Unit 2- Data communication and Networking

Q. Define data/ network communication. What are its major

components/elements?
Ans: Data communication: Communication is defined as the
exchange of electronic form of information between sender and
receiver devices with the help of means/ medium of
communication. Television, radio and internet are very popular and
widely used as means of communication.
Its major elements/components are:
1. Message: The message is data or information such as text,
number, picture, audio and video.
2. Sender/Source: The sender device sends message to the
receiver and it can be computer, workstation or any networking
devices.
3. Receiver/Sink: the receiver device receives the message from
the medium and it can be computer, workstation or any
networking devices.
4. Transmission medium/ Channel: The transmission medium is
physical connection in which a message can travel from sender to
receiver and vice versa. The medium can be wired or wireless.

5. Protocols: A protocol is a set of common rules that manages the

data communication. Without protocol two devices can be connected
but not be communicated.

Basic elements
6. Source encoder: A source encoder is a translator that converts the
information into an electrical form called message signal. This
encoded message then transferred to the transmitter.

7. Source decoder: A source decoder converts the electrical signal

back to a form acceptable to the receiver. This decoded message then
transferred to the user.
Q. Define computer network. What are its merits and demerits?
Ans: A computer network consists of two or more computers that are
linked in order to share resources (such as printers and CDs),
exchange files, or allow electronic communications. The computers
on a network may be linked through cables, telephone lines, radio
waves, satellites, or infrared light beams.
Merits:
1. Ease of accessibility (k|of]u):
Modern computer networks are easy to explore. So, even if you are a
kid or a person new to technology, you'll find it easy to connect.

2. Great storage capacity:

Organizations have an abundance(large) of data that needs to be
stored. For that purpose, they are required to store them in a central
server. A central server is a remote server that is accessible to each
and every employee. So, if in case one loses the data, others have it.

3. Resource sharing:
The main aim of a computer network is to enable sharing of resources
among its users. You can use resources such as printers, scanners and
photocopy machines that can be shared across multiple users.
4. Security:
Computer networks provide security through authorization.
Authorization is done via user id and password. So, it ensures that
when we log in, we are only able to do it when there is a perfect
match between our details and the details stored in the database.

5. Reduced cost:
Cost is one of the crucial factors that one needs to consider while
evaluating the pros and cons of a particular technology. In
networking, a central server is used that enables companies to store
files in one place and thus reducing file storage expenses.
Demerits:
1. Lack of robustness/ durability - l6sfp _M
Computer networks rely on the main server called the central server.
If the central server malfunctions or there is an issue in the central
server, then the entire network would stop functioning. So, this is a
major disadvantage due to dependency on a single server.

2. Spread of computer virus:

As computers in a network are interconnected, there is a high
probability that if one of the computers is affected by the virus,
others too can get affected. This spread can actually damage the
entire system.

3. Independence issues:
The entire networking system is based on a centralized server, so it
lacks independence. So, individual users lack the freedom to use the
computer as per their wish.
4. Health issues:
Computer network provides access to a length of services including
entertainment, gaming, and movies. These result in making you
addicted to the content and thus results in overuse of these services.
This excessive screen time makes you feel lethargic(tired), causes eye
strain(damage) and body pain.

4. Lack of productivity:
Since a network has a lot of advantages and applications, it is sure
that it results in simultaneous use of many services that cause
disturbance. Thus, due to employees focusing on a myriad(many) of
tasks, productivity issues are quite common.
Q. What do you mean by transmission/ communication mode? What
are its types?
Ans: Transmission mode refers to the mechanism of transferring of
data between two devices connected over a network. It is also called
communication Mode.
There are three modes of transmission, namely: simplex, half duplex,
and full duplex.
1. Simplex: In simplex transmission mode, the communication
between sender and receiver occurs in only one direction. The
sender can only send the data, and the receiver can only receive the
data. The receiver cannot reply to the sender. E.g. Radio, TV etc.
2. Half Duplex: The communication between sender and receiver
occurs in both directions in half duplex transmission, but only one at a
time. The sender and receiver can both send and receive the
information, but only one is allowed to send at any given time. For
example, in walkie-talkies, the speakers at both ends can speak, but
they have to speak one by one. They cannot speak simultaneously.

