BCA SY D
UNIT I – INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER NETWORKS
“A computer network is a group of computers and devices connected
together to share data and resources”.
1:Data Communications
Data Communication is the process of transferring data from one device to
another device through a communication channel such as a cable, optical fiber,
or wireless medium.
In simple words,
Data communication means sending and receiving information between
two or more devices.
The data may be:
• Text (messages, emails)
• Numbers
• Images
• Audio (voice, music)
• Video (movies, video calls)
Why Data Communication is Important
Data communication is very important in today’s world because:
1. It allows sharing of information between people.
2. It connects computers and devices together.
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3. It helps organizations work faster and efficiently.
4. Internet services work only because of data communication.
5. It saves time and cost compared to manual communication.
Real-Life Examples of Data Communication
• Sending an email
• Making a video call
• Uploading a photo on social media
• Online banking transaction
• Watching live streaming
2. Internet History
The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that
allows communication and data sharing across the world.
Development of Internet
• 1960s – ARPANET
The internet began as ARPANET, developed by the U.S. Department of
Defense to allow communication during emergencies.
• 1970s – TCP/IP
TCP/IP protocols were developed to standardize communication between
different networks.
• 1980s – Academic Expansion
Universities and research centers started using the internet.
• 1990s – World Wide Web (WWW)
Tim Berners-Lee introduced the World Wide Web, which made the
internet user-friendly.
• Present Day
Internet is used worldwide for communication, business, education, and
entertainment.
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Importance of Internet
• Fast communication
• Global connectivity
• Online services
• Information sharing
[Link] Components of Data Communication
A data communication system has five main components. All these
components must work together for successful communication.
1. Sender
The sender is the device that creates and sends the data.
• It can be a computer, mobile phone, or server.
• The sender converts data into signals before sending.
Example:
A mobile phone sending a WhatsApp message.
2. Receiver
The receiver is the device that receives the data sent by the sender.
• It can be a laptop, computer, or smartphone.
• The receiver converts signals back into readable data.
Example:
Another mobile phone receiving the WhatsApp message.
3. Message
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The message is the actual information that is being sent.
• It can be text, image, audio, or video.
• Without a message, communication is meaningless.
Example:
Text message, photo, voice note.
4. Transmission Medium
The transmission medium is the path through which data travels from
sender to receiver.
There are two types of transmission media:
a) Guided Media (Wired)
• Twisted pair cable
• Coaxial cable
• Optical fiber
b) Unguided Media (Wireless)
• Radio waves
• Microwaves
• Infrared
5. Protocol
A protocol is a set of rules that controls data communication.
Protocols decide:
• How data starts
• How data ends
• How errors are detected
• How data is delivered safely
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Example:
TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP
4. Data Representation
Computers cannot understand human language directly. They only understand
binary data (0 and 1). Therefore, all types of information are converted into
binary form before transmission.
Types of Data Representation
1. Text
Represented using ASCII or Unicode codes.
2. Numbers
Stored in binary form for processing.
3. Images
Images are divided into pixels, and each pixel is represented by binary
values.
4. Audio
Sound is converted into digital signals using sampling.
5. Video
Video is a sequence of images displayed rapidly with audio.
5:Data Flow: Serial and Parallel
Data flow means the way data is transmitted from one device to another in a
communication system.
Data can flow in two main ways:
1. Serial Data Transmission
2. Parallel Data Transmission
1. Serial Data Transmission
Serial data transmission is a method in which data bits are sent one by one
over a single communication line.
Each bit follows the previous bit in a sequence.
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It is simple and reliable for long-distance communication.
It is commonly used in modern networks.
How it works
• Data is broken into bits
• Bits are sent one after another
• Receiver collects bits and forms data again
Advantages
• Uses fewer wires
• Low cost
• Less interference
• Good for long distances
Disadvantages
• Slower than parallel transmission
• Sends only one bit at a time
Examples
• USB
• Ethernet
• Serial port communication
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2. Parallel Data Transmission
Parallel data transmission is a method in which multiple bits are sent at the
same time using multiple communication lines.
Each bit travels on a separate wire.
It is faster for short distances.
It is mostly used inside computers.
How it works
• Data is divided into bits
• Bits are sent simultaneously
• Receiver reads all bits at once
Advantages
• Very fast data transfer
• Multiple bits sent together
Disadvantages
• Uses more wires
• High cost
• Not suitable for long distances due to interference
Examples
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• Printer cable (old type)
• Internal computer buses
• Data transfer between CPU and memory
6:Mode of Communications
1. Simplex Communication
Simplex communication is a type of data communication in which data flows
in only one direction.
In this method, one device acts only as a sender and the other device acts
only as a receiver.
The sender can send data, but it cannot receive any response, and the receiver
can receive data, but it cannot send any data back. Because of this,
communication is called one-way or unidirectional communication.
