Communication Terms and Definitions Quiz

Study Notes

Data Transmission Concepts

Data exchange occurs between two devices via transmission medium.
Transmission medium acts as the physical pathway for messages from sender to receiver.
Communication rules govern the structure and timing of data exchanges.

Sender and Receiver Dynamics

Roles of sender and receiver are fixed; sender transmits data while the receiver gets it.
Simplex communication uses full channel capacity in one direction only.
Half-duplex communication allows devices to take turns as sender or receiver.

Network Fundamentals

A network is a set of interconnected devices or nodes.
Minimum criteria for a functional network include a dedicated link and simultaneous connection of devices.
Communication pathways may use physical cables or wireless options like microwaves and satellites.

Network Topologies

Point-to-point links offer dedicated connections between two devices.
Star topology connects devices to a central hub.
Ring topology consists of devices connected in a closed loop, with repeaters boosting signals as needed.
Bus topology features all devices sharing one communication link.
Hybrid networks combine multiple topologies, like star-ring or star-bus configurations.

Network Hierarchies

Types of networks are classified by geographic size: Wide Area Network (WAN), Local Area Network (LAN), and metropolitan networks.
Centralized communication systems organize vast amounts of information for user access.

Data Standards and Protocols

Semantics define individual bits' meanings within communications.
Timing specifies when and how fast data should be transmitted.
Standards guide interoperability among devices, ensuring consistent communication across manufacturers.
Two categories of data communication standards exist.

Layered Communication Model

Communication is divided among layers to simplify complex interactions.
Each layer has dedicated functions and protocols for managing data flow.
TCP/IP is a widely used protocol suite with hierarchical layers, providing various functionalities.

Layer Responsibilities

Application layer creates messages for transmission.
Transport layer ensures reliable delivery of messages.
Network layer manages data routing and sending.
Data-link and Physical layers handle actual bit transmission over medium.

Specific Roles of Different Devices

Routers operate at the network level, using just three layers (excluding transport and application if used strictly for routing).
Each layer contains a logical connection through which data objects are transmitted.

Important Concepts in Communication

Logic units interact at various layers, with individual bits being transmitted at the physical layer.
The interaction between layers and devices is integral to effective data communication.

Description

Test your knowledge on key terms and definitions related to data communication. This quiz covers essential concepts such as transmission mediums, communication rules, and sender-receiver roles. See how quickly you can match all the cards!