Data
Communications
& Computer
Networks
Introduction to Computer
Networks
•Communication means sharing
information between two or more entities
•Communication can be local (face-to-
face) or remote (over distance)
•Computer networks make remote
communication possible by connecting
devices
•Networks allow sharing of data, resources,
and services efficiently
Data Communication
Datacommunication is the exchange of
information between devices
Informationmay include text, numbers,
images, audio, or video
Communication over distance requires a
system of devices and rules
Without data communication, modern
services like email and internet would
not exist
Components of Data
Communication
•A complete data communication
system has five essential
components
•All components must work together for
successful communication
•Failure of any component results in
communication breakdown
Message
•The message is the data being
transmitted
It can be:
•Text (emails, SMS)
•Numbers (prices, scores)
•Images (photos)
•Audio (voice)
•Video (movies, video calls)
•The quality of communication depends on
the quality of the message
Sender
The sender is the device that generates
and sends the message
Converts data into signals suitable for
transmission
•Examples include:
•Computer
•Smartphone
•Camera
•Communication cannot start without a
sender
Receiver
•The receiver is the device that receives the
transmitted data
•Converts received signals back into
meaningful information
•Examples include:
1. Computer
2. Television
3. Mobile phone
4. Communication is successful only if the
receiver understands the data
Transmission Medium
The transmission medium is the path used
to carry data
Can be:
1. Wired (twisted pair, coaxial, fiber optic)
2. Wireless (radio waves, Wi-Fi)
3. Acts like a road between sender and
receiver
4. Choice of medium affects speed and
reliability
Protocol
A protocol is a set of rules governing
communication
Defines:
•How data is formatted
•How data is transmitted
•How errors are handled
•Ensures both devices understand each
other
•Without protocols, communication fails
(language barrier example)
Data Representation
•Computers understand only binary
(0s and 1s)
•All forms of information must be
converted into bits
•Different types of data use different
representation methods
Text Representation
Text characters are represented using bit
patterns
Each character has a unique binary code
•Unicode:
✓Uses 32 bits
✓Supports all world languages
•ASCII:
✓Older system
✓Part of Unicode
Number Representation
•Numbers are converted directly
into binary form
•Binary representation simplifies
calculations
•ASCII is not used for
mathematical computation
Image Representation
•Images are composed of pixels
(picture elements)
•Each pixel is represented by bits
•Higher number of pixels results in:
1. Better resolution
2. Higher memory usage
Color Image Representation
1. RGB Model:
•Uses Red, Green, and Blue
•Common in monitors and cameras
2. YCM Model:
•Uses Yellow, Cyan, and Magenta
•Used in printing - Each color intensity
is stored as binary data
Audio Representation
•Audio is continuous in nature
•Converted into electrical signals
•Signals can be:
1. Analog
2. Digital
•Audio requires special processing
techniques
Video Representation
•Video is a sequence of images
shown rapidly
•Requires large bandwidth due to
data size
•Can be stored and transmitted as
digital signals
Data Flow
•Data flow defines the direction of
data transmission
•There are three data flow modes:
1. Simplex
2. Half-Duplex
3. Full-Duplex
Simplex Communication
•Data flows in one direction only
•One device always sends, the other
always receives
Examples:
•Keyboard → Computer
•Computer → Monitor
Half-Duplex Communication
•Data flows in both directions, but not
simultaneously
•Devices must take turns sending data
•Entire channel capacity is used by one
device at a time
•Examples:
1. Walkie-talkies
2. CB radios
Full-Duplex Communication
•Data flows in both directions at the
same time
•Channel capacity is shared between
both directions
Examples:
i. Telephone calls
ii. Video conferencing
Computer Networks
•A network is a collection of
interconnected devices
•Devices are called nodes
Enables:
1. Data sharing
2. Resource sharing
3. Communication
Distributed Processing
•Tasks are divided among
multiple computers
•No single computer handles
everything
Improves:
❖Performance
❖Reliability
Network Criteria Network
Performance
Network Criteria
Networks must satisfy three main criteria:
1. Performance
2. Reliability
3. Security
Network Performance
Measures how fast data is transmitted
Evaluated using:
1. Throughput (data rate)
2. Delay (waiting time)
Higher throughput and lower delay are desirable
Network Reliability &
Network Security
Network Reliability
Measures how dependable a network is
•Includes:
1. Frequency of failures
2. Recovery time
3. Robustness
Point-to-Point Connection
[Link] link between two
devices
[Link] bandwidth reserved
[Link] secure and reliable
communication
Multipoint Connection
Multiple devices share one link
Channel capacity is shared:
Spatially
Temporally
Network Topologies
Topology is the physical layout of a network
Determines how devices are connected
Affects performance and reliability
Mesh Topology
Every device connected to every other device
High reliability and security
Expensive and complex
Star Topology
All devices connected to a central hub
Easy to install and manage
Hub failure stops entire network
Bus Topology
Single backbone cable connects all devices
Easy installation and less cabling
Backbone failure stops communication
Ring Topology
Devices connected in a circular manner
Data travels in one direction
One break can stop the network
Hybrid Topology
Combination of two or more topologies
Used to meet specific network requirements
Types of Networks
Local Area Network (LAN)
Covers small geographical areas
High speed and low delay
Common in offices and schools
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
Covers a city or metropolitan area
Example: Cable TV networks
Wide Area Network (WAN)
Covers large geographical areas
Uses routers and packet switching
Example: Internet
Protocols & Standards
Protocols
Protocols define communication rules
Ensure correct and reliable data
transfer
Include syntax, semantics, and timing
Standards
Ensure compatibility between devices
Types:
De facto (by usage)
De jure (by law)
OSI Reference Model
Developed by ISO
Consists of seven layers
Each layer has a specific responsibility
TCP/IP Reference Model
Practical model used on the Internet
Has four layers
More implementation-focused
OSI vs TCP/IP
OSI is theoretical and conceptual
TCP/IP is practical and widely used
Both follow layered architecture