65

DATA COMMUNICATION
AND COMPUTER
NETWORK
Unit
4
 66

SLOs Ÿ Dene the basic terminology of data communication

Ÿ Elaborate the terms data rate and baud rate with
corresponding formulas and standard units
Ÿ Differentiate between analog and digital signals
Ÿ Distinguish between data rate and baud rate

4.1 BASICS OF DATA COMMUNICATION

4.1

Communication is the process of sharing a message. A

conversation between two people is an example of communication. Data
communications refers to the sharing of a virtual message. Electronic
communications, like emails and instant messages and phone calls are
examples of data communications. Data communication is the exchange
of digital messages between two devices. It involves a sender and a receiver
which communicate via some form of transmission medium such as a
cable.

4.1.1 Basic Terminologies of Data Communication

In order to understand the data communication, it is good to know

some basic terms related to it.

(i) Data

Collection of raw facts and gures is called data. The word data is
derived from Latin language and it is plural of Datum. The text, numbers,
symbols, images, voice and video which are processed by computers and
digital devices are called data. Data can be considered as unprocessed
information.

(ii) Data Communication

Data Communication is the process of transferring data

electrically from one place to another. It is the process of exchange of data
and information between two parties such as human and electronic or
computing device.
 67

(iii) Data Transmission

The data transmission means emission of data in any direction via

wireless or wired medium. Transmission may occur between source and
destination.

(iv) Analog Signals

Analog signals are a continuously varying signals or waves that

change with time period and used to represent data. An analog signal can
be used to measure changes in some physical quantities such as light,
sound, pressure or temperature.

Analog Signals

Fig: 4.1 Analog Signals

(v) Digital Signals

A digital signal is an electrical signal that is converted into a pattern

of bits to represent a sequence of discrete values, at any given time. It can
only be one of the nite numbers represented as 0 or 1.

Digital Signals

Fig: 4.2 Digital Signals

 68

Difference between Analog and Digital Signals:

Analog Signal Digital Signal

1 An analog signal is a continuous 1 A digital signal is a discrete

wave that changes by time wave that carries information in
period. binary form.

2 Analog signal has no xed 2 Digital signal has a nite

range. number i.e. 0 and 1.

3 An analog signal can easily be 3 A digital signal is less prone to

disturbed by other signals or other signals disturbance.
waves.

4 The human voice is example of 4 Signals used by computer are

an analog signal. the digital signal.

5 An analog signal is represented 5 A digital signal is represented by

by a sine wave. square waves.

6 Analog signals are long term 6 Digital signals are short term
waves need to be boosting. signals remain within digital
devices / electronic.

(vi) Data Rate / Bit Rate

Data rate is the rate at which data is transferred. It is normally

measured in bits per second. Bit is the actual binary digit which is the
basic unit of data transmission. Bit can hold either 0 or 1. Data rate can be
ranging from bps (bits per second) for smaller values to kbps (kilo bits per
second) and mbps (megabits per second). It is also called bit rate. Data
rate becomes faster when more bits are transferred in one second.

Teacher There are many abstract concepts in this chapter. It is

Note good idea that teachers explain this chapter with the
help of videos available on internet.
 69

(vii) Baud Rate

The baud rate is the number of signals transmitted per second and
one signal can represent one or more bits. It is used to describe the
maximum change in an electronic signal. For example, if a signal changes
1200 times in one second, it would be measured at 1200 baud.
Difference between Data Rate and Baud Rate:

Data Rate or Bit Rate Baud Rate

1 Bit rate tells the number of bits 1 Baud rate is used when we want
transmitted per unit of time to know the number of signal
(Second). units transmitted per unit of
time (Second).

2 Bit rate is the number bits (0's 2 Baud rate is the number of
and 1's) transmitted per second. times a signal is traveling
comprised of bits. One signal
can represent more than one
bit.

