Government Science College

Hassan-573201

BCA311

Data Communication and Computer

Networks Notes

Prepared By:
Swetha R BE ,M T ech ,(P hD)
Department of Computer Application
Contents

1 Introduction 2
1.1 Data Communication and Computer Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.1.1 Fundamental Characteristics for the effectiveness of a Data Com-
munications System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.1.2 Five Components of a Data Communications System . . . . . . . . 3
1.1.3 Transmission Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.1.4 Bit Rate and Baud Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.2 Modulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.2.1 Amplitude Modulation-(AM): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1.2.2 Frequency Modulation-(FM): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1.2.3 Phase Modulation-(PM): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.3 Topology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.3.1 Mesh Topology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
1.3.2 Bus Topology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
1.3.3 Ring Topology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
1.3.4 Star Topology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
1.3.5 Tree Topology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
1.3.6 Hybrid Topology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
1.4 Transmission Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
1.4.1 Simplex Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
1.4.2 Half-Duplex Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
1.4.3 Full-Duplex Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
1.5 Categories of Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
1.5.1 Local Area Network (LAN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
1.5.2 Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
1.5.3 Wide Area Network (WAN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

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Chapter 1

Introduction

1.1 Data Communication and Computer Network

Data communications refers to the transmission of this digital data between two or more
computers . Computer network or data network is a telecommunications network that
allows computers to exchange data. The physical connection between networked com-
puting devices is established using either cable media or wireless media. The best-known
computer network is the Internet.
The purpose of Data Communications is to provide the rules and regulations that al-
low computers with different disk operating systems, languages, cabling and locations to
share resources. The rules and regulations are called protocols and standards in Data
Communications.

1.1.1 Fundamental Characteristics for the effectiveness of a Data

Communications System

• 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.
• Accuracy: The system must deliver data accurately. Data that have been altered
in transmission and left uncorrected are rustles(ie. If the protocol needs to alter
the data while in transmission, it must alter it back to its original form before
representing it to the target device).
• Timeliness: The system must deliver data in a timely manner. Data delivered late
are useless. In the case of video, audio, and voice data, timely delivery means
delivering data as they are produced, in the same order that they are produced, and
without significant delay. this kind of delivery is called real-time transmission.

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• Jitter: Jitter refers to the variation of packet arrival time. Data is sent as packets,
that is, a fixed amount of the whole data is sent in each turn. These packets get
joined back in the target device to represent the complete data as it is. Each packet
is sent with a predefined delay or acceptable amount delay. If packets are sent
without maintaining the predefined delay then an uneven quality in the data might
result.

1.1.2 Five Components of a Data Communications System

The following are the basic requirements for working of a communication system.
• The sender (source) who creates the message to be transmitted
• A medium that carries the message
• The receiver (sink) who receives the message

1. Message: A message in its most general meaning is an object of communication. It is

a vessel which provides information. Yet, it can also be this information. Therefore,
its meaning is dependent upon the context in which it is used; the term may apply
to both the information and its form.
2. Sender: The sender will have some kind of meaning she wishes to convey to the
receiver. It might not be conscious knowledge, it might be a sub-conscious wish for
communication. What is desired to be communicated would be some kind of idea,
perception, feeling, or datum. It will be a part of her reality that she wishes to send
to somebody else.
3. Receiver: These messages are delivered to another party. No doubt, you have in
mind a desired action or reaction you hope your message prompts from the opposite
party. Keep in mind, the other party also enters into the communication process
with ideas and feelings that will undoubtedly influence their understanding of your
message and their response. To be a successful communicator, you should consider
these before delivering your message, then acting appropriately.

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4. Transmission medium/media: Transmission medium is a means used to exchange /

transmit the message. The sender must choose an appropriate medium for transmit-
ting the message else the message might not be conveyed to the desired recipients.
The choice of appropriate medium of communication is essential for making the
message effective and correctly interpreted by the recipient. This choice of commu-
nication medium varies depending upon the features of communication. For instance
- Written medium is chosen when a message has to be conveyed to a small group of
people, while an oral medium is chosen when spontaneous feedback is required from
the recipient as misunderstandings are cleared then and there.
5. Protocol: A protocol is a formal description of digital message formats and rules
for exchanging those messages in or between computing systems and in telecommu-
nications. Protocols may include signaling, authentication and error detection and
correction syntax, semantics, and synchronization of communication and may be
implemented in hardware or software, or both.

