Computer Networks
Lecture [1] : Introduction to Computer Networks
Engr. Samiullah Khan
(Lecturer)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)
1. Describe the key terminologies and technologies of computer networks
2. Explain the services and functions provided by each layer in the Internet protocol stack
3. Identify various internetworking devices and protocols, and their functions in a network
4. Analyze working and performance of key technologies, algorithms and protocols
5. Build Computer Network on various Topologies
COURSE TEXTBOOKS
Book 1 Data Communication and Networking (5th or latest Edition)
By Behrouz A. Forouzan
Book 2 Computer Networks: (5th or latest edition) By Andrew S. Tanenbaum
Marks Division
Total Marks: 150
1: Quizzes: 15 Marks (3-4 Quizzes)
2: Assignments: 15 Marks (2 Assignments with viva)
3: Midterm: 45 Marks
5: Final Terminal: 75 Marks
4
Topics discussed in Today’s Lectures
§ Description of Data communication
§ Characteristics of Effective Communication
§ Components of communications system
§ Data Representation
Computer Network
Computer Network
• It means a collection of autonomous computers interconnected by a
single technology
• Two computers are said to be interconnected if they are able to exchange
information
• They are usually connected together to make larger networks, with the
Internet being the most well-known example of a network of networks.
DATA COMMUNICATIONS
What is Data Communication?
• The word data refers to information presented in whatever form is agreed
upon by the parties creating and using the data
• When we communicate, we are sharing information
• The term telecommunication means communication at a distance
• Data communication is the exchange of data between two devices via
some form of transmission medium such as a wire cable
• Involve combination of hardware (physical equipment) and software
(programs)
Effective Communication
The effectiveness of a data communications system depends on four fundamental characteristics:
delivery, accuracy, timeliness, and jitter
i. Delivery
• The system must deliver data to the correct destination
• Data must be received by the intended device or user and only by that device or user
ii. Accuracy
• The system must deliver the data accurately
• Data that have been altered in transmission and left uncorrected are unusable
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Effective Communication (Contd.)
iii. Timeliness
• The system must deliver data in a timely manner
• Data delivered late are useless
• In the case of video and audio, timely delivery means delivering data as they are produced
• In the same order that they are produced, and without significant delay
• This kind of delivery is called real-time transmission
iv. Jitter
• Jitter refers to the variation in the packet arrival time
• It is the uneven delay in the delivery of audio or video packets
• For example, let us assume that video packets are sent every 30 ms. If some of the packets arrive with
30-ms delay and others with 40-ms delay, an uneven/irregular quality in the video is the result
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Components of Communication Model
A communication System comprises of following five components:
i. Message
• The message is the information (data) to be communicated
• Popular forms of information include text, numbers, pictures, audio, and video
ii. Sender
• The sender is the device that sends the data message
• It can be a:
• Computer
• Workstation
• Telephone
• Mobile
• Video camera, and so on.
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Components of Communication Model (Contd.)
iii. Receiver.
• The receiver is the device that receives the message
• It can be a computer, workstation, telephone, mobile, television, and so on
iv. Transmission medium.
• The transmission medium is the physical path by which a message travels from
sender to receiver
• Some examples of transmission media include:
• Twisted-pair wire
• Coaxial cable
• Fiber-optic cable
• Radio waves
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Components of Communication Model (Contd.)
v. Protocol
• A protocol is a set of rules that govern data communications
• It represents an agreement between the communicating devices
• Without a protocol, two devices may be connected but not communicating:
• Just as a person speaking French cannot be understood by a person who speaks only
Japanese
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Figure 1.1 Components of a Data Communication System
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Communication System example
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References
Chapter 1
Data Communication and Networking (5th Edition)
By Behrouz A. Forouzan
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