Unit- 5

Data Communication and Computer Network

 Introduction
Transmission of signals from one location to another location through communication media
with the help of set protocols is called Data Communication. A Computer Network, also
referred as a network, is a collection of computers and devices interconnected by
communication channels that facilitates communication among users and allows users to
share resources and information .
Data and signals are same thing. They are only different in representation . Information stored
in a computer is normally referred as data and it must be transformed into electromagnetic
signal before transmission. The signal is then applied to a transmission medium and
propagates from a transmitter to receiver. The receiver is able to recover information from the
electromagnetic signal to reproduce, either approximately or exactly, the original information.
 Elements of Communication System
• The Communications Systems
• Block Diagram of Communication System

• Information Source: Computer/ laptop / mobile etc.

• Input Transducer: Converts sound, picture, data to digital signal
• Transmitter (Modem, Transmitting device along with Antenna ): Converts digital signal to analog signal
and transmits to media (telephone line, air etc.)
• Receiver (Receiving Antenna and Modem): Receives analog signal converts to digital signal
• Output Transducer : Receives digital signal converts to electrical signal and produces the original form
(sound, text, data etc.) of information
 Elements of Communication System
• Elements of Communications Systems
The Communication System consists of hardware and of software that transmits information
from one location to another location. These systems can transmit text, data, graphics, voice,
documents, or full motion video information. The major components of a telecommunication
include the following:
• Hardware: All kinds of computers, cell phone and devices (modem, router etc.)
• Communication Media: The physical media through which electronic signals are
transmitted/ received (Fiber links, Satellite, Wireless Media etc.)
• Communication networks: The links (Connection) among computers and communication
devices
• Communication software: Software that controls the telecommunications system and the
entire transmission process
• Data Communication Providers: Government or private agents/firms who provides
telecommunication services (Nepal Telecom, NCELL etc)
• Communication Protocols: The rules for transmitting information across the system
• Communication applications: Applications involved for telecommunication (messenger, e-
mail, Viber etc.)
 Importance of Networking

Computer Network helps users to share resources. Following are the benefits of a
computer network.
• Resource sharing: Computer network help users to share resources, like: printer, scanner,
storage devices(hard disk drive ), internet etc. It also enables the users to share data files
and software.
• User Communication: Network allows users to communicate using e-mail, newsgroup,
video conferencing, messenger, Viber, WhatsApp etc.
• Increases span of Management: A single manager can monitor and supervise large
number of subordinates with the help of information system through computer network
• Reduces gap between Departments: Inter department communication becomes easier if
different departments are connected through computer network .
• Voice Over IP (VoIP): Voice over internet protocol (VoIP) allows users to communication
using standard Internet Protocol (IP) rather than tradition telephone line.
 Communication Signals
• The Communications Signals
• Signals (Analog and Digital)

• Analog Signal: Continuous waves (like: Sound waves), with two parameters (Amplitude and Frequency)
• Digital Signal: Only two discrete values either high or low.
 Data Communications Media
Data Communications Media
Some pathway is required to communicate data from one location to another. These
pathways are called communication channel. There are different media available for
communication channel. However, such media are categorized in two types:
• Wired (Guided/ Cable) Media:
I. Twisted Pair Cable
II. Coaxial Cable
III. Fiber-optic cable
• Wireless (Unguided/ Broadcast) Media
I. Microwaves Transmission
II. Satellite Transmission
III. Radio
IV. Cellular Radio
V. Infrared
 Data Communications Media
Data Communications Media
• Wired (Guided/ Cable) Media:
Cable media use physical wires to transmit data and information . Twisted pair cable and
co-axial cables use copper wire. Fiber optic cable is made of glass. In addition to this, data
transmission over cable media is divided into two basic types: Baseband and Broadband
Baseband: Transmission is analog, each wire carries only one signal at a time.
Broadband: Transmission is digital, and each wire can carry multiple signals simultaneously
I. Twisted Pair Cable : Consists of insulated strands of copper/ aluminium wire twisted in
pairs. Most commonly used in computer network wiring. Cheaper, easy to install. But it
does not work for long distance (not more than 100 meters), slow data transmission,
and subject to interference from other electrical signals
II. Co-axial Cable: Other kind of insulated copper wire. Less interference for other
electrical signal compared to twisted pair copper wire. Works for long distance but
expensive . Example: Cables used in television. That’s why it is called Cable TV .
III. Fiber Optic Cable: Fiber optic cable is made up of light conducting glass or plastic fibers
surrounded by a protective layer and a durable outer sheath . It carries data or signals in
the form of light. Filaments of fibers are coated with protective cladding. In this kind of
cable data transmission is very high, expensive in price and difficult to install .
 Data Communications Media
Data Communications Media
• Wired (Guided/ Cable) Media:
 Data Communications Media
Data Communications Media
• Wireless (Unguided/ Broadcast) Media
Signals are transmitted through air media . No physical wires are used to connect two ends (receiving
and transmitting points) .
I. Microwaves System: Microwave systems use very high frequency signals to transmit data through
the air . The transmitter and receiver of a microwave system should be in the line of sight because
the signal can not bend . For this reason, transmitting and receiving antennas must be placed on
the tall buildings or towers, hills etc.
Long distance transmission is not possible with microwaves because of the problem of line of sight.
Therefore, repeaters are installed at the distance of 25 km to 30 km. It amplifies the signal and
sends again to next tower . Frequency range for microwave transmission is in Giga Hertz (2GHz to
23 GHz) .
II. Satellite Communication: Satellite communication is the most common worldwide communication
system at present . It uses a satellite as a repeater, which orbits in space . Satellite communication
system have receivers and transmitters located in ground stations . In this communication, the
microwave signal is transmitted from a transmitter on earth to the satellite in space . The satellite
amplifies the weak signal and transmits it back to the receiver. To make communication possible in
the even longer distance, multiple satellites are used .
Data Communications Media
Submarine Fiber Cable
Data Communications Media