1.1.3 Transmission Media

In data communication terminology, a transmission medium is a physical path between

the transmitter and the receiver i.e it is the channel through which data is sent from one
place to another. Transmission Media is broadly classified into the following types

(A) Guided Media:

It is also referred to as Wired or Bounded transmission media. Signals being trans-
mitted are directed and confined in a narrow pathway by using physical links.
• Features
– High Speed
– Secure

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– Used for comparatively shorter distances

There are 3 major types of Guided Media:
(i) Twisted Pair Cable:
It consists of 2 separately insulated conductor wires wound about each other.
Generally, several such pairs are bundled together in a protective sheath. They
are the most widely used Transmission Media.
• Advantages
– Can be used for both analog and digital transmissions
– Least expensive for short distances
– Entire network does not go down if a part of network is damaged
• Disadvantages
– Signal cannot travel long distances without repeaters
– High error rate for distances greater than 100m
– Very thin and hence breaks easily
– Not suitable for broadband connections
(ii) Coaxial Cable:
It has an outer plastic covering containing 2 parallel conductors each having
a separate insulated protection cover. Coaxial cable transmits information
in two modes: Baseband mode(dedicated cable bandwidth) and Broadband
mode(cable bandwidth is split into separate ranges). Cable TVs and analog
television networks widely use Coaxial cables.
• Advantages
– High Bandwidth
– Better noise Immunity
– Easy to install and expand
– Inexpensive
• Disadvantages
– Single cable failure can disrupt the entire network
(iii) Optical Fibre Cable:
It uses the concept of reflection of light through a core made up of glass or
plastic. The core is surrounded by a less dense glass or plastic covering called
the cladding. It is used for transmission of large volumes of data.

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• Advantages
– Increased capacity and bandwidth
– Light weight
– Less signal attenuation
– Immunity to electromagnetic interference
– Resistance to corrosive materials
• Disadvantages
– Difficult to install and maintain
– High cost
– Fragile
– unidirectional, ie, will need another fibre, if we need bidirectional com-
munication
(B) Unguided Media:
It is also referred to as Wireless or Unbounded transmission media.No physical
medium is required for the transmission of electromagnetic signals.
• Features
– Signal is broadcasted through air
– Less Secure
– Used for larger distances
There are 3 major types of Unguided Media:
(i) Radio waves:
These are easy to generate and can penetrate through buildings. The sending
and receiving antennas need not be aligned.
Frequency Range: 3KHz – 1GHz.AM and FM radios and cordless phones use
Radio waves for transmission.
Further Categorized as :
• Terrestrial
• Satellite
(ii) Microwaves:
It is a line of sight transmission i.e. the sending and receiving antennas need
to be properly aligned with each other.The distance covered by the signal is
directly proportional to the height of the antenna.

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Frequency Range:1GHz – 300GHz. These are majorly used for mobile phone
communication and television distribution.
(iii) Infrared:
Infrared waves are used for very short distance communication. They cannot
penetrate through obstacles. This prevents interference between systems.
Frequency Range:300GHz – 400THz. It is used in TV remotes, wireless mouse,
keyboard, printer, etc.

1.1.4 Bit Rate and Baud Rate

Both Bit rate and Baud rate are generally used in data communication,
Bit rate is the transmission of number of bits per second. On the other hand, Baud rate
is defined as the number of signal units per second. The formula which relates both bit
rate and baud rate is given below:
Bit rate = Baud rate ∗ the number of bit per baud.
Difference between Bit Rate and Baud Rate
Bit Rate Baud Rate
Bit rate is defined as the transmission Baud rate is defined as the number of
of number of bits per second. signal units per second.
Bit rate is also defined as per second Baud rate is also defined as per second
travel number of bits. number of changes in signal.
Bit rate emphasized on computer effi- While baud rate emphasized on data
ciency. transmission.
Bit Rate= baud rate ∗ the number of Baud Rate= bit rate / the number of
bit per baud bit per baud

1.2 Modulation
Modulation is a carrier signal that varies in accordance with the message signal. Modu-
lation technique is used to change the signal characteristics.
Basically, the modulation is of following three types:
• Amplitude Modulation (AM)
• Frequency Modulation (FM)
• Phase Modulation (PM)

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1.2.1 Amplitude Modulation-(AM):

Amplitude modulation was developed in the beginning of the 20th century. It was the
earliest modulation technique used to transmit voice by radio. This type of modulation
technique is used in electronic communication. In this modulation, the amplitude of the
carrier signal varies in accordance with the message signal, and other factors like phase
and frequency remain constant.
The modulated signal is shown in the below figure, and its spectrum consists of the
lower frequency band, upper frequency band and carrier frequency components. This
type of modulation requires more power and greater bandwidth; filtering is very difficult.
Amplitude modulation is used in computer modems, VHF aircraft radio, and in portable
two-way radio.

