UNIT NAME: INTRODUCTION TO DATA COMMUNICATION & COMPUTER

NETWORKS

UNIT CODE: BIT 2204

NAME: Anjeche Makhaso Tom

ADMN NO: BIT/2022/54681

Describe the Various techniques used for analog-to-digital conversion. (2 marks)

Successive Approximation

Analog to digital conversion iteratively approximates the analog value by successively

dividing the reference voltage and comparing the input analog signal with a reference
voltage. When the digital value closely resembles the analog input, it starts with the most
significant bit (MSB) and moves on to the least significant bit (LSB).

Sigma-Delta technique

A sigma delta converts analog signal into high resolution and low noise. A sigma delta converts
an analog signal into high frequency digital stream by oversampling and using a delta sigma
modulator. The digital stream is then filtered an decimated to obtain the final digital

What is multiplexing in the context of data communication? (1 mark)

 Is the process where multiple analog message signals or digital data streams are
combined into one signal over a shared medium. The aim is to share an expensive
resource.

Discuss the different types of multiplexing techniques used in data communication. Compare and
contrast their advantages and disadvantages (4 marks)

Frequency division multiplexing(FDM)

Is as a type of multiplexing where the bandwidth of a single physical medium is divided into a
number of smaller, independent frequency channels.

Time division multiplexing(TDM)

 Is a type of multiplexing where in FDM, instead of sharing a portion of the bandwidth in the
form of channels, in TDM, time is shared. Each connection occupies a portion of time in the
link.

Advantages

Efficient use of resources: Multiplexing enables the transmission or processing of several signals
or data streams via a single shared media or channel.

Cost effective: Multiplexing decreases the demand on specialised resources and equipment by
combining multiple signals or data streams.

Disadvantages

Limited flexibility: Comparing multiplexing approaches to dedicated channels or point-to-point

connections may result in a reduction in flexibility.

Difficulty in signal isolation: It can be difficult to isolate and separate distinct signals at the
receiving end in some multiplexing techniques, such as frequency-division multiplexing (FDM)
or wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM).

Enable the efficient transmission of diverse types of information?

(3 marks)

Compatibility and interconnectivity: The integration of diverse signals or data streams is

made easier by multiplexing techniques, which encourages system and device compatibility
and interconnectivity.

Scalability and adaptability: Techniques for multiplexing provide scalability and adaptability
to handle changing requirements or the addition of new information forms.

Flexibility in signal allocation: When it comes to distributing resources to various forms of

information, multiplexing offers flexibility.

What is modulation and demodulation in the context of data communication? Explain the
purpose and importance of the two concepts in transmitting data over communication channels.

Modulation –is the process by which data/information is converted into electrical/digital

signals for transferring that signal over a medium

Demodulation- is the process of extracting the original information-carrying signal from a

modulated carrier wave. (2
marks)
Discuss the different types of modulation techniques used in data communication. (4 marks)

Amplitude Modulation(AM)

In AM, the amplitude of the carrier signal is varied in proportion to the instantaneous amplitude
of the modulating signal.

Frequency Modulation(FM)

FM involves changing the carrier signal's frequency to match the modulating signal.

Phase Modulation(PM)

It involves varying the phase of the carrier signal in response to the modulating signal.

Quadrature Amplitude Modulation(QAM)

It allows the simultaneous transmission of amplitude and phase data.

ii) Discuss the role of modulation and demodulation in wireless communication systems. How do
these techniques enable reliable transmission of data over wireless channels? (2 marks)

 Modulation prepares the information for transmission, optimizing bandwidth usage,

improving signal integrity, and enabling long-range communication. Demodulation at the
receiver's end extracts the original information from the modulated signal, facilitates error
detection and correction, reduces noise effects, and enables the proper interpretation and
utilization of the received data.

iii) Discuss the advancements in modulation and demodulation techniques in recent years.
Explore any emerging modulation technologies and their potential applications in data
communication. (2 marks)

• They support increased data speeds, better spectrum utilisation, and improved fading and
interference resistance. Because of this, cutting-edge modulation techniques like FBMC, NOMA,
and PDM have a bright future as applications in 5G/6G networks, the Internet of Things, smart
grids, and immersive multimedia experiences.

What is Ethernet? Explain its history, development, and its significance as a widely used
networking technology. Elaborate on the different versions of Ethernet, starting from the original
Ethernet specification to the more recent standards (4 marks)

Ethernet: is a standard communications protocol used to connect devices including

computers, routers, and switches in a wired or wireless network.
HISTORY

It was invented by Robert Metcalfe and David Boggs at Xerox PARC in 1973. It first ran at just
under 3 Mbps. Metcalfe joined Digital Equipment Corporation where he facilitated a joint
venture with Intel and Xerox to collaborate further, and Ethernet Version 1 was finalized in
1980. In 1983, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) approved the Ethernet
802.3 standard.

i)Discuss the concept of Ethernet collision detection and collision avoidance mechanisms,
such as CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection). Explain how
these mechanisms help manage network traffic and prevent data collisions (3 marks)

 CSMA/CD is widely used in Ethernet networks, especially in legacy systems based on

the IEEE 802.3 standard. However, with the evolution of Ethernet technology, including
the deployment of full-duplex switches and the widespread use of twisted pair cabling,
CSMA/CD is less commonly used in modern Ethernet networks. Full-duplex
communication allows simultaneous transmission and reception, eliminating the need for
collision detection.

ii) Explain the role of switches in Ethernet networks. Discuss how switches facilitate
efficient data transmission, reduce collisions, and improve network performance. (3
marks)

• By splitting the network into separate collision areas, selectively forwarding frames based on
MAC addresses, providing full-duplex communication, and optimising bandwidth usage,
switches in Ethernet networks enhance network performance. Switches improve the
effectiveness, dependability, and throughput of data transmission in Ethernet networks by
eliminating collisions, reducing unneeded network traffic, and giving dedicated bandwidth to
each device.

REFRENCES:

www.w3schools.com

www.tutorialspoint.com

www.wikipedia.com