In simplex communication, the device uses its entire capacity only for sending
or only for receiving data, which makes the transmission simple and clear.
Examples
• Keyboard sending data to the computer
• Television broadcasting
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• Listening to music through speakers
• IoT sensors sending data to a server
Advantages
• Simple to design
• Full bandwidth is used in one direction
• Low cost
Disadvantages
• No feedback from receiver
• Errors cannot be corrected easily
2. Half Duplex Communication
Half duplex communication is a type of data communication in which data can
flow in both directions, but not at the same time.
In this communication, both devices can send and receive data, but only one
device can send data at a time. When one device is sending data, the other
device must wait and only receive data. After that, the roles can change.
This type of communication is also called two-way communication but one
direction at a time.
Examples
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• Walkie-talkie
• Police communication radios
Advantages
• Better than simplex because both devices can communicate
• Less cost compared to full duplex
Disadvantages
• Communication is slower
• Waiting time occurs
3. Full Duplex Communication
Full duplex communication is a type of data communication in which data
flows in both directions at the same time.
In this method, both devices can send and receive data simultaneously,
without waiting for the other device to finish sending. This makes
communication fast, smooth, and efficient.
Full duplex communication is commonly used in modern communication
systems where continuous and real-time communication is required.
Examples
• Mobile phone calls
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• Landline telephone
• Video conferencing
Advantages
• Fast communication
• No waiting time
• Efficient use of network
Disadvantages
• More complex system
• Higher cost
Characteristics of Effective Data Communication
For data communication to be effective and reliable, it must have the following
characteristics:
1. Delivery
• Data must be delivered to the correct destination.
• If data goes to the wrong device, communication fails.
2. Accuracy
• Data must be received without errors.
• Changed or corrupted data is useless.
3. Timeliness
• Data must reach the receiver on time.
• Late data can cause problems, especially in video calls and live streaming.
4. Jitter
• Jitter refers to variation in data arrival time.
• Less jitter means smoother communication.
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• Important for audio and video communication.
Types of Data Communication
1. Analog Communication
• Data is transmitted using continuous signals.
• Example: Old telephone systems.
2. Digital Communication
• Data is transmitted in binary form (0s and 1s).
• Example: Computers, internet communication.
Advantages of Data Communication
1. Fast information transfer
2. Easy sharing of resources
3. Improves communication efficiency
4. Reduces cost and effort
5. Enables global connectivity
Disadvantages of Data Communication
1. Security risks
2. Data loss due to errors
3. Requires proper infrastructure
4. Dependence on technology
7:Physical Structure
8:Network Topologies
1. Point-to-Point Topology
Point-to-point topology is a network topology in which two devices are
directly connected.
One device works as the sender and the other works as the receiver.
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Data flows only between these two devices through a dedicated link.
This topology provides high bandwidth and fast communication.
Advantages
• Very fast communication
• High security
• Easy to install and maintain
Disadvantages
• Only two devices can be connected
• Not suitable for large networks
Examples
• Computer connected to a printer
• Two routers connected directly
2. Bus Topology
Bus topology is a network in which all devices are connected to one main
cable called the backbone.
Data travels along this single cable.
All devices receive the data, but only one accepts it.
If the backbone fails, the whole network stops.
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Advantages
• Easy to install
• Low cost
• Uses less cable
Disadvantages
• Backbone failure crashes the network
• Network becomes slow with more devices
• Low security
Examples
• Old Ethernet networks
• Cable TV networks
3. Ring Topology
Ring topology is a network where devices are connected in a circular shape.
Each device connects to two neighboring devices.
Data moves in one direction around the ring.
Each device passes data to the next device.
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Advantages
• No data collision
• Equal chance for all devices
• Good performance
Disadvantages
• Failure of one device breaks the network
• Difficult to troubleshoot
Examples
• Token Ring networks
4. Star Topology
Star topology is a network in which all devices are connected to a central
device.
The central device may be a hub or switch.
All data passes through the central device.
It is the most commonly used topology.
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Advantages
• Easy to manage
• Easy fault detection
• If one cable fails, others work
Disadvantages
• Hub or switch failure stops the network
• Uses more cable
Examples
• Office LAN
• School computer labs
• Ethernet networks
5. Mesh Topology
Mesh topology is a network where each device is connected to many or all
other devices.
Data can travel through multiple paths.
If one path fails, another path is used.
It provides very high reliability.
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Advantages
• Very reliable
• High security
• No single point of failure
Disadvantages
• Very expensive
• Difficult to install and manage
Examples
• Internet backbone
• Military communication networks
6. Tree Topology
Tree topology is a network with a tree-like hierarchical structure.
It combines star and bus topologies.
One main device connects to smaller devices.
Data flows from top to bottom.