3 Bit rate = baud rate x the number 3 Baud rate = bit rate / the number
of bits per signal unit of bits per signal unit

(viii) Signal to Noise Ratio

Signal-to-noise ratio (abbreviated SNR or S/N) is a measure used in
engineering that compares the level of a desired signal and the level of
background noise. It is dened as the ratio of signal power to the noise
power, often expressed in decibels.

Ÿ Recognize different components of a communication system

SLOs Ÿ Tell the various properties of a good communication system

4.1.2 Components of a Communication System

A Communication system has following ve components as shown

in gure 4.3.
 70

Protocol Protocol

Messages

Transmission Medium
(Wired or Wireless)

Sender Receiver
Fig: 4.3 Components of Communication System

(i) Message

It is the information or data to be communicated. Common forms of

information include text, numbers, pictures, audio and video.

(ii) Sender

It is the device that generates and sends a message. It can be a

computer, telephone handset, etc.

(iii) Receiver

Any particular digital electronic device which has capability to

recieve data in form of message. The location of receiving computer is
generally different from the sending computer. Like sender, it can also be
a computer, telephone handset, etc.

(iv) Medium

It is the channel or path through which the message is carried from

sender to the receiver. Some examples include twisted-pair cable, coaxial
cable, radio waves, etc.
 71

(v) Protocol

Protocols are the rules and procedures on which computers

exchange data on network. Sender and receiver follow same protocols to
communicate with each other. In other words, a protocol is an agreement
between two parties or venders, using communication devices.

4.1.3 Properties of a Good Communication System

The effectiveness of a data communications system depends on the

fundamental characteristics which include delivery, accuracy and
timeliness.
Characteristic Description
Making sure that the data is delivered is the
rst fundamental characteristic of any
1. Delivery communication network. The system must
be able to deliver data in correct order to
the correct destination.
The system must deliver the data
accurately. Data that has been altered
2. Accuracy
during transmission and left uncorrected is
not useful.
The data must be delivered in a timely
3. Timeliness
manner. Late delivered data is useless.

SLOs Ÿ Develop understanding about the transmission

medium
Ÿ Recognize and describe different types of guided and
unguided media
Ÿ Differentiate between guided and unguided media

4.2 TRANSMISSION MEDIUM

4.2

Transmission Medium or Communication Channel is a wireless or

physical path between the sender and receiver through which data is sent
and received from one place to another. Data is transmitted normally by
electromagnetic or electrical signals through different types of wires,
 72

atmosphere or vacuum. Transmission media is broadly classied into two

groups; guided and unguided as shown in gure 4.4.

Transmission Media

Guided Unguided
Media Media

Coaxial Fiber Twisted Radiowaves Microwaves Infrared

Optics

Unshielded Shielded

Fig: 4.4 Transmission Medium

4.2.1 Guided Media

In guided media signals are transmitted in a narrow pathway by

using physical links. It is also called Wired or Bounded transmission
media. The physical links are the cables that are tangible or have physical
existence. There are three common types of guided media used for the
networks. Each of them has its own characteristics like transmission
speed, effect of noise, physical appearance, cost, etc.

(i) Twisted Pair Cable

As name suggests, this cable is made by two separate wires twisted

together. A twisted pair cable is made up of insulated copper wires. The
insulation and twisting of wires prevent external interference. Each pair of
wires has unique color code. This type of cable is widely used in different
kinds of data and voice infrastructures. There are two types of twisted pair
cables:
(a) Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)
(b) Shielded Twisted Pair (STP)
 73

(a) Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)

This type of cable can block

interference but it is vulnerable to external
interference. It is mostly used for
telephonic applications. It is less expensive
and easy to install. Fig: 4.5 Unshielded
Twisted Pair (UTP)
(b) Shielded Twisted Pair (STP)

This type of cable consists of a special

coating to block external interference. It is
used in fast-data-rate ethernet and also in
voice and data channels of telephone lines.
Fig: 4.6 Shielded
(ii) Coaxial Cable Twisted Pair (STP)

Coaxial cable is also known as coax. It

has an outer plastic covering containing two
parallel conductors each having a separate
insulated protection cover. Cable TVs and
analog television networks widely use
coaxial cables.

