Here are clear and detailed notes on the concepts of Data Communication.
1. Data
Data is raw, unprocessed facts, figures, symbols, or observations that have not yet been interpreted to
give meaning
Examples:
Numbers: 25, 100
Text: "Video"
Images
Audio recordings
Videos
2. Signal
A signal is an electrical or electromagnetic representation of data used to transmit information from one
device to another.
Examples:
Electrical pulses in cables
Radio waves in Wi-Fi
Light pulses in fibre optic cables
3. Communication Channel
A communication channel is the path or medium through which data travels from the sender to the
receiver.
Examples:
Copper cables
Fibre optic cables
Radio waves
Satellite links
4. Network
A network is a group of interconnected computers and devices that communicate and share resources.
Examples:
School computer network
Internet
Office Local Area Network (LAN)
5. Transmission Media
Transmission media refers to the physical or wireless means used to carry data signals between devices.
Types
A. Guided (Wired)
Twisted Pair Cable
Coaxial Cable
Fibre Optic Cables
B. Unguided (Wireless)
Radio waves
Microwaves
Infrared
Satellite communication
6. TCP/IP
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) is the standard suite of communication
protocols used for transmitting data over the Internet.
Functions
Breaks data into packets.
Assigns addresses to devices.
Routes packets to their destination.
Reassembles packets correctly.
7. Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Model
The OSI Model is a seven-layer framework that explains how data travels across a network.
The Seven Layers
Layer Function
7. Application Provides network services to users
6. Presentation Translates, encrypts, compresses data
5. Session Establishes and manages communication sessions
4. Transport Ensures reliable data delivery
3. Network Routes packets between networks
2. Data Link Detects and corrects transmission errors
1. Physical Transmits bits through the medium
8. Protocol
A protocol is a set of rules that govern how data is transmitted and received over a network.
Examples
TCP
IP
HTTP
HTTPS
FTP
SMTP
9. Sender
The sender is the device or person that originates and transmits data.
Example A student's computer sending an email.
10. Message
A message is the actual information being transmitted.
Examples:
Text
Images
Video
Audio
Files
11. Medium
A medium is the physical or wireless path through which data travels.
Examples:
Fibre optic cable
Wi-FI
Bluetooth
12. Receiver
The receiver is the device or person that accepts and interprets the transmitted data.
Example: A teacher's computer receiving an assignment.
13. Data Transmission
Data transmission is the process of transferring data from one device to another through a
communication medium.
14. Analog Signal
An analog signal is a continuous signal whose amplitude changes smoothly over time.
Characteristics
Continuous waveform
More susceptible to noise
Used in traditional radio and telephone systems
15. Digital Signal
A digital signal consists of discrete values represented as binary digits (0s and 1s).
Characteristics
More accurate
Less affected by noise
Used by computers
16. Data Rate
The data rate is the amount of data transmitted per second.
Unit
Bits per second (bps)
Examples:
100 Mbps
1 Gbps
17. Baud Rate
The baud rate is the number of signal changes (symbols) transmitted per second.
Unit
Baud
Difference from data rate
Baud rate counts signal changes.
Data rate counts bits transmitted.
18. Bandwidth
Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over a communication channel in a
given time.
Measured in
bps
Kbps
Mbps
Gbps
Higher bandwidth allows faster data transmission.
Characteristics of Data Communication
For effective communication, a data communication system should have:
1. Delivery – Data reaches the correct destination.
2. Accuracy – Data arrives without errors.
3. Timeliness – Data is delivered within the required time.
4. Low Jitter – Delay variations are minimal, especially for audio and video communication.
5. Reliability – Communication remains consistent with minimal interruptions.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Data Communication Modes
1. Simplex Mode
Data flows in one direction only.
Examples
Television broadcasting
Radio broadcasting
Keyboard to computer
Advantages
Simple to implement.
Low cost.
No collision of data.
Disadvantages
No feedback.
Receiver cannot respond.
One-way communication only.
2. Half-Duplex Mode
Data flows in both directions, but only one direction at a time
Examples
Walkie-talkies
Two-way radios
Advantages
Two-way communication.
Less expensive than full duplex.
Suitable where simultaneous communication is unnecessary.
Disadvantages
Users must take turns communicating.
Slower than full duplex.
Waiting time can reduce efficiency.
3. Full-Duplex Mode
Data flows simultaneously in both directions.
Examples
Telephone calls
Video conferencing
Internet communication
Advantages
Faster communication.
Simultaneous sending and receiving.
Efficient use of time.
Better user experience.
Disadvantages
More expensive equipment.
More complex technology.
Requires greater bandwidth.
Summary Table
Term Meaning
Data Raw facts and figures
Signal Electrical or electromagnetic representation of data
Communication Channel Path through which data travels
Network Connected computers sharing resources
Transmission Media Wired or wireless means of data transmission
TCP/IP Internet communication protocol suite
OSI Model Seven-layer networking reference model
Protocol Rules governing communication
Sender Source of data
Message Information being transmitted
Medium Path carrying the data
Receiver Destination of the data
Data Transmission Process of sending data
Analog Signal Continuous signal
Digital Signal Binary (0 and 1) signal
Data Rate Number of bits transmitted per second
Baud Rate Number of signal changes per second
Bandwidth Maximum data transmission capacity