Data Communication

and Computer
Networks
Chapter Two

Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 1

 Chapter Topics
• Data Communication Basics
• Introduction to Computer Networks
• Data Communication and Transmission Medias

Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 2

 Data Communication Basics
• Definition of Communication
• Communication refers to the process of exchanging
information between two or more entities.
• It involves the transmission, reception, and interpretation
of messages.

Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 3

 Data Communication
Basics(continued
• Components of Communication
• Sender/Transmitter: Initiates the communication process by
generating and transmitting the message.
• Receiver: Receives the message and interprets its content.
• Medium/Channel: The physical or virtual pathway through which the
message is transmitted.
• Message: The information being communicated.
• Protocol: Rules and conventions governing the communication
process.
Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 4
 Data Communication
Basics(continued
• Types of Communication
• Simplex: Communication occurs in one direction only,
from sender to receiver.
• Half-duplex: Communication can occur in both
directions, but not simultaneously.
• Full-duplex: Communication can occur simultaneously in
both directions.

Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 5

 Data Communication
Basics(continued
• Data Representation Techniques
• Analog vs. Digital Signals
• Analog Signals: Continuous signals that vary smoothly over time.
• Digital Signals: Discrete signals represented by a finite set of values
(e.g., 0s and 1s).
• Analog Data Representation
• Analog data is represented by continuous waveforms.
• Examples include sound waves, voltage levels, and temperature
readings.
Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 6
 Data Communication
Basics(continued
• Data Representation Techniques
• Digital Data Representation
• Digital data is represented using binary digits (bits).
• Each bit has a value of either 0 or 1, representing off or on
states.
• Bytes, composed of 8 bits, are used to represent
characters, numbers, and other data.
Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 7
 Data Communication
Basics(continued
• Digital Data Transmission Formats
• Serial vs. Parallel Transmission
• Serial Transmission: Bits are sent sequentially, one after
another, over a single communication channel.
• Parallel Transmission: Multiple bits are sent
simultaneously over multiple channels.

Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 8

 Data Communication
Basics(continued
• Digital Data Transmission Formats
• Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Transmission
• Synchronous Transmission: Data is transmitted in
synchronized intervals or clock cycles.
• Asynchronous Transmission: Data is transmitted
without a shared clock signal, with start and stop bits
used for synchronization.

Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 9

 Data Communication
Basics(continued
• Transmission Impairments
• Attenuation
• Reduction in signal strength as it travels through a medium.
• Can lead to signal distortion and loss.
• Noise
• Interference that disrupts the original signal.
• Types of noise include thermal noise, crosstalk, and
electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 10
 Data Communication
Basics(continued
• Modes of Data Transmission
• Simplex Mode
• Data transmission occurs in one direction only.
• Example: Television broadcasting.
• Half-Duplex Mode
• Data transmission can occur in both directions, but not simultaneously.
• Example: Walkie-talkies.
• Full-Duplex Mode
• Data transmission can occur simultaneously in both directions.
•MesayExample: Telephone conversations.
Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 11
 Data Communication
Basics(continued
• Multiplexing
• Definition
• Multiplexing involves combining multiple signals into a single transmission
channel.
• Types of Multiplexing
• Time-Division Multiplexing (TDM):
• Each signal is allotted a specific time slot for transmission.
• Frequency-Division Multiplexing (FDM): Each signal is assigned a unique
frequency band for transmission.
• Wavelength-Division Multiplexing (WDM): Used in optical fiber
communication, with each signal assigned a specific wavelength.
Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 12
 Data Communication
Basics(continued
• Multiplexing by Time-Division Multiplexing (TDM):
• It is a communication technique that allows multiple
signals to be transmitted over a single transmission
channel by dividing the channel into sequential time slots.
• Enable multiple users or devices to share the same
communication channel without interference.

Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 13

 Data Communication
•
Basics(continued
Examples of Time-Division Multiplexing
• A. TDM in Telephony
• Traditional Telephone Networks: In a traditional telephone network, TDM is used to multiplex multiple voice signals onto a
single transmission line.
• Example: In a T1 line, 24 voice channels are multiplexed using TDM, with each channel allocated a time slot for transmission.
• B. TDM in Digital Communication Systems
• Digital Subscriber Line (DSL): TDM is used in DSL technology to multiplex voice and data signals over existing telephone
lines.
• Example: In Asymmetric DSL (ADSL), voice and data signals are multiplexed using TDM, allowing simultaneous voice calls and internet access over
the same line.
• C. TDM in Networking
• Ethernet Networks: TDM is used in Ethernet networks to share the transmission medium among multiple devices connected
to the same network segment.
• Example: In Ethernet networks, each device is allocated a time slot during which it can transmit data packets, ensuring fair access to the network.
• D. TDM in Digital Broadcasting
• Digital Television (DTV): TDM is used in digital television broadcasting to multiplex multiple video and audio signals onto a
single broadcast channel.
• Example: In DTV broadcasting, TDM is used to allocate time slots for transmitting different television programs and audio streams within the same
broadcast
Mesay Aschalew channel.
(mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 14
 Data Communication
Basics(continued
• Multiplexing by Frequency-Division Multiplexing
(FDM)
• Frequency-Division Multiplexing (FDM) is a communication
technique that allows multiple signals to be transmitted
simultaneously over a single transmission medium by
allocating each signal a unique frequency band.
• Enable multiple users or devices to share the same
communication channel without interference.
Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 15
 Data Communication
•
Basics(continued
Examples of Frequency-Division Multiplexing
• A. FDM in Analog Television Broadcasting
• Analog Television Channels: FDM is used in analog television broadcasting to transmit multiple television channels over the
same broadcast frequency band.
• Example: In the United States, each analog television channel occupies a frequency band of 6 MHz, with multiple channels being multiplexed
together for transmission.
• B. FDM in Radio Broadcasting
• FM Radio Broadcasting: FDM is used in FM radio broadcasting to transmit multiple radio stations over the same frequency
band.
• Example: In FM radio broadcasting, each radio station is assigned a specific frequency band within the FM radio spectrum, allowing multiple stations
to coexist without interference.
• C. FDM in Cable Television (CATV)
• Cable Television Channels: FDM is used in cable television (CATV) systems to transmit multiple television channels over the
same coaxial cable network.
• Example: In cable television systems, each television channel is assigned a specific frequency band within the cable spectrum, allowing subscribers to
access multiple channels through a single cable connection.
• D. FDM in Digital Communication Systems
• Broadband Internet Access: FDM is used in broadband internet access technologies, such as Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) and
cable modem, to transmit multiple data channels over the same communication medium.
• Example: In DSL and cable modem systems, upstream and downstream data channels are allocated separate frequency bands within the available
bandwidth,
Mesay Aschalew allowing simultaneous data transmission and reception.
(mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 16
 Data Communication
Basics(continued
• Multiplexing by Wavelength-Division Multiplexing
(WDM)
• Wavelength-Division Multiplexing (WDM) is a
communication technique that allows multiple optical
signals to be transmitted simultaneously over a single
optical fiber by allocating each signal a unique wavelength.
• Enable multiple users or devices to share the same optical
fiber without interference.
Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 17
 Data Communication
•
Basics(continued
Examples of Wavelength-Division Multiplexing
• A. WDM in Optical Fiber Communication Networks
• Long-Haul Telecommunication Networks: WDM is extensively used in long-haul telecommunication networks to transmit multiple
data channels over the same optical fiber.
• Example: In dense WDM (DWDM) systems, multiple data channels are multiplexed together using different wavelengths (colors) of light, allowing for high-capacity
transmission over long distances.

• B. WDM in Metro and Access Networks

• Metro and Access Networks: WDM is also deployed in metro and access networks to provide high-speed connectivity between local
areas and backbone networks.
• Example: In coarse WDM (CWDM) systems, fewer wavelengths are used compared to DWDM systems, making them suitable for shorter distances and cost-effective
deployment in metro and access networks.

• C. WDM in Cable Television (CATV) Networks

• Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH): WDM technology is employed in fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) networks to deliver multiple video, data, and
voice services to residential subscribers.
• Example: In FTTH deployments, WDM is used to multiplex different types of traffic (e.g., internet, television, telephone) onto separate wavelengths for transmission
over a single optical fiber to the home.