3. Full Duplex: In full duplex transmission mode, the communication

between sender and receiver can occur simultaneously. The sender
and receiver can both transmit and receive at the same time. For
example, in a telephone conversation, two people communicate, and
both are free to speak and listen at the same time.
Q. What are the types of computer network?
Ans: The types of computer network are:
1. LAN
2. MAN
3. WAN
4. PAN

1. LAN (Local Area Network(LAN):

•Local Area Network is a group of computers connected to each other
in a small area such as building, office up to few KM.
•LAN is used for connecting two or more personal computers through
a communication medium such as twisted pair, coaxial cable, etc.
•It is less costly as it is built with inexpensive hardware such as hubs,
network adapters, and Ethernet cables.
•The data is transferred at an extremely faster rate in Local Area
Network.
•Local Area Network provides higher security.
2. MAN( Metropolitan Area Network):
•A metropolitan area network is a network that covers a larger
geographic area by interconnecting a different LAN to form a larger
network.
•Government agencies use MAN to connect to the citizens and private
industries.
•In MAN, various LANs are connected to each other through a
telephone exchange line.
•The most widely used protocols in MAN are RS-232, Frame Relay,
ATM, ISDN, OC-3, ADSL, etc.
•It has a higher range than Local Area Network(LAN)
3. WAN( Wide Area Network):
•A Wide Area Network is a network that extends over a large
geographical area such as states or countries.
•A Wide Area Network is bigger network than the MAN.
•A Wide Area Network is not limited to a single location, but it spans
over a large geographical area through a telephone line, fiber optic
cable or satellite links.
•The internet is one of the biggest WAN in the world.
•A Wide Area Network is widely used in the field of Business,
government, and education.
4. PAN(Personal Area Network):
•Personal Area Network is a network arranged within an individual
person, typically within a range of 10 meters.
•Personal Area Network is used for connecting the computer devices
of personal use is known as Personal Area Network.
•Thomas Zimmerman was the first research scientist to bring the idea
of the Personal Area Network.
•Personal Area Network covers an area of 30 feet.
•Personal computer devices that are used to develop the personal
area network are the laptop, mobile phones, media player and play
stations.
Q. What do you mean by transmission media? Explain the different
types of transmission media used in computer network?
Ans: Transmission media is a pathway that carries the information
from sender to receiver. We use different types of cables or waves to
transmit data. Data is transmitted normally through electrical
(current)or electromagnetic signals(frequency). Transmission media is
also called Communication channel.

The different types of transmission media are:

1. Wired or Guided Media or Bound Transmission Media:

Bound transmission media are the cables that are tangible
(touchable). Popular bound transmission media in use are twisted
pair cable, co-axial cable and fiber optical cable. Each of them has its
own characteristics like transmission speed, effect of noise, physical
appearance, cost etc.
2. Wireless or Unguided Media or Unbound Transmission
Media: Unbound transmission media are the ways of transmitting
data without using any cables. This type of transmission is called
Wireless communication. Nowadays wireless communication is
becoming popular. Wireless LANs are being installed in office and
college campuses. This transmission uses Microwave, Radio wave,
Infra red are some of popular unbound transmission media.
1. Wired or Guided Media or Bound Transmission Media:
Bound transmission media are the cables that are tangible
(touchable). Popular bound transmission media in use are twisted
pair cable, co-axial cable and fiber optical cable. Each of them has
its own characteristics like transmission speed, effect of noise,
physical appearance, cost etc.
a. Twisted Pair (Copper Conductors):
The twisted pair cable may be defined in two categories based upon
the shielding and without shielding.
i. Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)
ii. Shielded Copper (STP)

b. Co-axial Cable.
c. Fiber-Optics Cable
2. Wireless or Unguided Media or Unbound Transmission
Media: Unbound transmission media are the ways of transmitting
data without using any cables. This type of transmission is called
Wireless communication. Nowadays wireless communication is
becoming popular. Wireless LANs are being installed in office and
college campuses. This transmission uses Microwave, Radio wave,
infrared are some of popular unbound transmission media.

a. Radio wave
b. Microwave
c. Satellite
Assignment:
Q. Explain different types of guided media with merits and demerits.
a. Twisted Pair (Copper Conductors):
i. Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)
ii. Shielded Copper (STP)

b. Co-axial Cable.
c. Fiber-Optics Cable

Q. Explain different types of guided media with merits and demerits.

a. Radio wave
b. Microwave
c. Satellite
Transmission impairments (कमजोरी ) terminology:
In communication system, analog signals travel through
transmission media. This tends to fade the quality of analog
signal. That means the signal at the beginning of the medium is
not the same as the signal at the end of the medium. This is signal
impairment.
These impairments tends to weaken the quality of analog and
digital signals.
a. Jitter: Jitter is when there is a time delay in the sending of these
data packets over your network connection. This is often caused
by network blocking, and sometimes route changes. Basically, the
longer data packets take to arrive, the more jitter can negatively
collision the video and audio quality.
b. Echo: Actually, echo is a sound that repeated because the sound
waves are reflected back. So, in telecommunication, it is a sound
that is copy of another sound and that is produced when sound
waves bounce off a surface.

