Data Communication Systems Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the 'receiver' in a data communication system?

To generate data for transmission

To convert received signals into data (correct)

To create physical paths for data travel

To transmit signals to the destination

Which of the following is NOT a component of a data communication system?

Protocol

Repository (correct)

Medium

Sender

What does 'timeliness' refer to in data communications?

The reliability of the medium used

The accuracy of the transmitted data

The format of the data being sent

The speed and promptness of data delivery (correct)

In the simplified communications model, what does the 'transmitter' do?

Converts data into transmittable signals Signup and view all the answers

Which component of a data communication system governs how data is communicated?

Protocol Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the 'destination' in data communications?

To use the incoming data received Signup and view all the answers

When considering 'accuracy' in data communications, which aspect is emphasized?

Correctness of the received data Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'message' in a data communication system?

It can include text, numbers, pictures, sound, and video. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'telecommunication' refer to?

Communication at a distance. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of data communications?

Exchange of data between two or more devices. Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes 'data' in the context of data communications?

Information presented in agreed-upon formats. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'remote sharing'?

Sharing information over long distances. Signup and view all the answers

What role does a transmission medium play in data communications?

It facilitates the exchange of data between devices. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a mail server?

To selectively download data from the server to the client Signup and view all the answers

Which topology requires the most cable length?

Star topology Signup and view all the answers

Which topology would likely face difficulty in fault isolation?

Bus topology Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant disadvantage of the star topology?

Single point of failure Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'logical topology' in networking?

The way network protocols manage data flow Signup and view all the answers

What is one advantage of bus topology over other topologies?

Lower installation costs Signup and view all the answers

Which server type manages fax traffic over the network?

Fax server Signup and view all the answers

Which option correctly describes physical topology?

The arrangement and layout of network components Signup and view all the answers

Which type of signal transmission requires a physical medium to guide the signals?

Guided transmission Signup and view all the answers

What measurement is used to denote the amount of data that can be transmitted over a communication link in a specific time?

Bandwidth Signup and view all the answers

What type of connection allows multiple devices to share a single communication link?

Multipoint Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following examples represents unguided transmission?

Radio waves Signup and view all the answers

In a direct link communication setup, what is primarily responsible for enhancing signal quality?

Repeaters or amplifiers Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant disadvantage of a ring topology?

Costly wiring and difficult connections Signup and view all the answers

Which type of network topology allows every device to connect to every other device directly?

Mesh topology Signup and view all the answers

Which transmission mode allows for simultaneous transmission and reception of data between two devices?

Full-duplex Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary challenge associated with the use of mesh topology?

High number of I/O ports and cabling requirements Signup and view all the answers

Which best describes an intranet?

A private network under a single administrative control Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of half-duplex transmission?

Transmission occurs simultaneously Signup and view all the answers

What is a common benefit of using a hybrid topology?

Combines the strengths of different topologies Signup and view all the answers

What defines an extranet?

A secured network limited to one organization with external connections Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary technology used by the Internet for data transmission?

Packet switching Signup and view all the answers

What does IP stand for in the context of the Internet?

Internet Protocol Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the nature of a computer network?

A collection of computers that are interconnected and autonomous Signup and view all the answers

Which historical network evolved into the Internet?

ARPANET Signup and view all the answers

How do computers in different networks typically communicate?

Using common software defined by interoperability standards Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean for computers in a network to be 'autonomous'?

They operate independently without control from a central system Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following identifies the main difference between the old and new networking paradigms?

The old paradigm involves a single powerful computer, while the new involves interconnected autonomous computers Signup and view all the answers

Which medium is NOT mentioned as a connection method used in computer networks?

Morse code Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Course Information

Course code: CS461
Course name: Data Communications and Computer Networks Basics
Course content: Data communications, computer networks, the internet, examples
Provided by: HiLCOE, School of Computer Science and Technology

What is Data Communications?