1.2.2 Frequency Modulation-(FM):

In this type of modulation, the frequency of the carrier signal varies in accordance with
the message signal, and other parameters like amplitude and phase remain constant.
Frequency modulation is used in different applications like radar, radio and telemetry,
seismic prospecting and monitoring newborns for seizures via EEG, etc.

This type of modulation is commonly used for broadcasting music and speech, magnetic
tape recording systems, two way radio systems and video transmission systems. When
noise occurs naturally in radio systems, frequency modulation with sufficient bandwidth
provides an advantage in cancelling the noise.

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1.2.3 Phase Modulation-(PM):

In this type of modulation, the phase of the carrier signal varies in accordance with the
message signal. When the phase of the signal is changed, then it affects the frequency.
So, for this reason, this modulation is also comes under the frequency modulation.
Generally, phase modulation is used for transmitting waves. It is an essential part of many
digital transmission coding schemes that underlie a wide range of technologies like GSM,
WiFi, and satellite television. This type of modulation is used for signal generation in al
synthesizers, such as the Yamaha DX7 to implement FM synthesis.

1.3 Topology
The way in which devices are interconnected to form a network is called network topology.
Some of the factors that affect choice of topology for a network are −
• Cost − Installation cost is a very important factor in overall cost of setting up an
infrastructure. So cable lengths, distance between nodes, location of servers, etc.
have to be considered when designing a network.
• Flexibility − Topology of a network should be flexible enough to allow reconfigura-
tion of office set up, addition of new nodes and relocation of existing nodes.
• Reliability − Network should be designed in such a way that it has minimum down
time. Failure of one node or a segment of cabling should not render the whole
network useless.
• Scalability − Network topology should be scalable, i.e. it can accommodate load of
new devices and nodes without perceptible drop in performance.
• Ease of installation − Network should be easy to install in terms of hardware,
software and technical personnel requirements.
• Ease of maintenance − Troubleshooting and maintenance of network should be easy.
Depending on the requirement there are different Topologies to construct a network.
• Mesh topology.
• Star topology.
• Tree (Hierarchical) topology.
• Bus topology.
• Ring topology.
• Hybrid topology.

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1.3.1 Mesh Topology

In mesh topology, every device is connected to another device via particular channel.If
suppose, N number of devices are connected with each other in mesh topology, then total
number of ports that is required by each device is N-1.In the Figure below, there are 5
devices connected to each other, hence total number of ports required is 4.
If suppose, N number of devices are connected with each other in mesh topology, then
total number of dedicated links required to connect them is N(N-1)/2.

• Advantages:
– It is robust.
– Fault is diagnosed easily. Data is reliable because data is transferred among
the devices through dedicated channels or links.
– Provides security and privacy.
• Disadvantages:
– Installation and configuration is difficult.
– Cost of cables are high as bulk wiring is required, hence suitable for less number
of devices.
– Cost of maintenance is high.

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1.3.2 Bus Topology

Data network with bus topology has a linear transmission cable, usually coaxial, to which
many network devices and workstations are attached along the length. Server is at one end
of the bus. When a workstation has to send data, it transmits packets with destination
address in its header along the bus.The data travels in both the directions along the bus.
When the destination terminal sees the data, it copies it to the local disk.

• Advantages:
– Easy to install and maintain
– Can be extended easily
– Very reliable because of single transmission line
• Disadvantages:
– Troubleshooting is difficult as there is no single point of control
– One faulty node can bring the whole network down
– Dumb terminals cannot be connected to the bus

1.3.3 Ring Topology

In ring topology each terminal is connected to exactly two nodes, giving the network a
circular shape. Data travels in only one pre-determined direction.When a terminal has to
send data, it transmits it to the neighbouring node which transmits it to the next one.
Before further transmission data may be amplified. In this way, data reverses the network
and reaches the destination node, which removes it from the network. If the data reaches
the sender, it removes the data and resends it later.

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• Advantages:
– Small cable segments are needed to connect two nodes
– Ideal for optical fibres as data travels in only one direction
– Very high transmission speeds possible
• Disadvantages:
– Failure of single node brings down the whole network
– Troubleshooting is difficult as many nodes may have to be inspected before
faulty one is identified
– Difficult to remove one or more nodes while keeping the rest of the network
intact

1.3.4 Star Topology

In star topology, server is connected to each node individually. Server is also called the
central node. Any exchange of data between two nodes must take place through the server.
It is the most popular topology for information and voice networks as central node can
process data received from source node before sending it to the destination node.

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• Advantages:
– Failure of one node does not affect the network
– Troubleshooting is easy as faulty node can be detected from central node im-
mediately
– Simple access protocols required as one of the communicating nodes is always
the central node
• Disadvantages:
– Long cables may be required to connect each node to the server
– Failure of central node brings down the whole network network intact

1.3.5 Tree Topology

Tree topology has a group of star networks connected to a linear bus backbone cable.
It incorporates features of both star and bus topologies. Tree topology is also called
hierarchical topology.

