CLASS VII Chapter 1 NCERT Computer Networking
CLASS VII Chapter 1 NCERT Computer Networking
Guided media involves physical pathways like cables to transmit data. Examples include twisted pair cables, coaxial cables, and fiber optic cables, each offering varying levels of cost-efficiency, bandwidth, and distance adaptability . Unguided media, however, uses no physical connections, operating wirelessly. Examples include microwaves, radiowaves, and satellite communications, which provide flexible deployment and handle numerous simultaneous connections, albeit with potential interference and security considerations . Both forms serve distinct needs, with guided being reliable for fixed infrastructures and unguided beneficial for flexible and wide-ranging communication needs.
Twisted pair cables are commonly used in telecommunications. They consist of insulated copper wires twisted together to reduce noise and crosstalk. The advantages of twisted pair cables include low cost, light weight, and ease of connectivity due to their physical flexibility . However, they have significant disadvantages such as high attenuation, which limits the distance over which signals can be transmitted without repeaters . Furthermore, they offer low bandwidth, making them unsuitable for broadband applications .
The Network Interface Card (NIC) is crucial for establishing communication between the computer (client or server) and the network. It functions as an interpreter, converting data between the digital format used by computers and the signals required for transmission over the network . Each NIC has a unique MAC address, facilitating accurate data routing and ensuring device identification within the network .
Simplex transmission is unidirectional, allowing data to flow from the sender to the receiver only without any feedback from the receiver, as seen in radio and TV broadcasts . Half-duplex allows bidirectional data transfer but not simultaneously; data can flow in one direction at a time, as in walkie-talkies . Full-duplex allows simultaneous two-way data transfer, making it the most efficient for telecommunications, exemplified by telephones where both parties can speak and listen at the same time .
Microwaves, a form of wireless transmission with frequencies between 0.3 GHz to 300 GHz, require line-of-sight between transmitting and receiving antennas . This limits their use due to obstacles such as buildings. Additionally, their susceptibility to environmental conditions, such as rain and atmospheric conditions, can impair signal quality, leading to potential data loss or reduced transmission quality, which are significant limitations in ensuring reliable communications .
ARPANET, initiated by the US Defense's Advanced Research Projects Agency, was the first computer network, laying the groundwork for the modern internet . Its design for resilient communication during emergencies has significantly influenced the decentralized nature of current global networks. ARPANET's pioneering packet-switching technology revolutionized data transfer efficiency, forming a foundational component in networking and highlighting its critical role in the technological evolution of interconnected systems .
Fiber optic cables transmit data as light pulses, permitting higher bandwidth and lower attenuation over longer distances than coaxial cables, which use electrical signals . Fiber optics are immune to electromagnetic interference, providing more secure and higher quality transmissions . In contrast, while coaxial cables support broadband transmission, they are less efficient than fiber optics in terms of data quality and distance coverage, due to their susceptibility to interference and attenuation . Despite being costlier and more difficult to handle, fiber optic cables are preferred for reliable, high-speed, long-distance communications .
Bluetooth technology is employed for creating personal area networks by enabling wireless data exchange over short distances between devices like smartphones, computers, and peripherals . Its applications include wireless keyboards, mice, headphones, and connections between devices for file transfer, reflecting its utility in personal and office environments. Bluetooth's simplicity and support for multiple devices make it vital for convenient, cable-free personal networks .
Network topology defines the physical or logical arrangement of nodes and influences the network's overall performance, scalability, and fault tolerance . For instance, star topology allows central node failure to impact communications significantly, while mesh topology's redundancy offers high reliability but increased cost and complexity . The choice of topology affects data flow efficiency, maintenance requirements, and flexibility in network expansion, making it a critical consideration in network design to meet specific operational needs .
Effective data communication in a network requires several key components: the sender, which prepares and sends data; the communication medium, which transports the data from sender to receiver; and the receiver, which receives and processes the communicated data . Additionally, protocols provide the rules governing data transmission, ensuring that communication is both accurate and timely. The transmission mode determines the method and directionality (simplex, half-duplex, full-duplex) of the data flow . Collectively, these components ensure data is delivered accurately and efficiently within a network. .