(iii) Fiber-Optic Cable Fig: 4.7 Coaxial Cable

In optical ber or ber-optic cable

data is transferred in the form of light. It
uses the concept of reection of light
through a core made up of glass or plastic.
The core is surrounded by a less dense
glass or plastic covering called the
cladding. It is used for transmission of
large volumes of data at very high speed.
Fig: 4.8 Fiber-Optic Cable

4.2.2 Unguided Media

Unguided media is also termed as wireless or unbounded

transmission media. As the name implies, it does not require physical
 74

medium such as wire for the transmission of electromagnetic signals.

There are three major types of Unguided Media.

(i) Radio Waves

Radio waves are also called

electromagnetic waves. These are easy to
generate and can penetrate through
buildings. Radio waves are omnidirectional
and propagated in all directions. It means
that sending and receiving antennas do not
need to be aligned. FM, AM radios, television
and cordless phones use radio waves for
transmission.
Fig: 4.9 Radio Waves

(ii) Microwaves

Microwave transmission is a line of sight transmission i.e. the

sending and receiving antennas need to be properly aligned with each
other. The distance covered by the signal is directly proportional to the
height of the antenna. These are mostly used for mobile phone
communications tower and television broadcast. Terrestrial and Satellite
are two types of microwave transmissions.

Terrestrial: Terrestrial microwaves have both stations having antennas

on earth.

Satellite: In satellite system (Figure 4.10), some antenna are on satellite

in orbit and others are on stations on earth. They work at remote places so
it can be used in mobile devices.

Receiver
Sender

Fig: 4.10 Microwaves Transmission

 75

(iii) Infrared

It uses infrared light to transmit

signals. LED is used to transmit signals and
light-receivers (photodiodes) to receive
signals. They use terahertz frequency. It
cannot penetrate walls or other objects.
Infrared light is transmitted generally line of
sight (point to point). Wireless infrared
communications can be used to establish
short range wireless links or wireless Local
Area Network. Fig:4.11 Infrared

Ÿ Describe the different types of aws and faults in

SLO transmission signals.

4.2.3 Transmission Impairments

Sometimes, signals traveling through transmission media lose their

quality. This means that received signal is not same as the signal that was
sent. This phenomenon is called transmission impairments.
Transmission impairments are those defects that occur when data is
transmitted. There are three causes of impairment i.e. attenuation,
distortion and noise.

(i) Attenuation

Attenuation means loss of energy. A signal loses its energy due to

the resistance of medium while it is transmitted. Its strength decreases
with increase in distance. Ampliers are used to overcome attenuation
and make signal stronger again. It is measured in decibels.
Original Attenuated Amplied

Fig: 4.12 Attenuation

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(ii) Distortion

Distortion means change in the shape of the signal. A composite

signal has several frequencies. When it travels through a medium
different component of signal may reach at different time at destination
because each component has different speed in that medium. This is
called distortion. They have different phases at sender and receiver ends.

Composite Signal Received

Composite Signal Sent

Components, out of phase

Components, in phase

At the sender At the receiver

Fig: 4.13 Distortion
(iii) Noise

Unwanted signal that mixes up with the original signal during the
transmission of data is called noise. It can be induced noise, crosstalk
noise, thermal noise and impulse noise which may damage the signal.

Transmitted Noise Received

Point 1 Transmission Medium Point 2

Fig: 4.14 Noise

 77

Ÿ Dene different communication devices

SLOs Ÿ Explain the function of router
Ÿ Differentiate among different types of modems
Ÿ Describe the function of switch/router
Ÿ Elaborate the functions of different communication
devices

4.3 COMMUNICATION DEVICES

A communication device is any type of hardware capable of

transmitting and receiving data, instructions and information.