Satellite
Data Communications Media
Satellite
 Data Communications Media
Data Communications Media
III. Radio: Radio electromagnetic data communications do not have to depend microwaves or satellite
links, specially for short range such as within an office setting . Radio is being used to connect
computers and peripherals for local area network (LAN) . Radio waves tend to propagate through
normal office walls . Devices are fairly inexpensive and easy to install .
IV. Cellular Radio Technology: Telephone users are increasingly employing cellular radio technology for
data communication . Cellular Radio Technology works like this:
A radio transceiver and a computerized sell-site that handle all cell-site functions are located at the
center of each cell . All the cell sites are connected to a mobile telephone switching office that
provides the connections from the cellular to a wired telephone network
V. Infrared: Infrared signals can be used for short range communication in a closed area
using line-of-sight communication. As infrared signals have a high frequency, they can not
penetrate the wall. It is mainly used in wireless remote control, wireless mouse and
keyboard etc.
 Data Communications Media
Data Communications Media
• Wireless (Unguided/ Broadcast) Media
MTSO stands for: Mobile Telephone Switching Office
 Data Communications Media
Transmission Speed in Different Media

Latest type of twisted wire (CAT 6e) supports 1Gbps speed.

 Data Communications Media
• Networks
When two or more than two computing devices are connected (linked) together to share information and
resources it forms a computer network . It consists of communication media, devices and software needed
to connect . Computer networks are essential to modern organizations for many reasons . First, networked
computer systems enable organizations to be flexible and adaptable to meet rapidly changing business
conditions . Second, networks enable companies to share resources (hardware, applications and databases )
across the organization . Third, networks make it possible for geographically dispersed employees and work
groups to share documents, ideas, and creative insights encouraging team works, innovation and more
efficient and effective interactions.
• Types of Network:
There are three kinds of network:
I. LAN (Local Area Network)
II. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
III. WAN (Wide Area Network)
 Telecommunications and Networks
I. LAN: Local Area Network
Local Area Network typically connects computers, printers and other devices within a range
of 500 meter
There are two kinds (Models) of connections in LAN.
i. Client Server Model and
ii. Peer to Peer Network
i. Client Server Model
Server Controls all the resources connected in LAN. Users (clients) are provided with access
rights as per need. Router connects two or more different networks/ internet. The most
common network operating systems are Microsoft windows server 2003, Linux etc. These
operating systems support TCP/ IP as their default protocol. Ethernet is the dominant LAN
standard at the physical level. Gigabit Ethernet supports data transfer speed of 1 Gigabits
per second.
 Telecommunications and Networks
i. Client Server Model LAN
• Components of client server model
 Telecommunications and Networks
ii. Peer to Peer Network
Peer to Peer model is called workgroup model of LAN also. Dedicated Server is not necessary for this
kind of connection. Clients (Users) directly communicate with one another. There is no control of
resources so that privacy/ security policies are at minimum level. All connected computers acts as a
client and a server .
 Telecommunications and Networks
I. LAN: Local Area Network
There are many technical issues (Technologies) associated with LAN. Like: Topology,
Protocol, File Server, Gateway, Switch (HUB, Bridge), NIC (Network Interface Card) etc.
i. Topology: The Topology of a network is the physical layout and connectivity of
network. Basically, there are five types of topologies: Bus Topology, Ring Topology,
Star Topology, Hierarchical (Tree) Topology and Hybrid Topology.
 Telecommunications and Networks
I. LAN: Local Area Network
 Telecommunications and Networks
I. LAN: Local Area Network
ii. Protocol: Protocols refers to the rules by which data communication takes
place .
iii. File Server: The LAN file server is a repository of various software and data
files for the network. The server determines who gets access to what in which
sequence.
iv. Gateway: The gateway connects the LAN to public networks . Router functions
as a Gateway
v. Switch (HUB, Bridge): This is the junction (Device) point through which all
nodes are connected
vi. NIC (Network Interface Card): This is the card through which computer is
connected to Switch or other nodes.
 Telecommunications and Networks
I. LAN: Local Area Network
LAN Set up to connect Public Network:
A complete set up of LAN with Server, Switch, Router (Gateway), Network Interface Card (NIC),
PC and cabling/ Wiring (with star topology) .
 Telecommunications and Networks
II. MAN: Metropolitan Area Network
Metropolitan Area Network spans within a city. Two or more than two LANs are connected to
form MAN. Like: There are individual LANs of all branch offices of a bank within Kathmandu.
However, these LANs are connected to form a MAN.
III. WAN: Wide Area Network
WAN spans between two/ more different cities (geographic locations). Example: Two/ more
branch offices located at different cities of Nepal are connected to form a WAN.
 Telecommunications and Networks
MAN:

WAN:
 Telecommunications and Networks
WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)
WLAN is based on wireless technology. Here, air works as a transmission media. Different
standards are used depending upon the various types of wireless technology.
 Telecommunications and Networks

WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)

Components of WLAN
Access Point: This is the hub for the network. All devices (laptop, desktop, mobile
etc) get connected through this.