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• Advantages:
– Existing network can be easily expanded
– Point-to-point wiring for individual segments means easier installation and
maintenance
– Well suited for temporary networks
• Disadvantages:
– Technical expertise required to configure and wire tree topology
– Failure of backbone cable brings down entire network
– Insecure network
– Maintenance difficult for large networks

1.3.6 Hybrid Topology

This topology is a collection of two or more topologies which are described above. This
is a scalable topology which can be expanded easily. It is reliable one but at the same it
is a costly topology.

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1.4 Transmission Mode

Transmission mode means transferring of data between two devices. It is also known as
communication mode. Buses and networks are designed to allow communication to occur
between individual devices that are interconnected. The transmission is characterized by:
• The direction of the exchanges
• The transmission mode: the number of bits sent simultaneously
• Synchronization between the transmitter and receiver
There are three types of transmission mode:-
(i) Simplex Mode
(ii) Half-Duplex Mode
(iii) Full-Duplex Mode

1.4.1 Simplex Mode

In Simplex mode, the communication is unidirectional, as on a one-way street. Only one

of the two devices on a link can transmit, the other can only receive. The simplex mode
can use the entire capacity of the channel to send data in one direction.

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Example: Keyboard and traditional monitors. The keyboard can only introduce input,
the monitor can only give the output.

1.4.2 Half-Duplex Mode

In half-duplex mode, each station can both transmit and receive, but not at the same
time. When one device is sending, the other can only receive, and vice versa. The half-
duplex mode is used in cases where there is no need for communication in both direction
at the same time. The entire capacity of the channel can be utilized for each direction.
Example: Walkie- talkie in which message is sent one at a time and messages are sent in
both the directions.

1.4.3 Full-Duplex Mode

In full-duplex mode, both stations can transmit and receive simultaneously. In full-duplex
mode, signals going in one direction share the capacity of the link with signals going in
other direction, this sharing can occur in two ways:
• Either the link must contain two physically separate transmission paths, one for
sending and other for receiving.
• Or the capacity is divided between signals travelling in both directions.
Full-duplex mode is used when communication in both direction is required all the time.
The capacity of the channel, however must be divided between the two directions. Ex-
ample: Telephone Network in which there is communication between two persons by a
telephone line, through which both can talk and listen at the same time.

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1.5 Categories of Network

The Network allows computers to connect and communicate with different computers via
any medium. LAN, MAN and WAN are the three major types of the network designed to
operate over the area they cover. There are some similarities and dissimilarities between
them. One of the major differences is the geographical area they cover, i.e. LAN covers
the smallest area; MAN covers an area larger than LAN and WAN comprises the largest
of all.

1.5.1 Local Area Network (LAN)

LAN or Local Area Network connects network devices in such a way that personal com-
puter and workstations can share data, tools and programs. The group of computers and
devices are connected together by a switch, or stack of switches, using a private addressing
scheme as defined by the TCP/IP protocol. Private addresses are unique in relation to
other computers on the local network.

LANs cover smaller geographical area (Size is limited to a few kilometres) and are privately
owned. One can use it for an office building, home, hospital, schools, etc. LAN is easy
to design and maintain. A Communication medium used for LAN has twisted pair cables
and coaxial cables. It covers a short distance, and so the error and noise are minimized.

1.5.2 Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

MAN or Metropolitan area Network covers a larger area than that of a LAN and smaller
area as compared to WAN. It connects two or more computers that are apart but resides
in the same or different cities. It covers a large geographical area and may serve as an
ISP (Internet Service Provider). MAN is designed for customers who need a high-speed

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connectivity. Speeds of MAN ranges in terms of Mbps. It’s hard to design and maintain
a Metropolitan Area Network.

The fault tolerance of a MAN is less and also there is more congestion in the network. It
is costly and may or may not be owned by a single organization. The data transfer rate
and the propagation delay of MAN is moderate. Devices used for transmission of data
through MAN are: Modem and Wire/Cable. Examples of a MAN are the part of the
telephone company network that can provide a high-speed DSL line to the customer or
the cable TV network in a city.

1.5.3 Wide Area Network (WAN)

WAN or Wide Area Network is a computer network that extends over a large geographical
area, although it might be confined within the bounds of a state or country. A WAN could
be a connection of LAN connecting to other LAN’s via telephone lines and radio waves
and may be limited to an enterprise (a corporation or an organization) or accessible to
the public. The technology is high speed and relatively expensive.

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