PRELIM Data Communication

Modes of Data Transmission- Simplex (one-way

Week 1 communication), Half-duplex (two-way, but not
computer network- a collection of interconnected simultaneous), Full-duplex (simultaneous
devices such as computers, servers, routers, and two-way communication).
switches that are capable of sharing data and Data Transmission Media- Includes wired media
resources. like twisted pair cables and optical fibers, as well
data communication- involves the transmission of as wireless media like radio waves and
digital data between two or more devices using microwaves.
various communication channels. Data Encoding- The process of converting digital
data into a suitable form for transmission, often
Key Components using techniques like modulation.
Nodes- Devices connected to the network, such
as computers, servers, and printers, are referred Challenges and Considerations
to as nodes. Security- Ensuring the confidentiality and integrity
Links- The connections between nodes, which of transmitted data is a major concern, given the
can be wired (e.g., Ethernet cables) or wireless prevalence of cyber threats.
(e.g., Wi-Fi). Scalability- Networks must be designed to handle
Networking Devices- Devices like routers, growth in terms of the number of devices and the
switches, and hubs manage the flow of data volume of data traffic.
within a network, ensuring efficient Reliability- Networks should be robust to ensure
communication. uninterrupted communication, with backup
Protocols- Rules and conventions that govern mechanisms in place in case of failures.
how data is transmitted and received. Examples
include TCP/IP (Transmission Control Recent Developments
Protocol/Internet Protocol) and HTTP (Hypertext 5G Technology- The fifth generation of mobile
Transfer Protocol). networks, offering faster speeds and improved
connectivity.
Types of Networks IoT (Internet of Things)- The increasing
Local Area Network (LAN)- Covers a small integration of devices with the internet, leading to
geographical area, such as a single building or a network of interconnected smart devices.
campus. Edge Computing- Processing data closer to the
Wide Area Network (WAN)- Spans a large source, reducing latency and enhancing
geographical area, connecting LANs across cities efficiency in data communication.
or countries.
Wireless Networks- Use radio waves or infrared
signals for communication, eliminating the need
for physical cables.
Internet- A global network connecting millions of
devices worldwide, providing access to
information and services.
Types of Networks and Their Significance various environments like homes, offices, and
public spaces.
1. Local Area Network (LAN)
Definition: LANs are networks that cover a small 5. Internet
geographical area, such as a single building or Definition: The internet is a global network of
campus. networks, connecting millions of devices
Significance: LANs facilitate the seamless worldwide.
sharing of resources like files, printers, and Significance: The internet is a cornerstone of
applications among connected devices within a modern communication, providing access to
limited proximity. They are essential for efficient information, services, and collaborative platforms
internal communication within organizations. on an unprecedented scale. It has transformed
how individuals, businesses, and societies
2. Wide Area Network (WAN) interact.
Definition: WANs span a large geographical area,
connecting LANs across cities, countries, or even 6. Intranet
continents. Definition: An intranet is a private network within
Significance: WANs enable long-distance an organization that uses internet technologies to
communication, connecting geographically share information and resources.
dispersed offices or branches of an organization. Significance: Intranets enhance internal
The internet itself is a global WAN, connecting communication, collaboration, and
users and resources worldwide. information-sharing among employees. They
serve as secure platforms for document
3. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): management, project collaboration, and internal
Definition: MANs cover a larger geographical communication.
area than LANs but are smaller than WANs,
typically serving a city or a large campus. 7. Extranet
Significance: MANs provide high-speed Definition: An extranet extends an intranet to
connectivity for entities like universities, include external partners, such as suppliers,
government offices, or large corporations customers, or other organizations.
operating within a specific urban area. They offer Significance: Extranets facilitate secure
a balance between LANs and WANs. collaboration between an organization and its
external stakeholders. They are commonly used
4. Wireless Networks for joint projects, supply chain management, and
Definition: Wireless networks use radio waves or sharing specific information with authorized
infrared signals for communication, eliminating external entities.
the need for physical cables.
Significance: Wireless networks, including Wi-Fi 8. Virtual Private Network (VPN)
and mobile networks, provide flexibility and Definition: VPNs create a secure, encrypted
mobility. They enable devices to connect without connection over the internet, allowing users to
physical constraints, fostering convenience in access a private network remotely.
Significance: VPNs enhance security and privacy central point among computers and other
for remote workers, enabling them to connect to devices that are a part of the network. It is
the organization's network as if they were equipped with holes called ports.
physically present. They are crucial for secure
access to sensitive data and resources. 4. Network Card- a necessary component of a
computer without which a computer cannot be
9. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Networks connected over a network. It is also known as the
Definition: P2P networks allow devices to Network Adapter. Most branded computers have
communicate directly with each other without a network cards pre-installed. Network cards are of
centralized server. two types: Internal and External Network Card.
Significance: P2P networks are often used for file
sharing, decentralized applications, and
distributed computing. They provide a
decentralized and scalable approach to resource
sharing.

