Fundamentals of Computer Systems

Unit 5 : Data Communication and Computer

Network

Er. Raju Sharan

BCIS,
Apex College
 5.1 What is
Communication?

?
?
 Communication

Communication in the context of computers refers to the

process of exchanging data, information, or instructions
between two or more devices.
This exchange can occur locally within a single computer
system or over a network connecting multiple computers.
Communication enables devices to share resources,
collaborate on tasks, and facilitate various functionalities
such as file sharing, remote access, and various modern
messaging services, audio calls and video calls.
 Digital
Communication

Data
• Communication media
Sender Receiver
(you) (your friend in Australia)
 Digital
Communication
System
A typical Digital Communication System can be modelled
as:
Channe Channe
Inform Input Source Transm l
l
ation Transd ADC Encode itter
Encode (media
Source ucer r (Tx)
r )

Receiv
er
(RX)
Channe
Output Output Source l
Messag transdu DAC Decode Decode
e cer r r
5.2 Communication
media
In the context of computers refers to the channels or
mediums through which data, information, or
instructions are transmitted between devices. These
mediums facilitate the exchange of data either within a
computer system or across networks. Communication media
can be categorized into two main types: guided and
unguided.
 Communication
media
Wired or bounded media, rely on physical cables or
wires to transmit data. Examples include:
Guided • Twisted pair cables
media • Coaxial cables
• Fiber optic cables

Wireless or unbounded media, transmit data through

electromagnetic waves without the use of physical cables.
Unguided Examples include:
media • Wireless communication (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Radio)
• Satellite communication
• Infrared communication
 Communication media

Coaxial cable is a type of guided communication media commonly used

for transmitting data signals. It consists of a central conductor, which carries
the signal, surrounded by a dielectric insulator, a metallic shield, and an
outer insulating layer. This design helps to minimize signal loss and
interference, making coaxial cable suitable for high- frequency applications
such as cable television, internet connections, and networking.

Fig: Coaxial Cable

 Communication
media

Twisted pair cable is a type of guided communication

media commonly used in networking for transmitting
data signals. It consists of pairs of insulated copper
wires twisted together, which helps to reduce
electromagnetic interference from external sources
and crosstalk between adjacent pairs. Twisted pair
cables are widely used for
telephone lines, Ethernet data
communication applications.
connections,
There
andare two main
types of twisted pair cables: various other
Shielded Unshielded
Twisted pair Twisted pair
  Unshielded Twisted Pair
(UTP): Physical
Characteristics:
Consists of twisted pairs of insulated copper
wires without any additional shielding.
Each pair of wires is twisted at a specific rate
per foot to minimize interference.
Features:
Cost-effective: UTP cables are relatively
inexpensive compared to shielded twisted pair
(STP) cables.
Flexible and easy to install.
Suitable for most networking environments,
including home and office networks.
  Shielded Twisted Pair
(STP): Physical
Characteristics:
Similar to UTP cables but with additional shielding made of
metallic mesh/foil around each pair of twisted wires. The
shielding helps to provide better protection against
electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency
interference (RFI).
Better noise resistance: STP cables offer improved performance
in environments with high levels of electromagnetic
interference.
Higher cost: STP cables are generally more expensive than UTP
cables due to the added shielding.
 Fiber-optic cable:
Physical Characteristics:

Consist of thin strands of glass or plastic fibers,

typically housed within a protective outer jacket.
Each fiber consists of a core (where the light
travels) surrounded by a cladding layer that
reflects light inward, allowing for total internal
reflection.
Multiple fibers may be bundled together within a
single cable, known as a fiber optic cable or fiber
optic bundle.
Working Principle:
 Fiber-optic cable
Working Principle:

Data is transmitted through fiber optic cables in

the form of light pulses, typically generated by
a laser at one end of the cable.
The light pulses travel through the core of the
fiber by repeatedly bouncing off the cladding
layer due to total internal reflection.
At the receiving end, a detector converts the light
pulses back into electrical signals, which can then
be processed by electronic devices.
 Unguided
Communication
media

Radio
waves

laser or
infrared
signals

microwave
 Notes for better
understanding
Radio Waves:
Radio waves are electromagnetic waves with frequencies ranging from
3KHz to 300GHz. They are widely used in wireless
communication technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular
networks. Radio waves are suitable for medium tolong-range
communication and can penetrate obstacles like walls.
Microwaves are electromagnetic waves with frequencies ranging
from about 1 gigahertz to 300 gigahertz. They are commonly used for
long- distance communication, including satellite communication and
microwave point-to-point links. Microwaves offer high bandwidth and are
often used for high-speed data transmission.