4.3.1 Switch

A switch or network switch (Figure 4.15) is a networking device that

connects computers and other devices like
printers, scanners and cameras on a
network. Data cables from all computers and
other devices of network are plugged into the
switch to enable communication between
them. Fig: 4.15 Switch

4.3.2 Router

A Router (Figure 4.16) is a device

that connects two or more networks.
Routers are a combination of hardware
and software. The main function of a
router is to determine the optimal data
path and transfer the information
through that path, also known as
network trafc controller.
Fig: 4.16 Router

4.3.3 Modem

Modem is short for Modulator and Demodulator. Modulation is the

process of converting digital signals into analog signals. Demodulation is
 78

quite opposite; it converts analog signals into digital signals. Modem has
the ability of sending and receiving signals that allows computers to share
information with each other. This sharing of information is possible over
phone lines, cables or satellite connections.

(i) Dial-up Modem

Dialup modems (Figure 4.17) use standard telephone lines to

transmit and receive information. A dialup modem can be internal or
external. It is important to remember that telephone lines carry only
analog signals, whereas data packets sent by the computer are in digital
form. In order to send these packets across a telephone line, modem
converts digital signals into analog.

Fig: 4.17 Dial-up Modem

(ii) DSL Modem

DSL stands for Digital

Subscriber Line (Figure 4.18). Like
dial-up modem DSL modem also
uses telephone lines to transfer
digital signals. DSL modem has a
built-in network switch which
enables use of twisted pair wires to
deliver data and voice at high speed
as compare to dial-up modem. Some
DSL modems also have wireless
communication functionality. Fig: 4.18 DSL Modem
 79

(iii) ISDN Modem

Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN: Figure 4.19) is a digital

phone connection that can transmit data, voice and video over a normal
telephone line at the same time which was not done before. It is faster and
expensive technology. Since ISDN work on digital transmission it converts
analog voice to digital signals before transmission.

ISDN MODEM
Di
gi
ta
ld
at
a
Analog Phone Telephone line

a
d at
it al
ig
D

Client A
Fig: 4.19 ISDN Modem
4.3.4 Network Interface Card (NIC)

Network cards also known as Network Interface Cards (NICs:

Figure 4.20) are hardware devices that connect a computer with the
network. They are installed on the mother board. They are responsible for
establishing a physical connection between the network and the
computer. Computer data is translated into electrical signals and sent to
the network via Network Interface Cards. Modern motherboards have
built-in NICs.
Wireless Network Interface Card

Network Interface Card

Fig: 4.20 NIC

 80

SLOs Ÿ Dene the term computer network and networking

Ÿ Classify the network types on the basis of their
characteristics

4.4 BASICS OF COMPUTER NETWORKS

4.4

Computer networks are just like a highway on which data can

travel. A computer network connects parts of distributed system
including hardware and software. It shares common functions and
features like data and devices which is very important nowadays.

4.4.1 Computer Network and Networking

(i) Computer Network

A computer network is a group of computers and related equipment

connected by a communication links to share data and other resources.
The related equipment may be printer, scanners, fax machines, server,
etc. The resources may include a le server, internet connection, etc.

(ii) Networking

Networking is the act of joining computers and its accessories so

that exchange of information and sharing of resources take place. In
today's world, networking plays a vital role in computers and
telecommunication elds. Modern organizations create a networking
environment and device connectivity for fast, inexpensive and reliable
communication.

Teacher Teachers are expected to show network physically. They

Note are also supposed to show how we can access other
computers and printers attached with a network.
 81

4.4.2 Types of Computer Networks

Computer networks can be categorized by their size as well as their

purpose. The size of a network can be expressed by the geographical area
they occupy and the number of computers that are part of the network.
Networks can cover anything from a handful of devices within a single
room to millions of devices spread across the entire globe. There are three
types of computer networks:
Ÿ Local Area Network (LAN)
Ÿ Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
Ÿ Wide Area Network (WAN)

(i) Local Area Network (LAN)

LAN is a group of computer and peripheral devices which are

connected in a limited area such as school, laboratory, home and ofce
building. Useful resources like internet access, storage space and printers
can be shared through LAN. It can be built with inexpensive hardware
such as hubs, switches, network adapters and network cables. Data and
software are also shared through LAN.

