Data Communication

and Networks

By: Rabnawaz Anwar

Assistant Director Networks
The University of Haripur
 Learning Objectives
In this chapter you will learn about:
• What is Data Communication
• Data Communication vs Telecommunication
• Communication Model
• Characteristics of Data Communication
• Components of Data Communication
• Types of Data Communication
• Types of Transmission Medium
• Computer Network
• Network Protocols
• OSI & TCP/IP Model
• Components of Network
• Types of Network
• Network Topologies
 What is Data Communication?
• Data communication refers to the transfer of digital data
between two or more devices.
• This communication is must through a medium, such as cables,
optical fibers, or wireless channels.
• The purpose of data communication is to exchange
information, share resources, and enable communication
between devices or systems.
 Telecommunication vs Data
Communication

Telecommunication Data Communication

Definition: Exchange of voice Definition: Exchange of Data
and data between two or between two or more devices
more devices thru thru transmission medium
transmission medium.

Traffic: Data, Voice, Video Traffic: Only Data

Distance: Large distance Distance: Short distance
links links
Analog communication Digital communication
Examples: Telephones, Examples: Internet, Email,
Radio, Television, and the Chat
internet.
 A Communication Model

• Source
generates data to be
transmitted
• Transmitter
Converts data into
transmittable signals
• Transmission System
Carries data
• Receiver
Converts received signal into
data
• Destination
Takes incoming data
Characteristics of Data Communication

 The effectiveness of a data communication system

depend on four fundamental characteristics:

• Delivery

• Accuracy

• Timelines

• Jitter

6
Components of Data Communication

1. Message
2. Sender
3. Receiver
4. Medium
5. Protocol

7
 Types of Data Communication

Point-to-Point Communication:
In point-to-point communication, data is exchanged between
two devices directly. This can occur over short or long
distances and may involve wired or wireless connections.
Multipoint or Multicast Communication:
Multipoint communication involves the transmission of data
from one sender to multiple receivers. This can be achieved
through techniques like broadcasting or multicasting.
Serial Communication:
In serial communication, data is transmitted sequentially, one
bit at a time, over a single communication channel. This is
common in situations where there are limitations on the
number of available communication lines.
Parallel Communication:
In contrast to serial communication, parallel communication
involves the simultaneous transmission of multiple bits over
several communication lines. This can lead to faster data
transfer rates but may require more resources.
 Types of Data Communication

Simplex Communication:
Simplex communication is unidirectional, meaning data flows
in only one direction. For example, a television broadcast is a
simplex communication system as information is transmitted
from the broadcaster to the viewers.
Half-Duplex Communication:
Half-duplex communication allows data to be transmitted in
both directions, but not simultaneously. Walkie-talkies are an
example of half-duplex communication where users take
turns speaking and listening.
Full-Duplex Communication:
Full-duplex communication enables simultaneous two-way
data transmission. Examples include telephone conversations,
video conferencing, and many modern internet
communication protocols.
Types of Data Communication

Simplex

Half Duplex

Full Duplex

10
 Types of Data Communication

Analog Communication:
Analog communication involves the continuous transmission
of signals that vary smoothly over time. Traditional voice
communication, using analog telephones, is an example.
Digital Communication:
Digital communication involves the transmission of discrete
signals representing binary data (0s and 1s). Digital
communication systems are prevalent in modern
technologies, including the internet and digital
telecommunication networks.
Wireless Communication:
Wireless communication refers to the transmission of data
without the need for physical cables. This can include
technologies like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular networks.
Satellite Communication:
Satellite communication involves the use of satellites to
transmit data between two or more Earth-based stations.
This is commonly used for long-distance and global
communication.
Types of Transmission Medium
 Types of Transmission Medium
Types of Transmission Medium Description

Twisted Pair Cable Consists of pairs of insulated copper wires twisted together. It is
commonly used for telephone lines and local area networks (LANs).

Coaxial Cable Central copper conductor surrounded by insulating material, a metallic

shield, and an outer insulating layer. Used in cable television (CATV) and
broadband internet.

Fiber Optic Cable Transmits data using light signals through thin strands of glass or plastic
fibers.

Wireless Transmission Uses electromagnetic waves to transmit data without physical cables.

Microwave Transmission Uses microwave frequencies for point-to-point communication.

Radio Transmission Uses radio frequencies for communication

Infrared Transmission Uses infrared signals for short-range communication (e.g., remote
controls).

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Common for short-range wireless communication in homes and offices.

Satellite Communication Uses communication satellites orbiting the Earth to relay signals
between ground-based stations.

Power Line Communication Utilizes existing power lines for data transmission
(PLC)
 Computer Network

• A computer network is a set of interconnected computers and

devices that are capable of sharing resources and information.
• These interconnected devices can communicate with each other
over a variety of communication channels
 Network Protocols & Standards

Protocols
 Rules that Govern Communications
 Allows entities (i.e. application programs) from different systems to communicate
 Shared conventions for communicating information are called protocols
Standards
 There should be some standard for communication between different applications and
different vendor devices to overcome compatibility issues.
 Standard must be a Layer architecture simplifies the network design.
 It is easy to debug network applications in a layered architecture network.
 The network management is easier due to the layered architecture.
 Two protocol standards are well-known:
-> TCP/IP: widely implemented
-> OSI: less used, but widely known and still useful for modeling/conceptualizing
OSI and TCP/IP Model
 Components of Network

1. Servers:
• Servers are computers that hold shared files, programs, and the network operating
system.
• Servers provide access to network resources to all the users of the network.
• There are many different kinds of servers, and one server can provide several
functions. For example, there are file servers, print servers, mail servers,
communication servers, database servers, fax servers and web servers, to name a
few.
2. Clients:
• Clients are computers that access and use the network and shared network resources.
• Client computers are basically the customers(users) of the network, as they request
and receive services from the servers.
• Examples: End-user devices like desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
3. Transmission Media:
• Transmission media are the facilities used to interconnect computers in a network,
such as twisted-pair wire, coaxial cable, and optical fiber cable.
• Transmission media are sometimes called transmission medium channels, links or
lines.
4. Network Interface Card (NIC):
• Each computer in a network has a special expansion card called a network interface
card (NIC).
• The NIC prepares(formats) and sends data, receives data, and controls data flow
between the computer and the network.
 Types of Network

• LAN(Local Area Network)

• PAN(Personal Area Network)
• MAN(Metropolitan Area Network)
• WAN(Wide Area Network)
Types of Network
Network Topologies