Telecommunication means communication at a distance
Communication involves sharing information
Local sharing: face-to-face
Remote sharing: over distance
Data: information shared in agreed forms (text, numbers, images, audio, video)
Data communications: data exchange between devices via a transmission medium (e.g., wire cable).

Effective Data Communications

Delivery: data must reach the correct destination
Accuracy: received data must accurately represent the sent data
Timeliness: data should be delivered in a reasonable time

Simplified Communications Model

Source: device initiating data transmission
Transmitter: converts source data into transmittable signals
Transmission system: carries data from source to destination
Receiver: converts received signal back into data
Destination: takes and uses incoming data
Components: Source, Transmitter, Transmission System, Receiver, Destination

Overview of Data Communications

5 components: Message, Sender, Medium, Receiver, Protocol
Message: information to be communicated (text, numbers, pictures, sound, video, combinations)
Sender: device initiating transmission (e.g., computer, video camera)
Receiver: device receiving transmission (e.g., computer)
Medium: physical path for message transmission
Protocol: rules governing data communication (agreement between communicating devices)

Simplified Communications Model - Example

Diagram illustrates workstation, modem, public telephone network, and server in a communication model.

Communications Tasks

System utilization, interfacing, signal generation/synchronization, exchange management, error detection/correction, flow control, addressing, routing, recovery, message formatting, security, network management.

Transmission System Utilization

Efficient use of commonly shared transmission facilities among devices.
Techniques: Multiplexing, Congestion Control

Signal Generation

Generation parameters and properties of signals to propagate through the transmission system.
Interpretable as data by the receiver.

Error Detection and Correction

Errors are potential in communication systems.
Methods to detect and correct potential errors are necessary.

Addressing and Routing

Source system indicates destination identity.
Specific route selection from alternatives.
Important in data communication.

Message Formatting

Both sides need same binary code for character compatibility.

Security

Authentication and message integrity is paramount

Categorizing Communication Technologies

Data Communications: reliable and efficient signal transmission.
Networks: communication across links, various types exist (Wide Area Networks (WANs), Local Area Networks (LANs), etc.).

A Data Communication Model

Diagram with elements: Source, Transmitter, Transmission System, Receiver, Destination
Showing conversion between digital bit streams and analog signals, data and information processes.

Transmission Line

Transmission line (system) is essential for communication systems.
Provides needed capacity, reliability, and cost effectiveness.

The Transmission of Information

Conversion of information to transmittable electromagnetic signals.
Selection and use of transmission media.
Strategies to improve (encode and deal with) communication techniques and errors.

Transmission efficiency

Methods to efficiently utilize shared communication systems
Efficient way to share communications system.

Networks

High demands for user to user/machine communication
Communication Software required.
Communication network technologies: WANs and LANs are types.

Wide Area Networks (WANs)

Span vast geographical areas.
Public rights-of-way.
Common carriers (e.g. telecommunication companies).
Connecting multiple organizations is key.

Local Area Networks (LANs)

Small area coverage (e.g. building, campus).
Owned and operated by the same organization.
Higher internal data rates (per user) than WANs.

The Internet

Developed from US Department of Defense research (ARPANET in 1969)
Uses packet switching technology, unlike circuit switching in telephone network.
Collection of networks with common software (Internet Protocol).
Any computer can communicate with any other computer (using IP).

Key Elements of the Internet

Hosts, routers, and sub-networks form core.
Wide Area Networks (e.g. ATM network) and Local Area Networks (LANs) involved.

Simplified View of Portion of Internet

Diagram illustrating the interconnected networks, Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
Private peering, Network Access Points (NAPs), points of presence (POPs).

Introduction to Networking

Old paradigm: single powerful computer serving all needs.
New paradigm: computers networked, exchange information, merging computer/communication, geographical barriers removed.
Connection (copper, fiber optics, microwaves, infrared, communication satellites).

Definition of a Network

Interconnected collection of autonomous computers.
Interconnection means ability to exchange information.
Computers are autonomous, with no single controlling computer.
Various types of computers exist (PCs, workstations, hubs, switches, routers)

Network Categories

Based on size, ownership, distance.
Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs) (other types exist)

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

Designed for entire city coverage.
Single or interconnected LANs.