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Structure of Tree Topology
• One main device (root node) is at the top
• It connects to secondary devices
• These secondary devices connect to end devices
• The network grows level by level
Example:
A college network where:
• Main server is at the top
• Department switches are in the middle
• Computers are at the bottom
Advantages
• Suitable for large networks
• Easy to expand
• Good network control
Disadvantages
• Backbone failure affects entire network
• High cost
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Examples
• College campus networks
• Company networks
7. Hybrid Topology
Hybrid Topology is a type of network topology that is formed by combining
two or more different network topologies such as star, bus, ring, or mesh.
This means different parts of the same network use different structures.
Structure of Hybrid Topology
• One part of the network may use star topology
• Another part may use bus or ring topology
• All these parts are connected together to form one large network
Advantages
• Very flexible
• Easy expansion
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• High performance
Disadvantages
• Complex design
• Very expensive
Examples
• University campus networks
• Large organizations
9:Types of Network
A computer network is a group of computers and devices connected together
to share data and resources.
1. PAN (Personal Area Network)
PAN (Personal Area Network) is a type of network that is used to connect
personal devices of a single user. It works in a very small area, usually within
a few meters around a person.
PAN is mainly designed for personal use, not for offices or large organizations.
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Area Covered by PAN
• Covers a very small area
• Usually 1 to 10 meters
• Works around an individual person
Example:
Your mobile phone connected to wireless earphones is a PAN.
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Advantages
• Easy to use
• Low cost
• Wireless and portable
Disadvantages
• Very short range
• Low data speed
• Limited devices
Examples
• Bluetooth
• Mobile hotspot
• Wireless earphones
2. LAN (Local Area Network)
LAN (Local Area Network) is a type of computer network that connects
computers and other devices within a small geographical area, such as a
home, office, school, laboratory, or college campus.
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LAN provides high-speed data transfer.
It is controlled by a single organization.
Area Covered by LAN
• Covers a small area
• Examples:
• A home
• An office
• A school or college building
• A company campus
LAN does not cover cities or countries.
Advantages
• Very fast communication
• Easy to manage
• Low error rate
Disadvantages
• Limited to small area
• Setup cost can be high
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• Needs maintenance
Examples
• Computer lab in a college
• Office network connecting employees’ computers
• Home Wi-Fi network
• Library network
3. CAN (Campus Area Network)
CAN (Campus Area Network) is a type of network that is used to connect
multiple LANs within a limited geographical area, such as a college campus,
university, hospital, or large organization.
It is bigger than a LAN but smaller than a MAN.
Area Covered by CAN
• Covers a campus or nearby buildings
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• Usually spread across:
o Multiple departments
o Hostels
o Libraries
o Administrative blocks
• Area can be few kilometers
Example:
All departments in a college campus connected together form a CAN.
Advantages
• Covers large campus area
• High-speed connectivity
• Centralized management
Disadvantages
• Expensive setup
• Needs skilled management
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• Limited to campus area
Examples
• University campus network
• Hospital campus
• Corporate campus
4. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) is a type of computer network that covers
a large geographical area such as a city or metropolitan area. It is designed
to connect many LANs and CANs spread across different locations within a city.
MAN is larger than LAN and CAN, but smaller than WAN.
🔹 Area Covered by MAN
• Covers an entire city
• Can extend up to 50 kilometers
• Connects offices, campuses, and institutions across the city
Example:
All branches of a bank in one city connected together form a MAN.
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Advantages
• Covers large area
• Better speed than WAN
• Efficient city-wide communication
Disadvantages
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• Expensive to maintain
• Complex network
• Security issues
Examples
• City broadband network
• Cable TV network
• Bank branches in a city
5. WAN (Wide Area Network)
WAN (Wide Area Network) is a type of network that covers a very large
geographical area, such as countries or continents (Large land areas). It is
used to connect LANs, CANs, and MANs over long distances.
WAN is the largest type of network.
Area Covered by WAN
• Covers large areas like:
o Countries
o Continents (Large land areas)
o The whole world
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• Distance can be thousands of kilometers
Example:
The Internet is the best example of a WAN.
Purpose of WAN
The main purpose of a WAN is to:
• Enable long-distance communication
• Share data and resources between remote locations
• Provide connectivity between different offices or branches
Advantages
• Global communication
• Connects remote locations
• Easy data sharing worldwide
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Disadvantages
• Slow speed compared to LAN
• High cost
• Security risks
Examples
• Internet
• ATM network
• International company network
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Assignment Questions – Unit I
1. Define Data Communication. Explain the components of a Data
Communication System with a neat diagram.
2. Explain the history of the Internet. Describe the major stages in the
development of the Internet.
3. What is Data Representation? Explain different types of data
representation used in computer networks.
4. Explain Data Flow in communication. Differentiate between Serial and
Parallel data transmission.
5. Explain the following modes of communication with suitable examples:
a) Simplex
b) Half Duplex
c) Full Duplex
6. Explain different physical structures (network topologies) used in
computer networks. Write advantages and disadvantages of each.
7. Differentiate between LAN, MAN and WAN.
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