(ii) Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

In MAN, computer network can spread across an entire city, college

campus, or a small region. It can cover the area of several miles and may
include multiple small networks or LANs. MANs offer very fast
communication but they are expensive to establish. Therefore, only large
business organization or universities set up MAN. It also requires security
measures to prevent unauthorized access.

(iii) Wide Area Network (WAN)

A Wide Area Network is used for long distance transmission of data.

WAN helps to cover a larger geographical area and connect cities,
provinces or even countries. Using WAN technology, computers may be
linked together in different countries using satellites, microwaves or
telecommunication links. Therefore, large business, research and
 82

educational organizations situated at longer distances use WAN. A WAN

may include multiple MANs and LANS. WANs are set up with expensive
devices and need some dedicated connections

SLOs Ÿ Dene the term network topology

Ÿ Develop understanding about physical layout of bus,
ring and star topologies
Ÿ Differentiate the network topologies according to
their design and physical layout

4.5
4.5 Fundamental of Topologies

The physical layout in which computers are connected is called

topology. The topology of network describes the way computers are
connected. Topology is a major design consideration for computer
networking.

4.5.1 Bus Topology

As name suggests, in Bus Topology computers and other devices

are connected with a single cable. The central cable is the backbone of the
network and every device communicates with the other device through
this bus. The advantages of Bus Topology are simplicity, low cost and easy
expansion of the network. The disadvantage of the Bus Topology is that a
breakdown in the bus cable brings the entire network down.

Fig: No. 4.21 Bus Topology

 83

4.5.2 Ring Topology

In Ring Topology, computers

are connected in a ring or circle
shape. The signal travels around
the loop in one direction and
passes through each computer.
The recipient of the message
receives the message while another
computer acts like a repeater to
send it to the next computer. The
failure of a link or a computer can
make the entire network non-
functional. Fig: 4.22 Ring Topology

4.5.3 Star Topology

In a star topology, all the computers are connected to a central

device called hub or switch. To communicate with any computer, the
sender must send information to the hub. Then the hub transmits that
information to the destination. The advantages of star topology are easy to
set up and easy expansion of the network. Another feature of Star
Topology is that if one link to the hub breaks, only the station using that
link is affected not the whole network.

Fig: No. 4.23 Star Topology

 84

Ÿ List out the names of standards organizations:

SLO ISO, IEEE, IETF, ITU, ANSI

4.6
4.6 STANDARD ORGANIZATIONS

Standards are rules that dene the appearance, functionality, or

protocols of some equipment. They are essential for network
communication. Network standards dene rules of communications
among computing devices. This ensures that companies (i.e. Cisco and
IBM) that manufacture computing and networking products follow these
uniform standards. By following standards, all hardware become
compatible in the network, allowing efcient networking to take place.

Standard Organization develops, coordinates, revises, amends

and reissues technical standards. These standards are intended to
address the requirements of a group of concerned devices. There are
several organizations working on standardization of computing
equipment to enable the interoperability among different devices
manufactured by different companies in different regions. IEEE, IETF,
ITU and ANSI are the examples of standard organizations.

4.6.1 International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

It covers a wide range of elds. The ISO has members from the
standards committees of various governments across the world. It is even
responsible for developing models which provides high level of system
compatibility, quality enhancement, improved productivity and reduction
in costs. The ISO is also responsible for endorsing and coordinating the
functions of the other standards organizations.

4.6.2 Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (IEEE)

It is an international professional non-prot organization.