Personal Area Network (PAN)

Network for individual use (e.g. computer, mouse, keyboard, printer).

Network Architecture

Types of computers, how resources handled.
Common types: Peer-to-Peer, Client-Server

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Networks

Each node equal in resource sharing.
Easy setup, less expensive.
Moderate skill level to manage.
User controls resources.
Suitable for small environments (≤10 nodes), limited growth.

Client-Server Networks

Group of clients connected to a server (with higher processing power).
Resources controlled by the server.
Suitable for large environments (thousands of users) but more complex to manage and expensive.

Servers in Networking

File and Print Servers: manage user access and file/printer resources.
Application Servers: provide server-side of client-server applications and the data.
Mail Servers: like application servers, data transfer to client.
Fax Servers: manage fax traffic by sharing fax modem boards.
Directory Services Servers: enable users to locate, store, and secure network information.

Network Topology

Way multiple devices interconnected with communication links.
Physical and logical topologies.

Physical Topology

Physical arrangement of components.
Example elements: computers, cables, etc.
Described as layout, design, diagram, map
More than one device can connect to a link, and two or more links can form a network

Logical Topology

Describes the data transmission paths, based on protocols
How data moved across networks

Network Topology Considerations

Network's topology affects its capabilities and how one topology is chosen over another.
Types of equipment, scalability, management methods.
Basic topologies Mesh, Star, Bus, Ring and Hybrid.

Bus Topology

Single long cable to link all devices.
Advantages: easy installation.
Disadvantages: signal reflection at taps, difficult reconnection and fault isolation, transmission stops if bus cable faulty.

Star Topology

Each device dedicated point-to-point link to central controller (concentrator).
Advantages: robust (failure of a link doesn't affect others), easy fault identification and isolation, less expensive than mesh.
Disadvantages: single point of failure, more cable length required, more expensive than linear bus due to concentrators.

Ring Topology

Signal passed along a ring in one direction.
Each device has a repeater (to regenerate received bits then pass it).
Advantages: Equal access for all users, each workstation has full access speed to the ring, slightly diminished performance with increased workstation numbers.
Disadvantages: costly wiring, difficult connections, expensive adaptor cards.

Mesh Topology

Each device has a dedicated point-to-point link to every other device (n-1 I/O ports).
Advantages: no traffic problem, robust, easy privacy/security implementation and fault isolation.
Disadvantages: high cabling and I/O port cost.

Hybrid Topology

Network combining 2 network topologies (e.g., star and mesh).

Internetworking

Interconnection among/between public, private, commercial, industrial, and governmental networks.
Called internet.

Intranet

Set of networks a single administrative entity controls.

Extranets

Limited scope for trusted organizations' networks.

Mode of Transmission

Direction of signal flow between linked devices. (simplex, half-duplex, full-duplex).
Simplex: one-way, like TV.
Half-duplex: two-way, limited to one direction at a time.
Full-duplex: two-way at same time, like telephone.

Transmission Media

Physical mediums carrying signals.
Electromagnetic signals (power, voice, radio waves, light, X-rays, etc.).
Bandwidth measurement is important for data transmission speed.
Measured in bits per second (bps).

Two Basic Categories of Transmission Media

Guided: uses cabling (e.g. fiber optics, twisted pair, coaxial cable), which guides signals.
Unguided: signals travel without physical guidance, like radio waves or satellite.

Types of Connection

Point-to-point: dedicated link between two devices.
Multipoint: multiple devices sharing a single link.
Direct link: signals directly from transmitter to receiver with no intermediate devices.
Indirect link: signals transmitted through a switched network.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the essential components and functions of data communication systems. This quiz covers the roles of the receiver, transmitter, and other critical elements, alongside concepts such as accuracy and telecommunication. Perfect for anyone studying data communications!