Communication Principles and Components

What is Communication?

• Communication is the transfer of data from one point to another.
• This data can be voice, video, or other information.
• The receiver should get the same information as the sender sent.

Data

• Raw facts collected
• Digital systems work with data in the form of 0s and 1s

Digital

• Uses technology tools to create, store, process and communicate information.

Data Communication

• Exchanging data or information between devices.
• Occurs over a transmission medium, like a cable, by using hardware and software.

Components of Data Communication

• Message: The data or information being exchanged.
• Sender: Sends the encoded information.
• Receiver: Receives the encoded information and decodes it.
• Transmission Medium: The path that carries the message.
• Protocol: The set of rules determining how communication happens.

Digital Communication

• Involves sending data in a binary format (0s and 1s) over a channel.
• Can occur point-to-point (one sender, one receiver) or point-to-multipoint (one sender, multiple receivers).

Components of Digital Communication

• Source: Original data source.
• Input Transducer: Converts a physical input into an electrical signal.
• Source Encoder: Compresses the digital signal to reduce data size.
• Channel Encoder: Adds redundant data to the signal for error correction.
• Digital Modulator: Makes the signal ready for transmission through the channel.
• Channel: The transmission medium.
• Output Transducer: Converts the signal back to its original form.
• Output Signal: The final signal after it has traveled through the channel.

Applications of Data and Digital Communication

• Data Communication:*

• Wireless Networks

• LAN (Local Area Network)

• Modems

• Digital Communication:*

• Digital Watches

• Image Processing

• Speech Processing

• Data Compression

Data Flow Types

• Simplex: Communication is unidirectional (only one direction).
  • Example: CPU sending data to the monitor.
• Half-duplex: Communication can occur in both directions, but not simultaneously.
  • Example: Walkie-talkie.
• Full-duplex: Communication can occur in both directions at the same time.
  • Example: Telephone calls.

Networks

• A set of devices (nodes) connected by links.
• Nodes can be computers, printers, etc.
• Links transport signals with information.

Network Criteria

• Performance: Measured by delay and throughput (speed).
• Reliability: Measured by availability and robustness (how well it handles failures).
• Security: Protects data from corruption or loss due to errors or malicious users.

Physical Structures

• Point-to-Point: One sender, one receiver.
• Multipoint: One sender to multiple receivers.

This quiz tests your understanding of the fundamental principles and components of communication, particularly focusing on data communication. It covers the definitions, elements involved, and the technology behind digital communication.