Electronics, computer and communication engineers, researchers,
scientists and students are the members of IEEE. This organization
develops communication and information processing standards for all
elds related to electrical and computer engineering.
 85

4.6.3 International Engineering Task Force (IETF)

It is a large international community of network designers,
operators, vendors and researchers concerned with the development of
internet architecture and smooth operation of the internet.
4.6.4 International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
This organization is a specialized agency that is responsible for
resolving the issues that concern with information and communication
technologies.
4.6.5 American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
It is the ofcial standards agency for the United States. ANSI is a
completely private, non-prot organization comprised of equipment
manufacturers and users of data processing equipment and services. It
supervises standards for products, services, processes, systems and
personnel in the United States. ANSI membership is comprised of people
from professional societies, industry associations, governmental and
regulatory bodies, and consumer goods.

SLOs Ÿ Dene network architecture

Ÿ Memorize the names of seven layers of OSI's ISO model
Ÿ Dene the functions of all layers of OSI's ISO model
Ÿ Describe functions of layers in TCP/IP model

4.7
4.7 NETWORK ARCHITECTURE
It is the design of a computer network. It is a framework for the
specication of a network's physical components, their functional
organization and conguration, operational procedures and
communication protocols used. Just like OSI / TCP layered architecture.

4.7.1 ISO's OSI Model

The Open Systems Interconnection model is a conceptual model
developed by ISO. It characterizes and standardizes the communication
functions of a telecommunication and computing network. Its goal is the
interoperability of different communication systems with standard
 86

communication protocols. This model divides a communication system

into seven abstraction layers.

No. Layers Functions

This layer enables users to access the network with
applications such as email, le transfer, etc. These
7. Application
applications produce the data, which is
transferred over the network.
It receives information from the application
layer and converts it to uniform network format
(ASCII or Unicode) which is acceptable by rest of OSI
6. Presentation model and destination. Encryption and decryption
are also the responsibility of this layer. This layer
also reduces number of transfer bits by compression.
This layer establishes, maintains and ends a session
or logical connection between applications on two
computers. It manages who can transmit data at a
5. Session
certain time and for how long. This layer adds
checkpoints. If session fails only data after the most
recent checkpoint need to be transmitted.
It ensures the reliable transmission of data. Transport
layer manages error control, ow control and quality of
4. Transport the service. If the data is not properly transmitted it
requests to resend.
The function of this layer is the selection of the shortest
and suitable path from source to destination, from the
3. Network number of routes available. It is also responsible to
convert logical address (IP address) to physical address
(MAC address).
This layer is responsible to transmit data using physical
addresses. Data Link Layer ensures error free
2. Data link
transmission of packets. Packet in this layer is referred
as Frame.
It is responsible for converting electrical signals into bits.
1. Physical It also denes the cable types to be used as transmission
media, cards, topology and other physical aspects.
 87

4.7.2 TCP/IP Model

TCP/ IP is a suite of communication protocols used to interconnect

network devices on the internet. These are set of rules and procedures.
TCP/IP species how data is exchanged over the internet by providing
end-to-end communications. It also identies how data should be broken
into packets, addressed, transmitted, routed and received at the
destination. With reference to OSI layers, we can understand the
functions of TCP/IP layers.
OSI Layers TCP/IP Layers Function
Application Using protocols like HTTP and FTP, this
layer allows interaction with applications.
Application
Presentation Application layer is also responsible to
Layer
encode and decode data and establish
Session communication between two devices.
Using protocols like UDP and TCP, this
Transport layer establishes a logical connection
Transport
Layer between two devices and makes sure the
reliable delivery of data.

Internet It is responsible for packet forwarding by

Network accessing physical path.
Layer

Data link Using the logical addressing this layer

Network
decides how data will be sent across
Physical Access Layer different networks paths.