Infrared signals utilize infrared light waves for short-

range communication between devices. They have frequencies
ranging from about 300 gigahertz to 400 terahertz. Infrared
communication is commonly used for remote controls, infrared
data ports, and proximity sensors.
Satellite communication utilizes satellites orbiting the Earth to relay data
signals between ground stations or directly to satellite-enabled devices. It
employs various frequency bands, including radio waves and
microwaves, for communication. Satellite communication provides global
coverage and is used for telecommunications, Satellite internet,
broadcasting, and navigation(GPS).
Global Optical Fiber Network
Fig : VSAT technology
5.3
Communication
mode
Communication mode refers to the
manner in which data is
transmitted between devices in a
communication system. It defines
the direction of data flow and the
relationship between the
communicating entities.
 5.3
Communication
mode Communication occurs in only one direction. One device acts
Simplex as the sender (transmitter), and the other device acts as the
receiver (receiver), but data can only flow in one direction.
Example: Television broadcasting

Communication can occur in both directions, but not

simultaneously. Devices can both send and receive data, but
Half duplex not at the same time.
Example: Walkie-talkies or two-way radios

Communication occurs in both directions

simultaneously allowing for bi- directional
Full duplex communication.
Example: Telephone conversations, Ethernet
networks using full-duplex communication
5.4 Computer
Network
• It is defined as the collection of two or more
computers which are interconnected together
for sharing resources with the help of
transmission media and set of protocols.
• A computer network is a group of computers
linked to each other that enables the computer
to communicate with another computer and
share their resources, data, and applications.
 5.5 Applications of
Computer Network

• Business Applications
• Home Applications
• Mobile Users
• Social Issues

Fig: A network with two client and one server

 Business Applications of
Computer Network

Fig: The client-server model involves requests and replies

 Home Network
Applications
• Access to remote information
• Person-to-person communication
• Interactive entertainment
• Electronic commerce

Fig: peer-to-peer system (no fixed clients and servers)

 Network Applications

Table: Some forms of e-commerce

 5.6 Types of Network

A computer network is mainly of four types:

1.LAN(Local Area Network)
2.PAN(Personal Area Network)
3.MAN(Metropolitan Area Network)
4.WAN(Wide Area Network)
 Types of Network

1. LAN(Local Area Network)

• Local Area Network is a group of computers connected to
each other in a small area such as building, office.
• LAN is used for connecting two or more personal
computers through a communication medium such as
twisted pair, coaxial cable, etc.
• It is less costly as it is built with inexpensive hardware
such as hubs, network adapters, and ethernet cables.
• The data is transferred at an extremely faster rate in
Local Area Network.
• Local Area Network provides higher security.
 Types of Network

2. PAN(Personal Area Network)

• Personal Area Network is a network arranged within an
individual person, typically within a range of 10 meters.
• Personal Area Network is used for connecting the computer
devices of personal use is known as Personal Area Network.
• Thomas Zimmerman was the first research scientist to bring
the idea of the Personal Area Network.
• Personal Area Network covers an area of 30 feet.
• Personal computer devices that are used to develop the
personal area network are the laptop, mobile phones,
media player and play stations.
 Types of Network

Types of Personal Area Network

There are two types of Personal Area
Network:
• Wireless Personal Area Network:
Wireless Personal Area Network is developed by simply using
wireless technologies such as WiFi, Bluetooth. It is a low range
network.

• Wired Personal Area Network: Wired

Personal Area Network is created by using the USB.
 Types of Network

3. MAN(Metropolitan Area Network)

• A metropolitan area network is a network that covers a

larger geographic area by interconnecting a different LAN
to form a larger network.
• Government agencies use MAN to connect to the citizens
and private industries.
• In MAN, various LANs are connected to each other
through a telephone exchange line.
• The most widely used protocols in MAN are RS-232,
Frame Relay, ATM, ISDN, OC-3, ADSL, etc.
• It has a higher range than Local Area Network(LAN).
 Figure and use of MAN

• Use for
communication
between the banks
in a city.
• Used in an Airline
Reservation.
• Used in a college
within a city.
• Used for
communication in
the military.

Fig: A metropolitan area network based on cable TV

 4. WAN(Wide Area Network)
• A Wide Area Network is a network that extends over a large
geographical area such as states or countries.
• A Wide Area Network is quite bigger network than the LAN or MAN.
• A Wide Area Network is not limited to a single location, but it spans over
a large geographical are a through a telephone line, fiber optic cable or
satellite links.

Examples Of Wide Area Network:

• Mobile Broadband: A 4G network is widely used across a region or country.
• Last mile: A telecom company is used to provide the internet
services to the customers in hundreds of cities by connecting their
home with fiber.
• Private network: A bank provides a private network that connects the 44
offices.
 WA
N

A stream of packets from sender to receiver

Advantages and Disadvantages of
Wide Area Network
Advantages
Disadvantages
• Geographical area • Security issue
• Centralized data • Needs Firewall &
• Get updated files Antivirus
• Exchange messages • High Setup cost
• Troubleshooting
• Sharing of software and
resources problems
• Global business
• High bandwidth
5.7 Network
Topologies
What is Topology?
• Network Topology is the schematic description of a
network arrangement, connecting various
nodes(sender and receiver) through lines of
connection.
• A network topology map is a map that allows
an administrator to see the physical network
layout of connected devices.
• Having the map of a network’s topology on hand is
very useful for understanding how devices connect
to each other and the best techniques for
troubleshooting.
Types of Network
Topologies

