Introduction to Computer & its applications 2017

CHAPTER FIVE
DATA COMMUNICATION AND COMPUTER NETWORKS
5.1 Data Communication
A Communication system can be defined as the collection of hardware and software that facilitates
intersystem exchange of information between different devices. When we communicate, we are sharing
information. This sharing can be local (face to face communication) or it may be remote (communication
over distance).
Data communication is the exchange of data between two devices via some form of wired or wireless
transmission medium. It includes the transfer of data, the method of transfer and the preservation of the
data during the transfer process. To initiate data communication, the communicating devices should be a
part of an existing communications system.

For data communication to be effective, the following three fundamental characteristics should be
considered:

 Delivery: The system must deliver data to the correct or the intended destination.
 Accuracy: The system must deliver data accurately (error free).
 Timeliness: The system must deliver data in a timely manner without enough time lags.

5.2 Data Communication Components

There are five basic components in data communication system:

i. Message: it is the information that is to be communicated.

ii.Sender: The sender is the device that sends the message.
iii.
Receiver: The receiver is the device that receives the message
iv.Medium: The transmission medium is the physical path that communicates the message from
sender to receiver.
v. Protocol: Protocol refers to a set of rules that coordinates the exchange of information. Both the
sender and receiver should follow the same protocol to communicate data. Without the protocol,
the sender and receiver cannot communicate with each other; just as a person speaking English
cannot be understood by a person speaks only Hindi.

SENDER RECIEVER

Media Message

Fig: data communication component

Compiled by: Fikreab L. Page 1

 Introduction to Computer & its applications 2017
5.3 Data Transmission Mode
Data transmission mode refers to the direction of signal flow between two linked devices. There are
three types of transmission modes: simplex, half-duplex, and full–duplex.
i. Simplex: transmission is unidirectional. The information flows in one direction across the circuit,
with no capability to support response in the other direction. Only one of the communicating devices
transmits information, the other can only receive it. Television transmission can be considered as an
example of simplex mode of transmission where the satellite only transmits the data to the television,
vice versa is not possible.

SENDER RECIEVER

Fig: Simplex

ii. Half-duplex, in half-duplex mode, each communicating device can receive and transmit
information, but not at the same time. When one device is sending the other can only receive at that
point of time. In half-duplex transmission mode, the entire capacity of the transmission medium is
taken over by the device, which is transmitting at that moment. The most common example of half-
duplex transmission is the wireless handsets (generally used by military personnel) where one user
talks at a time and another listens.
SENDER RECIEVER

Fig: Half - duplex

iii. Full-duplex: Full-duplex transmission mode, also known as the duplex mode, allows both
communicating devices to transmit and receive data simultaneously. A full-duplex mode can be
compared to a two-way road with traffic flowing in both directions. A common example of full-
duplex transmitting mode is the telephone network, where two people communicate over a
telephone line; both can talk as well as listen at the same time.

SENDER RECIEVER

Fig: Full - duplex

Compiled by: Fikreab L. Page 2

 Introduction to Computer & its applications 2017
5.3.1 Transmission Media
Transmission media refers to the physical or logical media through which communication signals
(data and information are transmitted. Transmission media can be divided in to two broad categories:
guided media and unguided media.

A. Guided media
Guided transmission media use a cabling system that guide the data signals along a specific path.
The data signals are bound by the cabling system. Cabling refers to transmission medium that
consists of cables.
There are four basic types of guided media. These are

 Open wire
 Twisted pair
 Coaxial cable
 Optical fiber
 Open wire:
1. Traditionally used to describe the electrical wire system or power transmission wire strung along
power pole.
2. No shielding or protection from noise interface.
3. It suffers from lose of energy problem and it can be easily tapped.
 Twisted Pair:
 In this kind of cabling, pairs of wires are twisted together which are surrounded by an insulating
material and an outer layer called Jacket.
 Each pair consists of a wire, used for receiving data signal, and for transmission data signal.
 The wires are twisted in order to reduce noise (unwanted signal) and interface for external
sources.
 Used in short distance communication (<=100 meters).
Forms of Twisted Pair: There are two forms of Twisted Pair. These are

 Unshielded Twisted Pair, and

 Shielded Twisted Pair
 Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP):
 It is the most common type of telecommunication medium in use today.
 It is most suited for both data and voice transmission, and hence is commonly use in telephone
system.
 Have a maximum transmission speed of up to 9600 bps.

Fig: UTP

Compiled by: Fikreab L. Page 3

 Introduction to Computer & its applications 2017
 Shielded Twisted Pair (STP):
 Has a metal foil or braided-mesh covering that covers each pair of insulated conductor.
 The metal foil is used to prevent infiltration of electromagnetic noise.
 Helps to eliminate cross talk.

