5th Form Handout

Topic: The Internet and Communications Technology (Part 2)

Subtopic: Data Communication and Networks

Network Topologies: A network topology is the physical layout of a network.
Types of Network Topologies:
1. Bus Topology: This is also called daisy chain. In this topology the network cable forms a single
bus to which every computer is attached. The disadvantage of this topology is that it is difficult
to expand.

2. Star Topology: This topology solves the expansion problems of the bus topology by introducing
a central wiring concentrator called the hub.

3. Ring Topology: This has all nodes arranged in a circular wiring arrangement. A special unit of
data called a token travels around this ring. A workstation can transmit only when it possesses
the token.

Transmitting Data: Data transmission is an important aspect of data communication in a network

or stand-alone computer. Bandwidth describes how much data can be transmitted at a time. The
greater the bandwidth the faster the information can be sent and received. Think of bandwidth as
a pipe and data as water flowing through the pipe into a bucket. If the pipe is narrow the water

will flow into the bucket in a thin stream, so the bucket will take a long time to fill. If the pipe is
wide, the bucket will fill up much faster.
Types of Bandwidth
1. Narrowband: This is a small bandwidth that can transmit only 10-30 characters per
second. This was used for telegraphy and not used much anymore.
2. Voiceband: This can transmit about 1000-8000 characters per second. This is used on
telephone lines. Transmission can be fast for small about of data but can be fairly slow
for large amount of data.
3. Broadband: This allows up to hundreds of thousands of characters to be transmitted per
second.
Data Transmission Modes/ Communication Modes: This is the direction in which data flows.
1. Simplex: Data is transmitted in one direction only. You will only be able to send data
only or receive data only. Example: Watching a television.
2. Half-Duplex: Data is sent and received in both directions but not at the same time. You
cannot receive data while you send data and vice-versa. Example: Walkie Talkie.
3. Full Duplex: Data is sent and received at the same time. Example: Telephone lines.
Definition of Key terms:
Protocols: are a set of rules that regulate the transmission of data.
Broadcast: Sending out a message to all other computers on a network.
Point to Point: This is establishing a direct communication channel between two computers on a
network.