10. Cloud Networks

Definition: Cloud networks involve the use of
cloud computing services and resources 5. Universal Serial Bus (USB) Card also known
delivered over the internet. as WiFi Dongle is easy to use and connects via
Significance: Cloud networks enable scalable USB port. Computers automatically detect USB
and flexible access to computing resources, cards and can install the drivers required to
storage, and applications. They are vital for support the USB network card automatically.
businesses seeking cost-effective and scalable
solutions without the need for extensive Types of a Computer Network
on-premises infrastructure. 1. LAN (Local Area Network) is a group of
computers connected to each other in a small
Powerpoint area such as buildings, offices. LAN is used for
connecting two or more personal computers
Hardware and Peripherals Needed to Setup a through a communication medium such as
Computer Network twisted pair, coaxial cable, etc. It is less costly as
it is built with inexpensive hardware such as
1. Network Cables- used to connect computers. hubs, network adapters, and Ethernet cables.
The most commonly used cable is Category 5
cable RJ-45. 2. PAN (Personal Area Network) is a network
arranged within an individual person, typically
2. Distributors- used to connect many within a range of 10 meters. PAN is used for
computers/devices to produce a network. connecting the computer devices of personal use
Example: switches
Thomas Zimmerman was the first research
3. Router- a type of device which acts as the scientist to bring the idea of the Personal Area
Network. PAN covers an area of 30 feet. An interconnection between public, private,
commercial, industrial, or government
Two Types of Personal Area Network computer networks can also be defined
a. Wireless Personal Area Network- is developed as internetworking.
by simply using wireless technologies such as Example : Intranet
WiFi, Bluetooth. It is a low range network.
Network Topology
b. Wired Personal Area Network- is created by
using the USB. -Is the configuration, or topology, of a network is
key to determining its performance.
3. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) is a -It is the way a network is arranged, including the
network that covers a larger geographic area physical or logical description of how links and
by interconnecting a different LAN. Government nodes are set up to relate to each other.
agencies use MAN to connect to the citizens and
private industries. 1. Physical – the physical network topology
refers to the actual connections (wires, cables,
etc.) of how the network is arranged.
2. Logical – the logical network topology is a
higher-level idea of how the network is set up,
including which nodes connect to each other and
in which ways, as well as how data is transmitted
through the network.
Logical network topology includes any virtual and
cloud resources.

Types of a Computer Network Topology

1. BUS Topology is a network type in which every
computer and network device is connected to a
4. WAN(Wide Area Network) is a network that single cable. When it has exactly two endpoints,
extends over a large geographical area such as then it is called Linear Bus topology.
states or countries. It is not limited to a single
location, but it spans over a large geographical Features of Bus Topology
area through a telephone line, fiber optic cable, -It transmits data only in one direction.
or satellite links. The internet is one of the -Every device is connected to a single cable
biggest WAN.
2. Ring Topology
5. Internetwork is defined as two or more -It is called ring topology because it forms a ring
computer network LANs or WAN or computer as each computer is connected to another
network segments that are connected using computer, with the last one connected to the first.
devices, and they are configured by a local Exactly two neighbors for each device.
addressing scheme.
Features of Ring Topology Network Devices
-Data is transferred in a sequential manner that is MoDem (Modulator-Demodulator) is a
bit by bit. Data transmitted, has to pass through hardware device that converts data between
each node of the network, till the destination digital and analog formats. It is commonly used
node. to transmit digital data over telephone lines,
cable systems, or satellite connections, which
3. STAR Topology traditionally carry analog signals.
-In this type of topology all the computers are
connected to a single hub through a cable. This Types of Modems
hub is the central node and all others nodes are 1) Dial-up Modem - An older type of modem that
connected to the central node. uses a standard telephone line for Internet
connectivity. It is much slower than modern
Features of Star Topology broadband connections.
-Every node has its own dedicated connection to 2) DSL Modem - Uses telephone lines to provide
the hub. high-speed Internet without interrupting voice
-Hub acts as a repeater for data flow. service.
-Can be used with twisted pair, Optical Fibre or 3) Cable Modem - Connects to your Internet
coaxial cable Service Provider (ISP) via a coaxial cable and
provides high-speed Internet access, often faster.
4. MESH Topology- It is a point-to-point 4) DSL Fiber Modem - Used for fiber-optic
connection to other nodes or devices. All the Internet connections, offering very high speeds
network nodes are connected to each other. by transmitting data as light pulses.
5) Cellular Modem - Connects to a mobile
Types of Mesh Topology network to provide Internet access, commonly
A) Partial Mesh Topology- In this topology some used in mobile phones, hotspots, or USB
of the systems are connected in the same dongles.
fashion as mesh topology but some devices are
only connected to two or three devices. • Modem establishes Internet/WAN connection.
B) Full Mesh Topology- Each and every node or • Modem can only send messages to one device.
device are connected to each other. • 1 to 1