Fig: STP
 Coaxial cable:
 Has a single central conductor, which is made up of solid wire (usually copper). This conductor
is surrounded by an insulator.
 It is very robust and is commonly used in cable TV network.
 As compared to twisted pair, it offers higher band width.
 Transmitting data at a rate of 10mbps.
Types of Coaxial cable:

 Thin net: - it goes up to 185m

- Its speed is 10mbps

 Thick net: - it covers a distance of 500m

1. its speed is 10mbps
2. commonly used in cable TV network

Copper
core
Insulation Metal connector

Braided outer conductor

Protective plastic
covering

Fig: Coaxial cable

2. Optical fiber:
1. Both twisted pair and coaxial cable transmit data in the form of current, but optical fiber carry
information in the form of visible light.
2. Has three parts, i.e. Core, cladding , and jacket

Fig: Optical fiber

Compiled by: Fikreab L. Page 4

 Introduction to Computer & its applications 2017

Advantages of Optical fiber

 Since transmission is light based rather than electricity, it is immune to noise interface.
 Transmission distance is greater than other guided media, because of less signal
attenuation.
 It is more secure because cable cannot be tapped.
 They are smaller and lighter than copper wire and are free from corrosion as well.
Disadvantages of Optical fiber

 It is expensive
 They are more fragile.

B. Unguided media
Unguided transmission media is data signals that flow through air. They are not bounded to a fixed
channel to follow. The most common unguided Medias are radio frequency propagation, Microwave
and Satellite

5.4 COMPUTER NETWORK

This need to share data and resources led to the development of networking. A network is a group of
connected computers that allows people to share information. In a network, multiple users can access the
same information and connect to the same resource. For example, instead of linking each computer to its
own printer, all computers can be linked to a common printer for shared access by multiple users.

5.4.1 Types of Networks

Based on Geographical span computer networks can be classified into three major groups:
 Local Area Network (LAN)
 Metropolitan Area network (MAN)
 Wide Area Network (WAN)
1. Local Area network (LAN)
A LAN, or local Area Network, is a computer network that spans only a small geographical area
(usually within a square mile or less), such as an office, home or building.
2. Metropolitan Area network (MAN)
A MAN, or Metropolitan Area network, is a network of computers spread over a “Metropolitan” area
such as a city and its suburbs, as the name suggests, this sort of network is usually reserved for
metropolitan areas where the city bridges its local area networks with a series of backbones, making
one large network for the entire city. It may be a single network such as a cable television network or
it may be a means of connecting a number of LANs, Note that, MAN may be operated by one
organization ( a corporate with several offices in one city), or be shared resources used by several
organization in the same city.

Compiled by: Fikreab L. Page 5

 Introduction to Computer & its applications 2017

3. Wide Area Network (WAN)

A WAN, or Wide Area Network, is a system of interconnecting many computers over a large
geographical area such as cities, states, countries or even the whole world. These kinds of networks
use telephone lines, satellite links, and other long-rang communications technologies to connect. Such
networks are designed to serve an area of hundreds or thousands of miles such as public and private
packet switching networks and national telephone networks.

MAN
LAN LAN LAN

WAN

Fig: Type of network according geographical span

5.4.2 NETWORK TOPOLOGIES

The term topology refers to the way a network is laid out, either physically or logically. A topology
can be considered as the network’s shape. It is thee geometric representation of the relationship of
all the links. There are five basic topologies: Bus, Ring, Star, and Mesh.
1. Bus Topology
Bus topology uses a common bus or backbone ( a single cable) to connect all devices with
terminators at both ends. The backbone acts as a shared communication medium and each node (file
server,
Workstations, and peripherals) is attached to it with an interface connector. Whenever a message is to
be transmitted on the network, it is passed back and forth along the cable, past the stations
(computers) and between the two terminators, from one end of the network to the other. As the
message passes each station, the station checks the message’s destination address. If the address in
the message matches the station’s address, the station receives the message. If the addresses do not
match, the bus carries the message to the next station, and so on. Figure 12.33 illustrates how devices
such as file serve workstations, and printers are connected to the linear cable or the backbone.

Compiled by: Fikreab L. Page 6

 Introduction to Computer & its applications 2017
 Advantages of Bus Topology
 Connecting a computer or peripheral to a linear bus is easy.
 This topology requires least amount of cabling to connect the computers and
therefore, less expensive than other cabling arrangement.
 It is easy to extend a bus since two cables can be joined into longer cable with a
connector.
 Disadvantages of Bus Topology
 Entire network shuts down if there is a failure is on the backbone
 Heavy traffic can slow down a bus because computers on such networks do not
coordinate with each other to reserve time to transmit.

