INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

POOL 5:4

Topic: Data Communication and Networks

Sub-topic: Data Communication
Teacher: Ms. C. Thomas

Instruction to students: Read the information below and make notes in your notebook.

Data Communication is the exchange of data (in the form of Os and 1s) between
two devices via some form of transmission medium (such as a wire cable).
For data communication to occur, the communicating devices must be part of a
communication system made up of a combination of hardware and software. The
effectiveness of a data communication system depends on the three fundamental
characteristics:
1. 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

2. Accuracy: The system must deliver data accurately.

3. Timeliness: The system must deliver data in a timely manner. Data

delivered late are useless.

Types of data Communication

Data Communication is considered:

local – if the communicating devices are in the same building.
remote – if the communicating devices are farther apart.
Components of data communication
1. Message – the message is the information to be communicated.
2. Sender – the sender is the device that sends the data message.
3. Receiver – the receiver is the device that receives the message.
4. Medium – the transmission medium is the physical path by which a
message travels from sender to receiver.

5. Protocol – A protocol is a set of rules that govern data communication.

Data Communication Modes/Lines

Simplex mode – Communication in ONE direction only e.g. a radio, television

Half duplex mode - A transmission mode in which each station can both transmit and
receive, but not at the same time. E.g. a Walkie-talkie, SMS text
Full duplex/ Duplex mode- A transmission mode in which both stations can transmit
and receive simultaneously (at the same time). E.g. a cellular phone call, Skype,
WhatsApp call, etc