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Complete Notes Unit-1

The document outlines the fundamentals of data communication and computer networks, detailing their objectives, advantages, and disadvantages. It explains the purpose of computer networks, characteristics of data communication, and components involved in the process. Additionally, it distinguishes between data communication and data transmission, and discusses the roles of data termination and data circuit equipment.

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ismaelnkhosi
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2 views

Complete Notes Unit-1

The document outlines the fundamentals of data communication and computer networks, detailing their objectives, advantages, and disadvantages. It explains the purpose of computer networks, characteristics of data communication, and components involved in the process. Additionally, it distinguishes between data communication and data transmission, and discusses the roles of data termination and data circuit equipment.

Uploaded by

ismaelnkhosi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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DIPLOMA IN COMPUTER NETWORKS AND DATA COMMUNICATION

ANALYSING THE FUNDAMENTALS OF DATA COMMUNICATION

OBJECTIVES
1. Describe Data Communication
2. Define computer Network
3. Explain the purpose of a Network
4. List advantages and disadvantage Networking
5. Discuss the characteristics of data communication;
6. Describe data communication components

CONCERPT/ OVERVIEW
Telecommunications are the means of electronic transmission of
information over distances. The information may be in the form of voice
telephone calls, data, text, images, or video. Telecommunications links that
form a channel through which information is transmitted from a sending
device to a receiving device. An information system allows communication
between a human user, the devices that make up the hardware of the
system and the software that performs systems functions and user
applications.
Computer network, two or more computers that are connected with one
another for the purpose of communicating data electronically. In short it is
connection of two or more computers to share resources.
Information communication technology is the backbone of the banking
sector. For robust communication, the sector relies on proper internal
communication tools, including the use of data terminal equipment (DTE).
PURPOSE OF COMPUTER NETWORK
1. It enables efficient resource sharing.
2. It provides a platform for remote database access.
3. It provides avenues for interactive communication.
4. It improves data integrity, reliability, and security.
5. Centralized Data Management.
6. Internet Access.
7. Scalability.

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Advantages of computer network

A network is very useful for connection and communication purposes. Not


just that, it also has many other advantages. Below are some of the
prominent ones:

1. Ease of accessibility

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. Flexibility

Here, flexibility means that different people will be able to explore different
things as per their requirements. For this purpose, computer networks
provide you a wide array of choices to share a particular piece of
information. For example, e-mail or messaging apps like WhatsApp. So, there
is flexibility for different users.

3. Convenient 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. This resource
sharing is important for big companies as they can use one single common
network for connecting with their employees.

4. Connectivity

Computer Networks improve connectivity irrespective of a person's location.


In these testing times, we can see live examples as we use video call apps or
Google documents to connect with our friends and colleagues.

5. 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.

6. Great storage capacity

Organizations have an abundance of data that needs to be stored. For that


purpose, they are required to store them in a central server. A central server

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DIPLOMA IN COMPUTER NETWORKS AND DATA COMMUNICATION

is a remote server that is accessible to each and every employee. So, if in


case one loses the data, others have it.

7. 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.

Disadvantages of computer networks

Various disadvantages include:

1. Lack of robustness
2. Spread of computer virus
3. Implementation issues
4. Lack of productivity
5. Health issues

1. Lack of robustness

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. Also, if the
central server gets corrupted, then it's quite dangerous as the network
depends on the central server.

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. Lack of productivity

Since a network has a lot of advantages and applications, it is certain that it


results in simultaneous use of many services that cause distraction. Thus,

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DIPLOMA IN COMPUTER NETWORKS AND DATA COMMUNICATION

due to employees focusing on a myriad of tasks, productivity issues are quite


common.

5. Health issues

Computer network provides access to a gamut 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, cause’s eye strain and body pain.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DATA COMMUNICATION AND DATA


TRANSMISSION
DATA COMMUNICATION.
This refers to the process of exchanging data between devices over a
network.
For instance, when you send an E-mail, it is data communication because
there is a sender (you), a receiver (the person getting the E-mail) and the
medium (Internet).
DATA TRANSMISSION
This is part of data communication. It focuses on the movement of data from
one place another, such as when data travels over cables or wirelessly.
CHARACTERISTICS OF DATA COMMUNICATION
Delivery: the data must reach the correct destination. For example, when
you send a message, it should be delivered to the intended recipient.
Accuracy: the data must be delivered without any errors. If you send a file,
the recipient should receive it in correct form without changes.
Reliability: Consistent and dependable data transmission, minimizing
disruptions or loss of data during transmission.
Timeliness: data must alive on time. For instance, in video conferencing the
data should be delivered in real time to avoid delays.
Jitter: refers to the variability in the arrival time of data packets. For
instance, in real time application like voice calls, if packets arrive at irregular
intervals, it can affect the quality of communication.
COMPONENTS OF DATA COMMUNICATION

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Sender: this is the device that initiates the communications by sending


data. example can be a computer.
Message: this is the actual data that is being communicated, for example E-
mail.
Medium: this is the physical or logical path through which the message
travels, for example fiber optic cables.
Receiver: the device that receives and interprets the message. For
example, a computer.
Protocols: these are a set of rules that govern the data communication
process. Examples includes HTTP used for access website.

Other important aspects of data communication:


1. Protocols: A set of rules that govern how data is formatted, transmitted,
and interpreted by communicating devices.
2. Transmission medium: The physical channel used to carry data, such
as wires, fiber optic cables, or wireless signals.
3. Sender and Receiver: The devices initiating and receiving data
transmission respectively.
4. Full-duplex communication: Ability to send and receive data
simultaneously on the same channel.
USE OF DATA TERMINATION EQUIPMENT AND DATA CIRCUIT
EQUIPMENT
DATA TERMINATION EQUIPMENT
These devices are used by end users that generates and use data. These
devices interface with the communication system, typically through a data
circuit equipment, and examples include computers, printers.
DATA CIRCUIT EQUIPMENT
These devices are responsible for transmitting and receiving data on a
network. These devices establish, maintain and end communication between
two data termination equipment. They ensure the data gets to its
destination. Examples include modems and routers.

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