2. Ring Topology
In ring topology, computers are placed on a circle of cable without any terminated ends since there are no
unconnected ends. Every node has exactly two neighbors for communication purposes. All messages
travel through a ring in the same direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) until it reaches its destination.
Each node in the ring incorporates a repeater. When a node receives a signal intended for another device,
its repeater regenerates the bits and passes them along the wire.

 Advantage of Ring Topology

 Ring topology is easy to install and reconfigure.
 Every computer is given equal access to the ring. Hence, no single computer can
monopolize the network.
 Disadvantages of Ring Topology
 Failure in any cable or node breaks the loop and can take down the entire network.
 Maximum ring length and number of nodes are limited.

3. Star Topology
Compiled by: Fikreab L. Page 7
 Introduction to Computer & its applications 2017
In star topology, devices are not directly linked to each other but they are connected via a centralized
network component known as hub or concentrator. The hub acts as a central controller and if a node
wants to send data to another node, it boosts up the message and sends the message to the intended node.
This topology commonly uses twisted pair cable; however, coaxial cable or fiber optic cable can also be
used.

 Advantages of Star Topology

 Star topology is easy to install and wire.
 The network is not disrupted even if a node fails or is removed from the network.
 Fault detection and removal of faulty parts is easier in star topology.
 Disadvantages of Star Topology
 It requires a longer length of cable.
 If the hub fails, nodes attached to it are disabled.
 The cost of the hub makes the network expensive as compared to bus and ring topology.

4. Mesh Topology
In the mesh topology, every node has a dedicated point-to-point link to every other node. Messages sent
on a mesh network can take any of several possible paths from source to destination. A fully connected
mesh network has n(n-1)/2 physical links to link n devices. For example, if an organization has 5 nodes
and wants to implement a mesh topology, 5(5-1)/2, that is, 10 links are requires. In addition, to
accommodate that many links, every device on the network must have n-1 communication (input/output)
ports.

Compiled by: Fikreab L. Page 8

 Introduction to Computer & its applications 2017
 Advantages of Mesh Topology
 The use of large number of links eliminates network congestion.
 If one link becomes unusable, it does not disable the entire system.
 Disadvantages of Mesh Topology
 The amount of required cabling is very large.
 As every node is connected to the other, installation and reconfiguration is very difficult.
 The amount of hardware required in this type of topology can make it expensive to implement.

5.5. INTERNET BASICS

5.5.1. INTRODUCTION
With the growth in popularity and networking of computers, intercommunication between different
computers became easier, which led to the phenomenon called Internet. For a majority of people, who are
unaware of computer technology, Internet depicts some enigmatic computer gizmo, which has something
to do with games, music, and generally entertainment. However, Internet is a much broader concept than
mere entertainment and recreational activities. It is revolutionizing and enhancing the ways of human
interaction and communication.

The word Internet is derived from two words: Interconnection and Networks. Also referred to as ‘
the Net’, Internet is a worldwide system of computer networks, that is, a network of networks, which
allows the participants ( users) to share information on those linked computers. In consist of thousands of
separately administered networks of various sizes and types. Each of these networks comprises tens of
thousands of computers. Moreover, the total number of users of the Internet is known to be in millions.
This high level of connectively encourages an unparalleled degree of communication, resource sharing,

Compiled by: Fikreab L. Page 9

 Introduction to Computer & its applications 2017
and information access. It is probably the most powerful and important technological advancement since
the introduction of the desktop computer.

5.5.2. BASIC INTERNET TERMS

Now let us familiarize ourselves with some basic Internet terms.
Web page: The World Wide Web consists of files, called pages which contain information and links to
resources throughout the Internet. A web page is an electronic document written in a computer language
called HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) These web pages are linked together through a system of
connections (called hypertext links, hyperlinks or links), Which enable the user to jump from one web
page to another by clicking on a link. On the Web, the user navigates through these pages of information
in accordance of his/her interests.
Web Site: A web site is a set of related (linked through hypertext links) web pages, published by an
organization or individual. Normally a web site contains a home page along with other additional web
pages. Each web site is owned and updated by an individual, company or organization. It is an area on
the web, which is accessed by its own address (known as URL or the Uniform Resource Locator). Note
that, the quality, detail, and style of web sites vary enormously, depending on how it is designed.
Home page: when you browse the World Wide Web, you will often see the term ‘home page”. A home
page is the starting point or a doorway to the web site. Like the table of contents of a book, the home
page usually provides an overview of what could be found at the web site. If there is not much
information, the home page may be the only page of the web site. However, usually you will find at least
a few other pages.
Note: Home page is also known as the index or index page.
Browser: A browser (short for web browser) is a computer program that accesses web pages and
displays them on the computer screen. It is the basic software that is needed to find, retrieve, view, and
send information over the Internet. In fact, to access the World Wide Web, the user requires a web
browser. The most popular browsers are Microsoft internet Explorer and Netscape navigator. Browsers
are of two types:
 Graphical browsers: allow retrieval of text, images, audio, and video. Navigation is accomplished
by pointing and clicking with a mouse on highlighted words and graphics. Both Netscape
navigator and Internet Explorer are graphical browsers.
 Text browsers: provide access to the Web in text-only mode. Navigation is accomplished by
highlighting emphasized words on the screen with the arrow up and down keys, and then pressing
the Enter key to follow the link. Lynx is an example of text-based browser.

