S.4 Computer Data Communication Caltec S.4

TOPIC 11: DATA COMMUNICATION & NETWORKING Definition of Data communication Data communication is the process of transferring data, instructions and information from one computer to another computer. Elements of data communication A sending device Message A communication device A communications channel Protocol Communications software A receiving device A sending device; A sending device is a device that initiates an instruction to transmit data, information, or instructions. Message This is the data/content/information to be transmitted over a transmission medium. A communication device; Is a device that connects the communications channel to a sending device by converting the data, instruction or information from the sending device into signals that can be carried by a communications channel examples include a modem, repeater, switch, router, gateway etc. A communications channel/medium Also known as communication links or Data links a communication channel is a medium over which Data travels/is transmitted from one computer (device) to another. It is a path over which the signals are sent either physically (cables) of wireless waves. It can be a standard telephone line Protocol This is a set of rules and procedures for exchanging information among computer device on a network. A receiving device; It is the device that accepts the transmitted signals from the sending device. Communications software; This software consists of programs that manage the transmission of data, instructions and information between the sending and receiving computers. Definition of data communication tools These are tools that enable the user to emulate and test the networks. Types of electronic data communication tools Mobile phones Computers Internet Social network Services offered by data communication tools Voicemail Fax E –mail Instant messaging (IM) Chat room Newsgroups (Discussion groups) Internet telephony Videoconferencing Telecommuting Groupware Skype Telecommuting Telecommuting is a work arrangement in which employees work away from the standard workplace of …