c. Crosstalk:
Crosstalk is a features of copper -tfdf_ cables only. It is a form
of interference-हस्तक्षेप in which signals in one cable
induce(make) electromagnetic-विद्युत चुम्बकीय
interference(EMI) in an closest cable.
d. Distortion-विकृति :
Distortion is changes in the form or shape of the signal. It is more
common in sound generation, video display signal .

e. Noise: Noise is random or unwanted signal that mixes up with the

original signal. It is the disturbance that corrupts the quality of the
signal. The noise causes audio and video noise, crosstalk noise, and
wireless noise.
f. Attenuation: Attenuation is the loss of signal strength with long
distances when signals travel along cabling.
g. Bandwidth: Bandwidth is measured as the amount of data that can
be transferred from one point to another within a network in a
specific amount of time. Typically, bandwidth is expressed as a bit
rate and measured in bits per second (bps).
The term bandwidth refers to the transmission capacity of a
connection and is an important factor when determining the quality
and speed of a network or the internet connection.
h. Number of receiver: It is concerned with the number of users or
destination points where data are received.

Q. Define network architecture. Explain its types with merits and

demerits. (Assignment)
Ans: Network architecture refers to the various services provided by
the network and it also deals with how data is transmitted from
one computer to others.
Q. Differences between client-server and P2P
network.
S.NO Client-Server Network Peer-to-Peer Network

In Client-Server Network, Clients 1. In Peer-to-Peer Network,

1. and server are differentiated, Clients and server are not
Specific server and clients are differentiated.
present.

2. Client-Server Network focuses on 2. While Peer-to-Peer Network

information sharing. focuses on connectivity.
In Client-Server Network, 3. While in Peer-to-Peer
3. Centralized server is used to store Network, Each peer has its own
the data. data.

In Client-Server Network, Server 4. While in Peer-to-Peer

4. respond the services which is Network, Each and every node
request by Client. can do both request and
respond for the services.
 Client-Server Network are 5. While Peer-to-Peer Network are
5. costlier than Peer-to-Peer less costlier than Client-Server
Network. Network.
Client-Server Network are more 6. While Peer-to-Peer Network are
6. stable than Peer-to-Peer less stable if number of peer is
Network. increase.
7. While Peer-to-Peer Network is
Client-Server Network is used
7. both small and large networks.for generally suited for small networks
with fewer than 10 computers.
Q. Differences between internet and intranet.

S.NO Internet Intranet

1 In internet, there are 1. In intranet, there are limited users.

multiple users.
2. Internet is unsafe. 2. Intranet is safe.

3. In internet, There are more 3. In intranet, There are less number

number of visitors. of visitors.
Internet is a public
4. network. 4. Intranet is a private network.

Anyone can access 5. In this, anyone can’t access the

5. Internet. Intranet.

6. Internet provides unlimited 6. Intranet provides limited

information. information.
Q. Write short notes on Extranet. (Assignment)
Some basic terms and tools:
a. IP address:
An IP address is a unique address that identifies a device on the
internet or a local network. IP stands for "Internet Protocol,"
which is the set of rules governing the format of data sent via
the internet or local network.
An IP address is a string of numbers separated by periods. IP
addresses are expressed as a set of four numbers — an example
address might be 192.158.1.38. Each number in the set can
range from 0 to 255. So, the full IP addressing range goes from
0.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255.
b. Subnet mask:
A subnetwork or subnet is a logical subdivision of an IP network
. The practice of dividing a network into two or more networks
is called subnetting. A subnet mask is a 32-bit number used to
differentiate the network component of an IP address by
dividing the IP address into a network address and host address.
A subnet mask is also known as an address mask.
c. Gateway:
A gateway is a hardware device that acts as a "gate" between
two networks. It may be a router, firewall, server, or other
device that enables traffic to flow in and out of the network. A
router is a common type of gateway used in home networks. It
allows computers within the local network to send and receive
data over the Internet.
d. MAC address(48 or 64 bits): MAC stands for "Media
Access Control Address," and no, it is not related Apple
Macintosh computers. A MAC address is a hardware
identification number that uniquely identifies each device on a
network. The MAC address is manufactured into every network
card, such as an Ethernet card or Wi-Fi card, and therefore
cannot be changed.
For this reason, MAC addresses are made up of six two-digit
hexadecimal numbers, separated by colons. For example, an
Ethernet card may have a MAC address of 00:0d:83:b1:c0:8e.
Fortunately, you do not need to know this address, since it is
automatically recognized by most networks.
Network tool:
a. Packet Tracer:
Packet tracer is a tools built by Cisco system. Cisco Packet Tracer is a
simulation program used by Cisco to configure the necessary
configurations before installing router, switch, hub, or security
devices on a real network.
Cisco Packet Tracer does not include only Cisco branded devices.
You can find many network devices on the Packet Tracer. Packet
Tracer can be run on Linux, Microsoft Windows, and macOS. Cisco
Systems claims that Packet Tracer is useful for network
experimentation.
b. Remote Login:
Remote Login is a process in which user can login into remote
site i.e. computer and use services that are available on the
remote computer. Example: Team viewer, Ms-Remote Desktop
Q. Write Short Notes on: (Assignment)
Network Connecting Devices:
a. NIC(Network Interface Card)
b. Modem
c. Router
d. Switch
e. Hub