Uniform resource locator (URL): Each web page has a unique address, called a Uniform Resource
Locator (URL) that identifies its location on the Internet. Web browsers utilize the URL to retrieve a
file from the computer on which it resides. Usually, the format of an URL consists of four parts:
protocol, server ( or domain), path, and filename. Here is an example,
http://www.xyz.com/tutor/start/main.htm. The structure of this URL
Protocol: http
Host computer name: www
Domain name: xyz
Domain type: com

Compiled by: Fikreab L. Page 10

 Introduction to Computer & its applications 2017
Path: tutor/Start/
File name: main.htm
The first part of the address, the part before the colon, is the access method. Apart from http, you could
also find other protocols such as ftp (file transfer protocol), mailto (mail server, used for accessing E-mail
server) and telnet (for accessing remote computers). The protocol is separated by colons and slashes.
After the slashes, the host computer’s name is displayed, that is, an indicator such as www, which stands
for World Wide Web. Next comes the name of the computer where the information is located. Note that
it is not necessary that all the addresses contain www. Although most Internet addresses include a www,
a web page can reside on the part of the Internet that is not found on the World Wide Web.
After the domain name, the domain type is displayed such as com. A domain type is a unique and case
sensitive human-readable name for a host on the Internet. A domain type represents the type of
organization or country to which the host belongs.
In addition, dozens of domain types have been assigned to identify and locate files stored on host
computers in countries around the world. These are referred to as two-letter Internet country codes, and
have been standardized by the International Standards Organization (ISO). For example, uk for the
United Kingdom, de for Germany, au for Australia, and in for India. The last part of a URL consists of
the path and the file name. Path name specifies the hierarchic location of the said file on the computer.
For instance, in http://www.xyz.com/tutor/start/main.htm, the file main.htm is located in start, which is a
subdirectory of tutor.
Hypertext: Hypertext refers to the text that connects to other documents. These texts are known as
hypertext link, hyperlink, hotlink or simply links. A hyperlink is used to “jump” to another part of the
same page or to load a different web page. Hypertext is a method of instant cross-referencing. It is used
for organizing information and to link related documents together using words and graphics (also known
as image maps). Usually hypertext links appear in a different color (typically in blue and underlined)
from the rest of the text. When the cursor is moved over a text link or over a graphic link it will change
from an arrow to a hand.
The hypertext words often provide a hint about the connected page. When the user returns to a page with
a link he/she had already visited, the hypertext words will often be in a different color (usually magenta),
indicating that the link is already been used. However, the user can certainly use that link again.
Internet service provider (ISP): An Internet Service Provider (ISP) is an organization that provides the
required software, which is used to connect to the Internet. For a monthly fee, the ISP provides the user a
software package, username, password, and access phone number(s). Equipped with a modem, the user
can then log on to the Internet and browse the Web. In our country Ethiopia the only and famous ISP is
ETC.

Web server: A server is a computer equipped with server software, which provides a specific kind of
service to client software running on other computers. The term can refer to a particular piece of
software, for example, a web server, or to the machine on which the software is running. A web server is
a computer that answers requests from user’s computers. It serves images and static content, such as web
pages, to fill client’s (browser) requests. Web servers can run on any hardware platform and operating
system and store documents in HTML.

Compiled by: Fikreab L. Page 11

 Introduction to Computer & its applications 2017
Download and upload: Download refers to the activity of moving or copying a document, program or
other data from the Internet or other interconnected computer to one’s own computer. It is the process of
‘pulling’ information from one computer onto another, For example, while accessing a web site, the
HTML code and graphics must be downloaded from a remote server onto the user’s computer, before
viewing the web site. When the user downloads a file, he/she is actually copying a particular file from the
web and placing it on his/her hard drive. Upload is just the opposite of download. In case the user moves
or copies a document, program or other data from his/her computer to the Internet. It refers to the act of
moving data from one computer to another, usually to a server or remote computer. For example, a
software company may upload a demonstration of its new software onto the web so that users can then
download the software onto their individual computers.

