidirectional information flow in both
Direction of information from sender to
information from the directions, from the sender to the
communication receiver but only one at a
sender to the receiver. receiver.
time.

A device can only send

Both devices can send
data but cannot receive it, Both devices can send and receive
Transmit/Receive and receive data, but only
or it can only receive data data simultaneously.
one can do so at a time.
but cannot send it.

Relatively faster than

Speed Slow Fastest transmission mode.
simplex mode.

The entire bandwidth of It either uses two simplex bandwidth

It uses the complete
the communication communication channel or divide the
Utilization of bandwidth bandwidth of the
channel is used in only complete bandwidth channel into two
communicating channel.
one direction at a time. parts for data transmission.

Communication between
Communication using a A telephone network in which two
Example a computer and a
walkie-talkie. people communicate over a phone line.
keyboard.