WNIC (Wireless Network Interface Cards): There must be a WNIC fitted in all the
devices.

How Does Internet work?

Access Point is connected to the router for Internet
 Telecommunications and Networks
The Wireless Computer Networks and Internet Access
Bluetooth
Available in most of the latest devices. Transmission speed up to 722 kbps. Personal Area
Network (PAN) set up is possible within the range of 10 meters. More appropriate for cell
phones, PDA, Tablets etc. Standard used for Bluetooth is 802.15
 Telecommunications and Networks
The Wireless Computer Networks and Internet Access
Wi – Fi
Wi – Fi stands for wireless fidelity. Wi – Fi supporting devices connect to the hotspot
(access point) and this device is connected with wired network which ultimately connect
with ISP for internet access. Different standards are there which support Wi- Fi network.
This is also called 802.11 network

Standards Frequency Transmission Distance

rate Coverage
802.11a 5 GHz 54 Mbps Up to 30 meters

802.11b 2.4 GHz 11 Mbps Up to 50 meters

802.11g 2.4 GHz 54 Mbps Up to 50 meters

 Telecommunications and Networks
• Network Communication Software
Communication software provide many functions in the network . These function include
error checking, message formatting, communication logs (records of jobs performed), data
security and privacy, and translation capabilities . These functions are performed by various
parts of software, which includes network operating system, network management
software, and protocols .
i. Network Operating System
Network Operating System (NOS) is the system software that controls the hardware devices,
software, and communication media and channels across a network . Example: Microsoft
Windows Server 2011, Microsoft Windows Server 2008, UNIX, Linux etc.
ii. Network Management Software
Network Management Software has many functions in operating a network . These
functions include remote installation of software on many devices across a network . They
also provide remote diagnosing of problems, greater control over the network . These
software decrease the human resources needed to manage the network .
 Telecommunications and Networks
• Network Communication Software
iii. Protocols
Network devices that are connected to the network (often referred as ‘nodes’ ) access and
share network to transmit and receive data . These components work together by adhering to
a common set of rules and procedures that enable them to communicate with each other This
set of rules and procedures governing transmission across a network is a protocol .
The principal functions of protocols in a network are line access and collision avoidance. Line
access concerns how the sending device gains access to the network to send message .
Collision avoidance refers to managing message transmission so that two message do not
collide each other on the network . Other functions of protocol are to identify each device in
the communication path, to secure the attention of other device, to verify correct receipt of
the transmitted message, to verify that message requires transmission because it can not be
correctly interpreted etc. Examples: Ethernet, TCP/IP, Telnet, HTTP, HTTPS, FTP etc.
Ethernet : This is more concerned with speed of data transmission and reception. There are
different types of Ethernet which include 10 Base T (10 Mbps), 100 Base T (100 Mbps) and
nowadays Gigabit ethernet are commonly used which supports 1000 Mbps transmission
speed .
 Telecommunications and Networks
• Network Communication Software
iii. Protocols
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/ Internet Protocol) : TCP/IP allows efficient and
reasonably error-free transmission between different systems and is the protocol of internet.
It can send large files of information across-unreliable network with assurance that the data
will arrive in uncorrupted form .

iv. Types of Data Transmission

For advanced computing applications, much greater bandwidth may be needed on networks .
Various types of data transmission technologies address this need. These technologies include
packet-switching, frame relay, fiber distributed data interface, asynchronous transfer mode,
switching hubs etc.
 Telecommunications and Networks

Network Communication Software

Packet Switching
In earlier days two communicating device
were connected through dedicated links
(lease line)
In packet switching, switch brakes down the
original message into pieces and transmit
over the available channels. Transmission
and reception become much faster as the
link media is not dedicatedly connected at
the two ends of the devices.
 Telecommunications and Networks
• Network Communication Software
Frame Relay
Frame relay is similar to packet switching but it does not perform error correction as in packet
switching .

Fiber Distributed data interface (FDDI)

FDDI passes data around a ring (as in ring topology) but with a speed of 100 Mbps . It is based
on fiber optics transmission media .

Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)

ATM networks allows for almost unlimited bandwidth on demand . It is expensive than DSL .

Switched Hub Technologies

Switched hub technologies are often used to boost local area networks . A switched hub can
turn many small LANs into one big LAN . A network need not be rewired nor adapter cards
replaced, when changes are made; all that is needed is the addition of a switching hub .