Online and offline: The term online is commonly referred to as ‘connected to the World wide web via
Internet’. When you connect to the Internet, you are online or live. Being online is also used to refer to
materials stored on a computer or to a device like a printer that is ready to accept commands from a
computer. Hence, any activity undertaken while the computer is connected to another computer or
network is said to be online. Offline is just the opposite of being online. It refers to the actions performed
when the user is not connected, via telecommunications, to another computer or a network like the
Internet. Hence, offline means that the user is no longer connected to a remote computer. If a printer or
other peripheral is not ready to receive data from the computer, it is also considered offline.

5.6. GETTING CONNECTED TO INTERNET

Now that you are aware of the basic Internet terms, let us shift our focus on how to connect to the
Internet. The basic requirements for getting online are:

 A TCP/IP enabled computer with a web browser

 An account with an ISP
 A telephone line plugged to a suitable socket
 A modem to connect the computer to the telephone line

5.7. INTERNET APPLICATIONS

The Internet has grown from a small project to today’s biggest network of computers. Due to the
colossal growth, the Internet has become the biggest domain of information. Nowadays, an Internet user
has access to a wide variety of services such as electronic mail, file transfer, vast information resources,
interest group membership, interactive collaboration, multimedia displays, real-time broadcasting,
shopping opportunities, and much more. Some of the important services provided by the Interest are
briefed below.

World Wide Web (WWW)

The World Wide Web (abbreviated as the Web or WWW) is one of the most popular services available
on Internet. It is a subset of the internet and it presents text, images, animation, video, sound, and other
multimedia in a single interface. This greatly enhances the experience of the Internet surfer. Although the
World Wide Web is often referred to as the Internet, they are actually two different concepts. The internet
is the decentralized global network of computers that transfer information and the wiring that make all
this possible where as the Web is a collection of documents or web sites, that users can access using the

Compiled by: Fikreab L. Page 12

 Introduction to Computer & its applications 2017
Internet and a web browser. Almost every protocol type available on the Internet is accessible on the
Web. This includes E- mail, FTP, Telnet, and Usenet News. Since the WWW is a subset of the Internet, it
stands to reason that the Web could not exist without the Internet. However, the Internet would still be
the Internet without the web.

Electronic mail (E-mail)

Electronic mail, or E-mail, is a fast, easy, and inexpensive way to communicate with other Internet users
around the world. It is one of the basic and earliest services of the internet and the most used application
on the Internet too. E-mail overcomes most of the problems and delays of getting a physical document
from one person to another. Rather, is has the dual advantage of not only being faster but cheaper to use
as well. Each user of E-mail has a mailbox address to which messages are sent and the mailbox can be
accessed from any where and anytime. It does not matter what type of connectivity the user is having, he
will always be able to use this service. One can receive and send E-mails from all systems where it is a
Windows PC or a UNIX machine. Not only can this E-mail also be used to send documents, images,
audio, video, etc. as an attachment along with the mail.
Internet Relay Chat (IRC)
IRC or Internet Relay Chart is a service on the Internet that allows people to communicate in real time
and carry on conversations via the computer with one or more people. It provides the user with the
facility to engage in simultaneous (synchronous) online ‘conversations’ with other users from anywhere
in the world. Unlike other forms of group communication on the Internet, chat is instant communication.
However, both parties must be connected to the Internet and that too at the same time, running the right
software and actively participating in order to chat.
Video Conferencing
Video conferencing uses the same technology as IRC, but also provides sound and video pictures. It
enables direct face-to face communication across networks. A video conferencing system has two or
more parties in different locations, which have the ability to communicate using a combination of video,
audio, and data. A videoconference can be person to person (referred to as ‘multipoint’) and the video
conferencing terminals are often referred to as ‘endpoints’.
Commerce through internet
Today business is taking place through electronic telecommunication media. Nowadays various
organizations offer the facility of shopping online. This type of business model is known as Electronic
commerce or E-Commerce. E-commerce refers to buying and selling goods and services online. It
integrated communication, data management and security capabilities, which allow organizations to
exchange of information needed to conduct business including Electronic Data Interchange ( EDI) and
Electronic funds Transfer (EFT) EDI is the computer – to – computer exchange of routine business
transactions including payments, information exchange, and purchase order requests. EFT is a
technology that allows the transfer of funds from the bank account of the person or organization to that of
another.

Compiled by: Fikreab L. Page 13