• D. WDM in Data Center Interconnects

• Data Center Interconnects: WDM is utilized in data center interconnects to provide high-capacity connectivity between
geographically
Mesay dispersed data centers.
Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 18
• Example: In data center interconnects, WDM enables the aggregation and transmission of large volumes of data between data centers over long-haul optical fiber
links, supporting cloud computing and content delivery services.
 Data Communication
Basics(continued
• Signal Encoding Techniques
• Signal encoding involves converting digital data into signals suitable
for transmission over communication channels.
• It ensures reliable and efficient communication by encoding data into a
format that can be easily transmitted and decoded at the receiver end.
• Signal encoding techniques and error detection/correction mechanisms
are essential components of modern communication systems.
• Understanding these techniques allows engineers to design robust and
reliable communication systems that can withstand transmission errors
and ensure data integrity.
Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 19
 Data Communication
Basics(continued
• Types of Signal Encoding
• Unipolar Encoding: Uses only one voltage level to represent binary digits.
• Bipolar Encoding: Uses two voltage levels (positive and negative) to represent binary digits,
allowing for better error detection.
• NRZ Encoding (Non-Return to Zero): Each bit is represented by a constant voltage level, with
no transition during the bit period.
• NRZI Encoding (Non-Return to Zero Inverted): Bit value is indicated by the presence or
absence of a transition at the beginning of the bit period.
• Manchester Encoding: Combines clock information with data, ensuring frequent signal
transitions for clock recovery.
• Differential Manchester Encoding: Uses transitions at the middle of each bit period to indicate
binary values, ensuring synchronization and error detection.
• AMI Encoding (Alternate Mark Inversion): Bipolar encoding with zero volts representing 0 and
alternating
Mesay positive and negative
Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) voltages representing 1s, facilitating DC balance. 20
 Data Communication
Basics(continued
• Comparison of Encoding Techniques
• Each encoding technique has its advantages and
disadvantages in terms of efficiency, complexity, error
detection capabilities, and compatibility with different
communication systems.

Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 21

 Data Communication
Basics(continued
• Data Transmission Error Detection and Correction
• Error detection and correction techniques are used to ensure data integrity during
transmission.
• They help identify and correct errors that occur due to noise, interference, or other
transmission impairments.
• Error Detection Techniques
• Parity Checking: Adds an additional parity bit to each data unit to detect single-bit errors.
• Checksum: Calculates a checksum value based on the data unit and compares it with the
received checksum to detect errors.
• CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check): Generates a CRC code based on the data unit using
polynomial division, which is appended to the data for error detection.
•Mesay
Hamming Code: Adds redundant bits to the data unit based on predefined parity conditions
Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 22
to detect and correct errors.
 Data Communication
Basics(continued
• Data Transmission Error Detection and Correction
• Error Correction Techniques
• Automatic Repeat Request (ARQ): Requests retransmission of data
when errors are detected, ensuring reliable transmission.
• Forward Error Correction (FEC): Adds redundant information to the
data to allow the receiver to correct errors without retransmission.
• Comparison of Error Detection/Correction Techniques
• Each technique has its trade-offs in terms of efficiency, complexity,
overhead, and ability to detect and correct different types of errors.
Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 23
 Introduction to Computer
Networks
• Overview of Computer Networks
• Definition
• A computer network is a collection of interconnected devices that can
communicate with each other to share resources and information.
• Importance
• Facilitates communication and collaboration between users and devices.
• Enables resource sharing, such as files, printers, and internet access.
• Supports distributed computing and cloud services.

Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 24

 Introduction to Computer
Networks(continued
• Applications of Computer Networks
• Communication
• Facilitates real-time communication through email, instant messaging, and video conferencing.
• Enables remote collaboration and teamwork among individuals and groups.
• Information Sharing
• Allows for the sharing of files, documents, and multimedia content among users.
• Supports centralized storage solutions, such as network-attached storage (NAS) and cloud storage.
• Resource Sharing
• Enables sharing of hardware resources, such as printers, scanners, and storage devices.
• Optimizes resource utilization and reduces costs by allowing multiple users to access shared
resources.

Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 25

 Introduction to Computer
Networks(continued
• Applications of Computer Networks
• Internet Access
• Provides access to the vast resources and services available on the internet, including websites,
online applications, and cloud services.
• Supports web browsing, online shopping, social networking, and entertainment.
• Distributed Computing
• Enables distributed computing environments where processing tasks are divided among multiple
networked computers.
• Supports parallel processing, grid computing, and distributed databases.
• IoT (Internet of Things)
• Connects various devices and sensors to the internet, allowing for remote monitoring and control.
• Enables smart homes, smart cities, and industrial automation applications.
Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 26
 Introduction to Computer
Networks(continued
• Types of Computer Networks
• Local Area Network (LAN)
• Covers a small geographic area, such as a single building or campus.
• Typically owned and operated by a single organization.
• Examples include Ethernet and Wi-Fi networks.
• Wide Area Network (WAN)
• Spans a large geographic area, such as multiple cities or countries.
• Relies on long-distance communication links, such as leased lines or satellites.
• Examples include the Internet and private leased lines.
Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 27
 Introduction to Computer
Networks(continued
• Types of Computer Networks
• Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
• Covers an intermediate geographic area, such as a city or metropolitan area.
• Provides high-speed connectivity to businesses and organizations within the
region.
• Examples include cable TV networks and fiber-optic rings.
• Personal Area Network (PAN)
• Connects devices within the immediate vicinity of an individual, typically using
wireless technologies.
• Examples include Bluetooth and infrared connections.
Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 28
 Introduction to Computer
Networks(continued
• Types of Computer Networks
• Virtual Private Networks (VPN)
• A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a technology that allows users to create a
secure and encrypted connection over a public network, such as the internet.
• Provides secure remote access to corporate networks for employees working from
remote locations.
• Enables secure communication and data transfer between geographically
distributed offices or branches.
• Protects sensitive data and privacy by encrypting network traffic.
• Example : private leased lines VPN Client and VPN Server communicate through
Tunneling Protocol by Encryption Algorithm
Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 29
 Introduction to Computer
Networks(continued
• Network Topologies
• Bus Topology
• All devices are connected to a single shared communication line (bus).
• Simple and cost-effective, but prone to collisions and performance issues.
• Star Topology
• Each device is connected directly to a central hub or switch.
• Offers better performance and scalability than bus topology.
• Failure of one device does not affect others, but relies heavily on the
central hub.
Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 30
 Introduction to Computer
Networks(continued
• Network Topologies
• Ring Topology
• Devices are connected in a closed loop, with data circulating in one direction.
• Relies on token passing or other mechanisms to control access to the network.
• Less common due to complexity and susceptibility to single-point failures.
• Mesh Topology
• Each device is connected to multiple other devices, forming a fully
interconnected network.
• Provides redundancy and fault tolerance, but requires more cabling and
configuration.
Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 31
 Introduction to Computer
Networks(continued
• Computer Network Components
• Computer network components refer to the physical and
logical elements that make up a computer network
infrastructure.
• Understanding network components is essential for
designing, building, and maintaining computer networks.
• There are Physical Network Components and Logical
Network Components
Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 32
 Introduction to Computer
Networks(continued
• Computer Network Components- Physical Network Components
• A. Network Devices
• Routers: Devices that forward data packets between different networks based on IP addresses.
• Switches: Devices that connect multiple devices within a network and forward data based on MAC
addresses.
• Hubs: Devices that serve as central connection points for network devices, but operate at the
physical layer and do not filter data.
• Modems: Devices that modulate and demodulate signals to enable communication over different
transmission mediums, such as telephone lines or cable lines.
• Network Interface Cards (NICs): Hardware components that enable devices to connect to a
network and communicate with other devices.
• Firewalls : Controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predefined security rules.
Protects
Mesay networks from unauthorized
Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) access, malware, and other threats. 33
 Introduction to Computer
Networks(continued
• Computer Network Components- Physical Network Components
• B. Network Cabling
• Ethernet Cables: Twisted pair cables used for wired Ethernet
connections, such as Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat7 cables.
• Fiber Optic Cables: Optical cables that transmit data using light
signals, providing high-speed and long-distance communication.
• Coaxial Cables: Cables with a central conductor surrounded by a
dielectric insulator and a metallic shield, commonly used in cable
television networks.
Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 34
 Introduction to Computer
Networks(continued
• Computer Network Components- Physical Network Components
• C. Networking Equipment
• Racks and Enclosures: Structures used to organize and secure
network equipment, such as servers, switches, and patch panels.
• Patch Panels: Devices used to terminate and organize network cables,
facilitating connectivity between devices and networking equipment.
• Power Over Ethernet (PoE) Devices: Devices that provide power and
data connectivity to network devices over a single Ethernet cable.

Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 35

 Introduction to Computer
Networks(continued
• Computer Network Components-Logical Network Components
• A. Protocols
• Transmission Control Protocol (TCP): A connection-oriented
protocol that ensures reliable data delivery by establishing a virtual
connection between sender and receiver.
• Internet Protocol (IP): A network layer protocol responsible for
addressing and routing data packets across networks.
• Ethernet Protocol: A data link layer protocol used for local area
network communication, defining frame formats and addressing
schemes.
Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 36
 Introduction to Computer
Networks(continued
• Computer Network Components-Logical Network
Components
• B. IP Addressing
• IPv4: A 32-bit address format used to identify devices on a
network, typically expressed in dotted-decimal notation (e.g.,
[Link]).
• IPv6: A newer address format using 128 bits, designed to
address the limitations of IPv4 and support the growing
number
Mesay of internet-connected devices.
Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 37
 Introduction to Computer
Networks(continued
• Computer Network Components-Logical Network
Components
• C. Domain Name System (DNS)
• A hierarchical system that translates domain names into IP
addresses, enabling users to access websites using human-
readable names.

Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 38

 Introduction to Computer
Networks(continued
• Computer Network Models
• A computer network model is a conceptual framework that
describes the structure and behavior of computer networks.
• Network models provide a standardized way to design,
analyze, and understand complex network architectures.
• They serve as a reference for network engineers and
administrators when planning and implementing network
infrastructures.
Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 39
 Introduction to Computer
Networks(continued
• Computer Network Models
• Network Protocols and Standards
• A. TCP/IP Protocol Suite
• The foundational protocol suite for the Internet and most modern networks.
• Consists of a set of protocols for communication between devices, including TCP, IP, UDP, and
others.
• B. OSI Model
• A conceptual framework for understanding network communication, divided into seven layers.
• Each layer performs specific functions, such as data encapsulation, routing, and error detection.
• Examples of OSI layers include physical, data link, network, transport, and application layers.

Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 40

 Introduction to Computer
Networks(continued
• Computer Network Models- Layers of the OSI Model
• Physical Layer: Concerned with transmitting raw data bits over a communication channel.
• Data Link Layer: Handles framing, error detection, and flow control at the data link level.
• Network Layer: Manages addressing, routing, and packet forwarding across multiple networks.
• Transport Layer: Provides reliable data delivery and error recovery through mechanisms like
segmentation and reassembly.
• Session Layer: Establishes, manages, and terminates connections between applications.
• Presentation Layer: Handles data formatting, encryption, and compression for transmission.
• Application Layer: Provides network services directly to end-users, such as email, file transfer,
and web browsing.

Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 41

 Introduction to Computer
Networks(continued
• Computer Network Models- Layers of the TCP/IP Model
• Application Layer: Corresponds to the top three layers of the OSI
model and includes protocols such as HTTP, SMTP, and FTP.
• Transport Layer: Combines the functions of the OSI transport and
session layers, providing reliable data delivery and connection
management.
• Internet Layer: Corresponds to the OSI network layer and handles IP
addressing, routing, and packet forwarding.
• Link Layer: Combines the functions of the OSI data link and physical
layers, encompassing both hardware and protocol specifications.
Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 42
 Introduction to Computer
Networks(continued
• Computer Network Models- Simplified Structure
• The TCP/IP model simplifies the OSI model by combining some of its layers and providing a more
streamlined approach to network communication.
• Comparison of OSI and TCP/IP Models
• A. Similarities
• Both models provide a framework for understanding network communication and organizing
network protocols.
• They divide the communication process into layers, each with specific functions and responsibilities.
• B. Differences
• The OSI model has seven layers, while the TCP/IP model has four layers.
• The OSI model is more detailed and comprehensive, whereas the TCP/IP model is more streamlined
and practical.
Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 43
 Data Communication and
Transmission Media
• As mentioned early ; data communication refers to the
exchange of data between devices or systems over a
communication channel.
• Transmission media are physical pathways or channels
used to transmit data signals from one device to another.

Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 44

 Data Communication and
Transmission Media(continued
• Types of Transmission Media
• Guided Media: Transmission occurs along a physical path.
• Twisted Pair Cable: Consists of pairs of insulated copper wires twisted together
to reduce electromagnetic interference. Commonly used in Ethernet networks.
• Coaxial Cable: Consists of a central conductor surrounded by insulation, a
metallic shield, and an outer insulation layer. Used in cable television and
broadband internet connections.
• Fiber Optic Cable: Transmits data using light signals through a glass or plastic
core surrounded by cladding. Provides high-speed and long-distance
communication with immunity to electromagnetic interference.

Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 45

 Data Communication and
Transmission Media(continued
• Types of Transmission Media - Guided Media:
• Transmission occurs along a physical path.
• Guided media, also known as wired media, transmit data
signals through physical pathways or channels.

Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 46

 Data Communication and
Transmission Media(continued
• Types of Transmission Media - Guided Media:
• Twisted Pair Cable
• Definition: Consists of pairs of insulated copper wires twisted together to reduce
electromagnetic interference (EMI) and crosstalk.
• Types:
• Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP): Commonly used for telephone lines and Ethernet networks.
• Shielded Twisted Pair (STP): Includes additional shielding to reduce electromagnetic interference.
• Applications:
• Local area networks (LANs), including Ethernet and Token Ring.
• Telephone lines for voice communication.
• Multimedia applications for video and audio transmission.
Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 47
 Data Communication and
Transmission Media(continued
• Types of Transmission Media - Guided Media:
• Coaxial Cable
• Definition: Consists of a central conductor, insulation, a metallic shield, and an outer
insulation layer.
• Types:
• Thinnet (RG-58): Thin coaxial cable used for short-distance connections in Ethernet networks.
• Thicknet (RG-8): Thick coaxial cable used for longer-distance connections in Ethernet networks.
• Applications:
• Cable television (CATV) networks.
• Broadband internet connections.
• Long-distance communication links in Ethernet networks.
Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 48
 Data Communication and
Transmission Media(continued
• Types of Transmission Media - Guided Media:
• Fiber Optic Cable
• Definition: Transmits data signals using light pulses through a glass or plastic core surrounded by cladding.
• Types:
• Single-mode Fiber: Uses a single pathway for light transmission, providing higher bandwidth and longer distances.
• Multi-mode Fiber: Uses multiple pathways for light transmission, suitable for shorter distances and lower bandwidth
requirements.
• Advantages:
• High bandwidth capacity and data transmission rates.
• Immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI).
• Long-distance communication capabilities with minimal signal degradation.
• Applications:
• Long-distance communication links, including intercontinental and undersea cables.
• High-speed
Mesay Aschalew internet backbones and data center connections.
(mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 49
• Telecommunication networks, including telephone and cable television networks.
 Data Communication and
Transmission Media(continued
• Types of Transmission Media - Unguided Media
• Transmission occurs through the air or space without a
physical pathway.
• Wireless Transmission: Uses electromagnetic waves to
transmit data through the air. Includes technologies such
as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular networks.

Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 50

 Data Communication and
Transmission Media(continued
• Types of Transmission Media-Unguided Media
• Terrestrial Microwave Communication
• Utilizes microwave radio signals to transmit data between
terrestrial stations, such as towers or antennas.
• Applications: Long-distance communication links between
buildings, campuses, or cities.
• Backhaul links for cellular networks and internet service
providers (ISPs).
Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 51
 Data Communication and
Transmission Media(continued
• Types of Transmission Media-Unguided Media
• Satellite Communication: Relies on communication satellites orbiting
the Earth to relay data signals between ground stations.
• Components:
• Satellites: Act as relays to receive, amplify, and retransmit signals between ground
stations.
• Ground Stations: Transmit data signals to satellites and receive signals from them.
• Applications:
• Global communication networks for voice, data, and multimedia services.
• Remote sensing, weather monitoring, and navigation systems.
Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 52
 Data Communication and
Transmission Media(continued
• Factors Affecting Transmission Media Selection
• Transmission Speed: Determines the maximum data rate supported by the medium.
• Distance: Determines the maximum distance over which data can be reliably
transmitted.
• Interference: Refers to external factors that can disrupt or degrade signal
transmission, such as electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency
interference (RFI).
• Cost: Includes the initial investment in infrastructure, installation, and maintenance
costs.
• Security: Refers to the susceptibility of the medium to interception or eavesdropping.

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Mesay Aschalew (mesayaschalew2@[Link]) 54