Scribd
Upload
10 views

Data Communication Network Basics

Uploaded by

farhanriyas.official
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
10 views

Data Communication Network Basics

Uploaded by

farhanriyas.official
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

1.

Data Communication
Network Basics

1. Basic Concepts of Data Communication


Communication is the transfer and exchange of information between
people, or between people and devices, through a specific medium.

Network communication refers to the communication between terminal


devices over a computer network.

Examples:

Two computers connected via a network cable.

Multiple computers connected through a router or switch.

A computer downloading files via the Internet.

Analogy with Express Delivery:

Just like express delivery involves packaging, labeling, and sending


items to a destination, network communication involves packaging
data (called encapsulation) with headers and tails, attaching destination
addresses, and sending it through networks (routers and switches).
Data is forwarded to the destination, much like a package reaching its
consignee after being sorted and routed through distribution centers​.

2. Data Transfer Process


Encapsulation: Data is packaged with additional information (headers and
tails) at each layer of the communication process.

Decapsulation: The reverse process, where the headers and tails are
removed at the destination to retrieve the original data.
Steps in the Data Transfer Process:

1. Data Payload: The core information to be transmitted.

1. Data Communication Network Basics 1


2. Packet: A data unit composed of a header, payload, and sometimes a
tail.

3. Header: Information added before the payload to help with transmission


(e.g., the destination address).

4. Tail: Information added after the payload to help complete the


transmission (optional for some packets).

5. Gateway: A device that handles routing, protocol conversion, and data


exchange between networks.

6. Router: Selects the best path for data packets to reach their destination​.

3. Network Devices and Basic Functions


Terminal Devices: These are the endpoints of data communication (e.g.,
computers, servers, mobile phones).

Switch:

A network device that connects terminals in a Layer 2 network


(Ethernet switches).

Functions: Data frame switching, providing access to end-user devices,


basic access security, and Layer 2 link redundancy (broadcast
domains).

Router:

A Layer 3 network device that forwards packets across different


networks.

Functions: Maintains routing tables, selects paths, performs network


address translation (NAT), isolates broadcast domains, and provides
WAN access.

Firewall:

A security device placed between two networks with different trust


levels (e.g., between a company's internal network and the Internet).

Functions: Controls data flow between networks, implements security


policies, provides access control, user authentication, remote access,
VPN services, and NAT.

1. Data Communication Network Basics 2


Wireless LAN (WLAN) Devices:

Access Controllers (ACs) provide high-speed, secure WLAN services.

Fit Access Points (APs) offer wireless connectivity and are managed by
ACs to provide robust WLAN control​.

4. Network Type and Topology Type


Network Types:

LAN (Local Area Network): Covers a small area (e.g., a building or


campus), typically using Ethernet and Wi-Fi technologies.

MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): Covers a larger area, like a city or


campus, often using high-speed Ethernet and WiMAX.

WAN (Wide Area Network): Connects large geographical areas, such


as multiple cities or countries (e.g., the Internet).

Network Topologies:

Star: All devices connect through a central node (e.g., a switch).

Pros: Easy to monitor and expand.

Cons: Central node failure affects the entire network.

Bus: Devices are connected along a single cable (e.g., coaxial cable).

Pros: Simple installation, minimal cable use.

Cons: A cable fault can disrupt the entire network; less secure.

Ring: Devices form a closed loop, with data circulating through the ring.

Pros: Saves cable resources.

Cons: Adding new devices is difficult, as the ring must be broken.

Other topologies include tree, full-mesh, and partial-mesh, each with different
levels of redundancy and complexity depending on the network design.

5. Network Engineering
Network Engineering involves planning, designing, implementing,
troubleshooting, and maintaining networks. The goal is to create cost-

1. Data Communication Network Basics 3


effective and efficient network solutions that meet the user’s requirements.
This includes:

Routing and Switching: Implementing configurations and optimizing


traffic flow.

Wireless: Managing Wi-Fi networks for seamless communication.

Security: Setting up firewalls, access control lists (ACLs), and


encryption.

Storage: Ensuring that data is stored and retrieved efficiently​.

6. Network Engineers
Role: Network engineers are responsible for implementing and managing
network infrastructures. They possess strong technical skills and must
understand routing, switching, network security, and wireless technologies.

Responsibilities:

Develop project plans and solutions.

Ensure timely and successful implementation.

Provide stakeholder training and deliver documentation after project


completion.

Core Competencies include technical knowledge, communication skills,


problem-solving, and industry expertise. Engineers must also maintain strong
teamwork, service awareness, and adaptability to evolving technologies.

1. Data Communication Network Basics 4

You might also like