1.Mesh Topology
2.Star Topology
3.Bus Topology
4.Ring Topology
5.Tree Topology
6.Hybrid Topology
Bus Topology
A bus topology orients all the devices on a network
along a single cable running in a single direction from
one end of the network to the other.
which is why it’s sometimes called a “line topology”
or “backbone topology.”
Data flow on the network also follows the route of the
cable, moving in one direction.
Advantages
•Easy installation
•Fewer cables required than Mesh and star topology
•Good for small businesses
•Low cost
•Easy to manage and expand

Disadvantages
•Backbone performance is critical
•Easily congested on busy periods
•Efficiency decreases rapidly with
each added node
•Data can only travel in one
direction at any point in time
Ring Topology
• Ring Topology In a ring topology, each device has a
dedicated point-to-point connection with only the two
devices on either side of it.
• The ring topology connects computers on a single
circle of cable.
• There are no terminated ends.
• A ring topology connects one host to the next and the
last host to the first. The signal travels around the loop
in one direction and passes through each computer.
Advantages
Low incidence of collision
Low cost
Suitable for small businesses
Dual ring option provides continuity through redundancy

Disadvantages
•One faulty node will bring the entire
network down
•Requires extensive preventative
maintenance and monitoring
•Performance declines rapidly with
each additional node
•Reorganizing the network requires a
full system shutdown
Star Topology

• A star topology is a topology where every node in the

network is connected to one central switch.
• Every device in the network is directly connected to the
switch and indirectly connected to every other node.
• The relationship between these elements is that the
central network hub is a server and other devices are
treated as clients.
• With star topologies, computers are connected with a
coaxial cable, twisted pair, or optical fiber cable.
Advantages
Easy to manage from one point – the switch
Easy to add and remove nodes
Durable
Low cable usage
Good for small businesses

Disadvantages
•Requires specialist network hardware
(switch)
•Makes the network reliant on the
switch’s performance
•A finite number of switch ports limits
the network’s size
 TREE Topology
• Tree topology network is a structure that is shaped like a
tree with its many branches.
• Tree topologies have a root node that is connected to
another node hierarchy. The hierarchy is parent-
child where there is only one mutual connection
between two connected nodes.
• As a general rule, a tree topology needs to have three
levels to the hierarchy to be classified this way. This
form of topology is used within Wide Area
Networks to sustain lots of spread-out devices.
Advantages
•Blends bus and star
topologies
•Easy to manage
•Easy to expand
•Suitable for middle-sized
businesses
Disadvantages
•The network is dependent on
the health of the root node
•Requires networking
expertise
•Involves a lot of cable
•Larger implementations
require monitoring software
•Expensive
 Mesh Topology
• In a mesh topology, every device has a
dedicated point-to-point link to every other
device. The term dedicated means that the link
carries traffic only between the two devices it
connects.
• This topology creates a very reliable network,
but requires a large amount of cable and is
difficult to administer. Wifi networks make this
topology more feasible.
 vantages
gh speeds data transfers
urable network that isn’t dependent on any one node
ry secure
uitable for high-value networks for small to middle-sized networks
asy to identify faulty equipment

Disadvantages
•Requires a very large amount of
cable
•Can be difficult to secrete all the
cable
•Takes a long time to set up
•Requires meticulous planning
•There is a limit to the number of
cables each computer can
accommodate
Hybrid Topology
• Hybrid topologies combine two or more different
topology structures the tree topology is a good
example, integrating the bus and star layouts.
• Hybrid structures are most commonly found in larger
companies where individual departments have
personalized network topologies adapted to suit their
needs and network usage.
Advantages
Very flexible
Suitable for middle-sized and large organizations
nfinitely extendible
Adaptable to optimize equipment use

Disadvantages
•Requires professional
management
•Needs monitoring
software
•Equipment costs are
high
 5.8 Communication
Protocols (IP, TCP)

Protocols -Define the rules that govern the communications

between two computers connected to the network.

Roles:
• addressing and routing of messages,
• error detection and recovery,
• sequence and flow controls etc.

A protocol specification consists of the syntax, which defines the

kinds and formats of the messages exchanged, and the semantic,
which specifies the action taken by each entity when specific
events occur.
  Types of
Communication
Protocols
1. Internet Protocol (IP) : IP is also working with TCP. It is an addressing
Protocol. IP addresses packets route them and show different nodes and
network Unless it reaches its right destination. The IP protocol is developed in
1970.
2. File Transfer Protocol (FTP): File transfer protocol is basically used for
transferring files to different networks. There may be a mass of files such as
text files, multimedia files, etc. This way of file transfer is quicker than other
methods.
3. SMTP: Simple mail transfer protocol manages the transmission and outgoing
mail over the internet.
4. HTTP: HTTP is based on client and server model. HTTP is used for making a
connection between the web client and web server. HTTP shows information in
web pages.
5. Ethernet: Ethernet is a most important for LAN communication. Ethernet
transmits the data in digital packets. If any computer wants to use this protocol
they should contain Ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC).
5.9 Networking
Hardware
 Thank You

Any
questions?