Data Communication Overview

Study Notes

Data Communication Overview

Transfer of data between devices via a transmission medium.
Key elements:
- Message: Information to be communicated.
- Sender: Device initiating the message.
- Receiver: Device accepting the message.
- Transmission: Physical path for message travel.
- Protocol: Set of communication rules.

Communication Model

Framework for data transmission in communication networks.
Example: Interaction between a workstation and a server over public telephone lines.
Source: Generates data for transmission.
Transmitter: Encodes data for transmission.
Transmission System: Includes transmission lines or networks.
Receiver: Converts incoming signals for destination use.
Destination: Final target for incoming data.

Types of Networks

LAN (Local Area Network)

Interconnects computers in a limited area (1 km to 10 km).
High data transfer speed; minimal propagation delay.
Common in schools, offices, and colleges.
Configurations include switched LANs and wireless LANs; most popular are:
- Switched Ethernet (wired)
- Wi-Fi LANs (wireless)

MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)

Connects users within a geographical area larger than LAN but smaller than WAN (100 km coverage).
Moderate data transfer speed and propagation delay.
Used in towns and cities.

WAN (Wide Area Network)

Covers extensive areas beyond 100 km, such as states or countries.
Low data transfer speed with longer propagation delays compared to LAN and MAN.

Data Transmission Techniques

Circuit Switching

Establishes a dedicated path between two stations through nodes.
Involves a continuous physical link.
Data is sent along the established path without delays at nodes.
Example: Telephone networks.

Packet Switching

No dedicated path established.
Data is segmented into packets for transmission.
Packets travel from node to node and are reassembled at the destination.

Additional Switching Techniques

Frame Relay

A packet-switched data communication service operating at the data link layer.

Description

Explore the fundamentals of data communication and networking through this quiz. Understand key elements like message, sender, receiver, and the various types of networks including LAN. Test your knowledge on the communication model and how data is transmitted across different devices.