Q. Define network topology? Explain different types of

network topologies with suitable diagram.
Ans: Network topology refers to the physical structure
of a network that deals with how computer are
interconnected by using cabling system.
The different types of network topologies are as follows:
i. Bus topology
ii. Star topology
iii. Ring topology
iv. Mesh topology
v. Tree topology
vi. Hybrid topology

i. Bus topology: Computers are connected to a single continuous cable that

is called ‘bus’. It is based on client-server network architecture. It is simple
and easy to set-up and extend the network. If any computer in the network
downs then it doesn’t affect other computers. It is very difficult to find out
the fault in the bus.

Computer Computer/ client / node/

workstation
 Fig. Bus Topology

ii. Star Topology: Computer in the network are connected to each

other with the help of central connecting device called
hub/concentrator. It is based on client-server architecture. It is most
popular and widely used topology for LAN. If any computer in the
network goes down then other computers can continue their
function.
 Fig. Star Topology

iii. Ring Topology: Computers are interconnected to each other by making a

closed circular structure. It is based on peer-to-peer(P2P) network
architecture. Communication is done in single direction only. It is simple
and inexpensive topology. It is very difficult to find out the errors in the
network.
iv. Mesh Topology: Every computer in the network has point to
point connection to all other computers by using multiport
connector. It is the fastest type of topology. Failure in any computer
or transmission media doesn’t affect the rest of the network or
computer. It is very much complex and expensive topology.
v. Tree Topology: Tree topology is the extension of bus or
star topology. It is easy to manage network as per user
needs because of many sub-networks or units. The failure
of root node or client or computer will cause the failure of
entire networks.
vi. Hybrid Topology: If two or more topologies are combined
together then it is called hybrid topology. So, it is very difficult to
design and implement. It is very expensive.
Q. What are merits and demerits of different network topologies?
(Assignment)
Q12 What do you mean by Open System Interconnection (OSI)
reference model? Explain the different layers of OSI reference
model.
Ans: An OSI reference model of network is ISO(International
Standard Organization) certified model that entirely describes
how information is transmitted from an application of one
computer to another application of other computer.
Memory Management Unit
A network host is a computer or other device connected to a
computer network. Host include server, client, router, firewall.
Q. Define protocol.
Ans: It is a digital language through which we communicate with
others on the Internet. It is a set of common rules and procedures
(process) that govern the transmission of message over a physical
networking medium. Example: TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP, SMTP, POP etc.
Q. What are the types of protocol? Explain each.
Ans: The types of protocols are:
a. TCP/IP
b. SMTP
c. POP
d. FTP
e. HTTP
a. TCP/IP( Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) : It is a
group of communication protocols used to interconnect network devices
on the internet. TCP/IP can also be used as a communications protocol in
a private network (an intranet or an extranet). TCP represents a transport
layer protocol and IP represents a network layer protocol.
 b. SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol): It is an application layer
protocol that helps to transmit e-mail message to the mail server.

c. POP (Post Office Protocol): It is simple protocol for transmitting

e-mail message. It also an application layer protocol to receive e-
mail from the mail server. Its latest version is 3, so called POP3.
 d. FTP (File transfer Protocol): FTP is one of the oldest application
layer protocol that helps to transfer files between two computer
system. It is based on client server.

e. HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol): HTTP is a most commonly

used application layer protocol for transmitting hyper text
documents in the internet. It provides a platform for data
communication in WWW.
End of Unit