SLOs Ÿ Dene network address

Ÿ Differentiate between Physical Address and Logical
Address
Ÿ Describe IPV4 address

4.8 NETWORK ADDRESSING

4.8

Network addresses are like our house addresses. They must be

unique and distinctive. This avoids confusion for the postman. A network
address is any Logical or Physical Address that uniquely identies it from
 88

others. This address is needed to distinguish a network node or device on

a computer network. It is a numeric or symbolic number or address that is
assigned to any device that seeks access to network or is the part of a
network. Remember, Physical and Logical Address are different.
Difference between Physical Address and Logical Address:
Physical Address Logical Address
1. Physical address is attached 1. Logical address is assigned to
with ROM of the NIC card. a device.
2. Physical Addressing means 2. Logical addressing means IP
MAC (Media Access Control) addressing that is provided by
provided by manufacture and your Internet Service Provider
attached address of the NIC. (ISP) or set by network
The card which is used to administrator.
connect your machine to the
internet.
3. Physical addressing cannot be 3. Logical Address can be changed.
changed. They are also called
hardware address.
4. Physical address is a 48 bit 4. Logical address is a 32 bit IP
mac address. Address.
5. It is globally Unique and 5. It is unique in one network and
permanent. temporary.
4.8.1 IPV4 Address

An IP address is a unique number or address used to identify a

device on a network. The device could be a computer, printer, smart
phone, tablet, etc.
Every device connected to the internet must have an IP address to
communicate with other devices. IP address acts as a telephone number
or a car registration number. It shows ownership and location. IP address
allows a device to communicate and be located by other devices on the
internet. IPV4 stands for Internet Protocol version 4.
An IPV4 address is made up of 32 binary bits, which is divided into
two parts, network and host. The network portion of the address mentions
 89

the computer network and the host

portion identies the computer or any
other computing device. IP version 4
(IPV4) addresses are comprised of
four number segments separated by
dots. Example of an IP address is
192.168.108.105.

Fig: 4.24 IP Address

SUMMARY

w Communication is the process of sharing a message. Data

communication refers to the exchange of digital messages between two
devices.
w Analog signals are continuously varying signals or waves that change
with time period and used to represent data.
w A digital signal is an electrical signal that is converted into a pattern of
bits to represent a sequence of discrete value.
w Data rate refers to the rate at which data is transferred. It is normally
measured in bits per second transferred.
w The baud rate is the number of signals transmitted per second and one
signal can represent one or more bits.
w A communication system has following ve component; message,
sender, receiver, medium, protocol.
w The effectiveness of a data communications system depends on the
fundamental characteristics which include delivery, accuracy and
timeliness.
w Transmission medium or communication channel is a wireless or
physical path between the sender and receiver through which data is
sent and received from one place to another.
w Transmission media is broadly classied into two groups guided and
unguided.
 90

w Twisted Pair Cable is made by putting two separate wires together in a

twisted pattern.
w Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) is type of cable consists of a special jacket
to block external interference.
w Coaxial cable has an outer plastic covering containing two parallel
conductors each having a separate insulated protection cover.
w In ber optic cable data is transferred in the form of light.
w Radio waves are also called electromagnetic waves.
w Radios, television and cordless phones use radio waves for
transmission.
w Microwave transmission is a line of sight transmission i.e. the sending
and receiving antennas need to be properly aligned with each other.
w Infrared light is transmitted generally line of sight (point to point).
w Transmission impairments are those defects that occur when data is
transmitted. There are three kinds of impairment as attenuation,
distortion and noise.
w Attenuation means loss of energy or a weakened signal.
w Distortion means change in the shape of the signal.
w Inuence signal that mixes up with the original signal during the
transmission of data is called noise.
w A switch or network switch is a networking device that connects
computers and other devices like printers, scanners, and cameras of a
computer network.
w A Router is device that connects two or more networks.
w Dialup modems use standard telephone lines to transmit and receive
information.
w DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line. DSL modems are the next step
in modem technology.
w Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) is a digital phone
connection that can transmit data, voice and video over a normal
telephone line at the same time.
w Network cards also known as Network Interface Cards (NICs) are
hardware devices that connect a computer with the network.
w A computer network is a system of computers and related equipment
connected by a communication links to share data and other
resources.
 91