Features of Mesh Topology Router is a networking device that forwards data

-Fully connected. packets between computer networks, effectively
-Robust. directing traffic on the Internet. It connects
-Not flexible different networks together, such as a local area
network (LAN) to the Internet, allowing multiple
devices to share a single Internet connection.
Types of Routers 2) Managed Switch - These switches offer
1. Home/Small Office Router - Typically used in advanced features like VLAN (Virtual LAN)
homes or small businesses, these routers configuration, traffic management, quality of
connect to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and service (QoS), and security controls. Managed
provide Internet access to multiple devices. switches are used in larger, more complex
networks where administrators need greater
2. Enterprise Router - Used in large businesses control over network traffic.
and organizations, these routers handle more
complex networking needs, such as connecting 3) PoE (Power over Ethernet) Switch - These
multiple large networks, managing vast amounts switches can deliver power to connected devices,
of data traffic, and providing advanced security such as IP cameras or wireless access points,
features. through the Ethernet cable itself, eliminating the
need for separate power sources.
3. Core Router - these are high-capacity routers
used by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to 4) Layer 2 Switch - Operates at the Data Link
manage data traffic within their own networks, layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model and is primarily
often in the backbone of the Internet. responsible for forwarding data based on MAC
addresses.
4. Edge Router - positioned at the edge of a
network, these routers connect an internal 5) Layer 3 Switch: Combines the functionality of
network to external networks, such as the a switch and a router, operating at both the Data
Internet, and are crucial in managing data as it Link (Layer 2) and Network (Layer 3) layers of
enters or leaves a network. the OSI model. It can perform routing functions
based on IP addresses, allowing for more
• Routers can send info to more than 1 device but advanced network management.
limited devices only.
• 1 to many (limited) • Switch can send info to many devices.
• 1 to many.
Switch is a networking device that connects
multiple devices within a local area network 6) Access Point (AP) is a networking device that
(LAN) and manages data traffic between them. allows wireless devices to connect to a wired
Unlike a router, which connects different network using Wi-Fi. It acts as a bridge between
networks, a switch operates within a single wireless devices (like laptops, smartphones, and
network to facilitate communication between tablets) and the wired Ethernet network,
devices like computers, printers, and servers. providing a central point for wireless
communication within a local area network
Types of Switches (LAN).
1) Unmanaged Switch - These are simple,
plug-and-play devices with no configuration
options. They are often used in small networks
where basic connectivity is sufficient.
Types of Access Points to cover a larger area.
1. Standalone Access Points - These are 2. Optical Repeater- Used in fiber-optic
independent devices that connect to a wired communication, an optical repeater amplifies light
network and provide wireless connectivity. They signals that weaken as they travel long distances
are commonly used in small to medium- sized through the fiber-optic cables.
networks, such as homes or small offices.
3. Ethernet Repeater - In wired networks, an
2. Controller-Based Access Points - These Ethernet repeater (or network hub) is used to
access points are managed by a central extend the length of an Ethernet cable run
controller, which simplifies the management of beyond the standard maximum distance
multiple access points. This is useful in large (typically 100 meters for Ethernet cables).
networks, such as those found in enterprises,
schools, or public venues, where seamless Wi-Fi 4. Digital Repeater - Used in digital
coverage is needed across a wide area. communication systems, this type of repeater
regenerates the digital signal, correcting any
3. Mesh Access Points - These access points errors that might have occurred due to signal
work together to form a mesh network, where degradation before sending it on.
each access point communicates with others to
extend wireless coverage over a large area • Repeater is a one to one device connection.
without the need for extensive wiring. Mesh • It uses wireless connection.
networks are often used in large homes or
outdoor environments. Week 2

• Access Point uses a cable to connect to a

switch.
• Access Point is like an extension wire.

4. Repeater is a networking device that amplifies

or regenerates signals in a communication
channel to extend the range over which data can
travel. It is primarily used in situations where the
signal might degrade or weaken over long
distances, such as in wireless networks or long
cable runs.

Types of Repeaters
1. Wireless Repeater- also known as a Wi-Fi
extender, this type of repeater is used in wireless
networks to extend the range of a Wi-Fi signal. It
receives the existing wireless signal, amplifies it,
and then broadcasts the boosted signal