CSS331 Fundamentals of Data Communications

Questions and Answers

What percentage of the total course evaluation is attributed to attendance and review exercises?

15%

10% (correct)

20%

Which of the following is a primary textbook for the course?

Computer Networking Essentials

Data Communications and Networking

Fundamentals of Computer Networking

Data and Computer Communications (correct)

When is the Midterm Exam scheduled?

October 15, 2024

September 30, 2024 (correct)

November 2, 2024

October 8, 2024

What is the overall percentage weight of the final exam in the course evaluation?

30% Signup and view all the answers

What topics will be covered in Week 3 of the class schedule?

Signal Encoding Technique Signup and view all the answers

What will occur in Week 6 of the class schedule?

Group Presentation #1 Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key topics covered during the class relating to WAN technologies?

Multiplexing Techniques Signup and view all the answers

Which week is dedicated for a reading break prior to the Midterm Exam?

Week 7 Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of cheating in this course?

Failing grade Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of Chapter 1 according to the course outline?

Data Communications, Data Networks, and the Internet Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of packet switching in communication networks?

To transmit data in small chunks called packets Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of Frame Relay technology?

It operates on virtual circuits with reduced error control overhead. Signup and view all the answers

How does Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) differ from Frame Relay?

ATM uses fixed-length packets called cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of Local Area Networks (LAN)?

They are usually privately owned by the same organization. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of network serves as a middle ground between LAN and WAN?

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) Signup and view all the answers

What was the origin of the Internet?

Evolved from ARPANET established by the U.S. government. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of packet switching as used in modern communication networks?

Constant data rate with multiple virtual circuits. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements is true about the data rates of Local Area Networks compared to other network types?

LANs provide the highest data rates among all network types. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a network in data communications?

To connect devices for data transmission Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are considered key performance criteria for networks?

Throughput and response time Signup and view all the answers

What type of network primarily spans large geographical areas?

Wide Area Network (WAN) Signup and view all the answers

What technology utilizes a dedicated path for the duration of a conversation?

Circuit switching Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT considered when evaluating network reliability?

Data transmission speed Signup and view all the answers

What term refers to the combination of voice, data, image, and video technologies in networking?

Convergence Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a technology used in WAN?

Wi-Fi Direct Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential aspect of network selection for businesses?

Transmission media depend on usage type Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of data communications?

To exchange data between devices Signup and view all the answers

Which option is NOT one of the effective characteristics of data communication?

Redundancy Signup and view all the answers

What does jitter refer to in the context of data communication?

Uneven delays in audio/video streaming Signup and view all the answers

Which data flow method allows for two-way communication but not simultaneously?

Half-duplex Signup and view all the answers

What trend is influencing the growth of data communications?

High-speed LAN developments Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a significant change in networking technology?

Emergence of high-speed networks Signup and view all the answers

What is causing the unpredictable nature of corporate data traffic patterns?

Growing use of telecommuting Signup and view all the answers

Which device has significantly impacted the rapid conversion of consumer electronics to digital technology?

Digital versatile disks (DVDs) Signup and view all the answers

Which task is NOT typically considered a key communications task?

Data visualization Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes 'everything over IP' as a trend?

All types of data transmissions occur over Internet Protocol. Signup and view all the answers

Which communication model component is involved in transforming data?

Encoding Signup and view all the answers

In which area have customized services become more prevalent in recent trends?

Network management and security Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant factor behind the increased capacity of transmission in modern networks?

The use of optical fiber and high-speed wireless Signup and view all the answers

Which component is responsible for routing data in communications?

Routing Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Course Information

Instructor: Asst. Prof. Dr. Sasiporn Usanavasin
Course Code: CSS331 - Fundamentals of Data Communications
Sections meet on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in Room 3509, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Course Structure

Attendance and Review Exercises: 10% (random checks)
Assignments (individual & group): 30% (includes 2 presentations)
Midterm Exam: 30%
Final Exam: 30%
Cheating results in an automatic failure (F).

Required Textbooks

Main Textbook: "Data and Computer Communications" by William Stallings
Additional Reading: "Data Communications and Networking" by Behrouz A. Forouzan

Class Schedule Highlights

Week 1: Introduction to Data Communications and Protocol Architectures
Week 2: Data Transmission and Transmission Media
Weeks 3-4: Signal Encoding Techniques; Error Detection and Correction Techniques
Week 6: First Group Presentation
Midterm Exam on September 30, 2024
Fourth Group Presentation in Week 14
Final Exam on December 2, 2024

Data Communications Overview

Data communications involve the exchange of information between devices using transmission mediums like wire cables.
Key attributes of effective data communication include:
- Delivery to intended recipients.
- Accuracy of transmitted data.
- Timeliness of communication.
- Jitter, or uneven delays in streaming data.

Components & Trends in Data Communications

Main components include:
- Data flow (simplex, half-duplex, full-duplex)
- Addressing, routing, and signal generation
Trends driving changes:
- Rapid traffic growth and technological advancements.
- Internet of Things (IoT) expanding service requirements.
- Growth of high-speed LANs and corporate WAN needs.

Networking Technologies

Increased reliance on:
- High-speed LANs for centralized computing and server farms.
- WANs to accommodate growing telecommuting and data-intensive applications.
- Digital electronics and improvements in bandwidth efficiency.

Networking Models and Communication Tasks

The communications model consists of processes for data generation, encoding, transmission, and decoding.
Key tasks in communication include signal generation, message formatting, error detection/correction, and network management.

Transmission Media

Selection criteria depend on business needs and link distances.
Advances in technology favor fiber optic and wireless options.
Cost efficiency remains a priority despite high transmission costs.

Networking Basics

A network comprises interconnected devices (nodes) capable of data generation, sending, and receiving.
Network evaluation criteria include performance (transit time, response time), reliability, and security.

Types of Networks

Local Area Networks (LAN): smaller scope, owned by users, high data rates (e.g., Ethernet).
Wide Area Networks (WAN): larger geographical spans relying on public circuits, employing technologies like circuit switching, packet switching, and asynchronous transfer mode (ATM).
Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN): bridges the gap between LAN and WAN, offering high speeds across larger areas.

Switching Techniques

Circuit switching: Establishes a dedicated communication path, e.g., traditional phone networks.
Packet switching: Sends data in packets to be routed independently; efficient for computer-to-computer communication.
Frame Relay: Enhances packet switching, reduces overhead errors, and increases speed.
ATM: Evolves from Frame Relay, uses fixed-length packets (cells), supports higher speed data transfer with minimal error control overhead.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the fundamentals of data communications as taught in CSS331. It covers key concepts necessary for understanding communication systems and evaluation methods. Ideal for students looking to assess their knowledge and understanding in this course.