w Computer networks can be categorized by their size as well as their

purpose.
w There are three types of computer networks Local Area Network (LAN),
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN).
w A Local Area Network (LAN) is a group of computer and peripheral
devices which are connected in a limited area such as school,
laboratory, home, and ofce building.
w A Metropolitan Area Network or MAN consists of a computer network
across an entire city, college campus, or a small region.
w A Wide Area Network is used for long distance transmission of data.
WAN helps to cover a larger geographical area. It may connect two or
more countries.
w Bus topology consists of a single cable by which all the computers and
other devices of a network are connected.
w In ring topology, computers are connected in a ring shape.
w In a star topology, all the computers are connected to a central device
called hub or switch.
w Network standards dene rules of communications among computing
devices.
w International Organization for Standardization (ISO) consists of
members from the standards committees of various governments
across the world.
w IEEE, IETF, ITU and ANSI are examples of standard organizations with
different goals and functions.
w Network architecture is the design of a computer network.
w The OSI is a conceptual model that characterizes and standardizes the
communication functions of telecommunication and computing.
w A network address is any logical or physical address that uniquely
identies itself from other addresses.
w Physical address is a 48 bit MAC, permanent address.
w Logical address is a 32 bit IP Address. It is temporary.
w An IPV4 address is made up of 32 binary bits, which is divided into two
parts, network and host.
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EXERCISE

A. Choose the right answer:

1. Wired Media is also called:

a) targeted media b) directed media
c) guided media d) unguided media

2. Communication system is made up of

a) three components b) four components
c) ve components d) six components

3. Both Physical and Logical addresses are:

a) different b) unique
c) permanent d) temporary

4. If you are an electrical or electronic engineer, you should join:

a) IEEE b) IETF
c) ITU d) ANSI

5. The topology in which all computers are connected to a central device

called hub is:
a) Bus b) Star
c) Ring d) Tree

6. Change in the shape of signal between sender and receiver is called:

a) attenuation b) interruption
c) noise d) distortion

7. Router determines data path to transfer data packets which is the:

a) shortest b) longest
c) cheapest d) optimal
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8. Converting digital signal to analog is called:

a) modulation b) modication
c) bandwidth d) multiplexing
9. The number of bits used in an IPV 4 address are:
a) 16 b) 32
c) 64 d) 128

10. The loss of energy in transmission signal refers to.

a) Attenuation b) Distortion
c) Noise d) Jitter

B. Respond the following:

1. List the properties of a good communication system. Explain any one.

2. Explain components of communication using single example.
3. Write the function of following network devices.
Ampliers, Routers, Switch, Hub
4. List the causes of signal impairments. Explain any one.
5. What is the difference between radio wave and microwave?
6. Why OSI model is broken up in layers?
7. Explain the purpose of Standard Organization.
8. List one merit and one demerit of each topology.
9. Give one example of LAN, WAN and MAN.
10. How can we measure bit rate and baud rate? Give an example of each.
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C. Match the columns:

S.NO. A S.NO. B C

(i) Parts of an IPV4 (a) WAN

address
(ii) Physical address (b) Network and Host
Change in shape of
(iii) (c) Transport layer
signals
(iv) A networking connecting (d) Data link layer
two continents
(v) TCP and UDP are used (e) Cannot be changed
at
In OSI model the layer
(vi) responsible to decide (f) Distortion
the format of data

ACTIVITIES

1. APSTNDP are the rst characters of OSI Model's Layer. Make sentence
of seven words where each word starts with each character.
2. Compare Coaxial Cable, UTP, STP and Fiber Optic cable in terms of
cost, data rate, installation, interference and maximum length of
segment.
3. Uncover the twisted pair cable, count number of wires and also make
list of color scheme.
4. Identify different type of layers of coaxial cable.
5. Identify and write names of different connectors used in telephone
landline, coaxial cable and twisted pair cable.
6. Make a list of hardware equipment for each topology.
7. Draw a Hybrid Topology diagram in which bus, ring and star topologies
are used.