Detailed Note on Chapter 1: Introduction to Data Communication, Computer Networks,
Wireless Communication, and Mobile Computing
Computer Network and Data Communication Basics
A computer network is a set of computers connected to share information. It comprises two
or more computers linked by wired (cables) or wireless (WiFi) media for transmitting,
exchanging, or sharing data and resources.
Data communication refers to the transmission of digital data between two or more
computers over a telecommunications network, such as the Internet, which is the best-
known computer network.
Characteristics and Components of Data Communication
The effectiveness of a data communications system depends on four fundamental
characteristics:
Delivery: Data must be delivered accurately to the correct intended device or user.
Accuracy: Delivered data must be accurate and unaltered.
Timeliness: Data must be delivered promptly, especially for real-time transmission (like
video and audio), meaning data arrives as produced, in order, without significant delay.
Jitter: Refers to the variation in packet arrival time, causing uneven delay.
The five main components of a data communication system are:
Message: The data or information to be communicated (e.g., text, audio, video files).
Sender: The device (e.g., computer, mobile) that transmits the message.
Receiver: The destination device that accepts the message.
Transmission Medium: The physical path (guided/wired or unguided/wireless) through
which the message travels.
Protocol: The agreed-upon rules necessary for communication between devices.
History of Computer Networks and Core Concepts
Computer networking began with the ARPANET development in the late 1960s and early
1970s, focused on resource sharing among equal peers. A strong emphasis of ARPANET was
the use of packet switching to efficiently share communication resources among bursty
users. Key concepts included protocol layering, dividing communication functions into
layers.
Data Transmission Modes
Simplex: Data flows only in one direction.
Half-Duplex: Data flows in both directions, but only one direction at a time.
Full-Duplex: Data flows simultaneously in both directions.
Synchronous: Bits sent without start/stop bits using a shared clock.
Asynchronous: Uses start and stop bits; messages sent irregularly.
Serial: Bits sent sequentially.
Parallel: Multiple bits sent simultaneously.
Protocols and Standards
Protocols are rules that govern data communication. Standards are agreed-upon
specifications.
De Facto Standard: Widely adopted due to popularity.
De Jure Standard: Officially approved by bodies like ANSI, ISO, IEEE.
Wireless Communication and Mobile Computing
Wireless Communication: Transfer of data without physical wires, using electromagnetic
waves.
Mobile Computing: Use of portable devices (phones, laptops) with wireless capabilities.
Mobile Computing includes:
Mobile Communication: Infrastructure and protocols supporting wireless communication.
Mobile Hardware: Devices like smartphones and laptops.
Mobile Software: Operating systems and applications for mobile devices.
Key Terms in Mobile Radio Systems
Base Station: Fixed station for mobile communication.
Control Channel: Used for setup and control signals.
Forward Channel: From base station to mobile.
Reverse Channel: From mobile to base station.
Handoff: Switching between base stations.
Mobile Switching Center (MSC): Routes calls.
Transceiver: Transmits and receives signals.
Evolution of Mobile Radio Communications
1946: First Mobile Telephone Service.
1G: Analog technology.
1983: AMPS introduced in the US.
1979: First cellular system in Japan (NTT).
1990: GSM introduced in Europe.
Current phones use digital technology.
Classification of Mobile Radio Transmission Systems
Simplex: One-way communication.
Half-duplex: Two-way, but not simultaneous.
Full-duplex: Two-way simultaneous communication.
Computer Network Classification (Geographical Span)
Personal Area Network (PAN): Within a few meters.
Local Area Network (LAN): Within a building.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): Across a city.
Wide Area Network (WAN): Covers large areas.
Internet: Global network of networks.
Analogy for Data Transmission Modes
Simplex: One-way bridge.
Half-Duplex: One-lane bridge with alternating traffic.
Full-Duplex: Two-lane bridge with simultaneous flow.