Jonah Patel
Data communication is the process of transferring data from one place to another, or between two devices, using computing and communication technologies. This process has become integral to our daily lives, from sending emails and instant messages to video calls and social media. The two primary technologies that constitute data communications are transmission media and protocols. Transmission media refers to the physical path used to transmit data, and it can be divided into two parts: guided media (such as cables and wires) and unguided media (wireless transmission through air, water, or vacuum). Protocols, on the other hand, are the set of rules that govern data communication, ensuring that devices can communicate effectively and securely.
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What You'll Learn
Digital communications
Digital communication allows electronic and digital data to move between two networks, regardless of geographical location, data content, or format. This means that connecting your laptop to a Wi-Fi network is a common example of data communication. This action requires a wireless medium to send and receive data from remote servers. The type of data transmission demonstrates the direction in which the data moves between the sender and receiver.
Data communication is the exchange of data between two devices via some form of transmission media, such as a cable, wire, or even air or vacuum. Transmission media refers to the physical path or medium used to transmit data between devices. It can be divided into two parts: Guided Media and Unguided Media. In guided media, the signal is contained within the physical limits of the transmission medium.
Optical fibres are an important technology in digital communication. They transmit large amounts of data at very high speeds and are widely used in internet cables. The fibre optic cable consists of a core made of glass or plastic through which light travels, cladding that reflects light back to the core, and a protective covering or sheath.
The first data electromagnetic transmission applications in modern times were electrical telegraphy and teletypewriters, which are both digital signals.
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Transmission media
Guided media, also known as wired or bounded media, involves transmitting data signals along a specific physical pathway, typically through a cable. This type of media includes twisted-pair cables, coaxial cables, and fibre optics. Twisted-pair cables consist of two insulated copper wires twisted together to minimise interference and crosstalk between adjacent cables. Coaxial cables are commonly used by cable operators, telephone companies, and internet providers for data, video, and voice communications. Fibre optics, or optical fibres, transmit data as light pulses along thin strands of glass or plastic fibres, offering greater bandwidth and transmission distances than traditional modes.
Unguided media, on the other hand, is a method of transmitting data without the use of cables. It includes radio waves, microwaves, and infrared communication. Radio waves are the most widely used form of unguided media as they can travel long distances and pass through solid objects. Microwaves, a type of high-frequency radio wave, are used for point-to-point communication and are common in mobile communication systems, satellite networks, and data transmission between buildings or over long distances.
The choice of transmission medium is crucial in the efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of a network. Factors such as bandwidth, delay, cost, and ease of installation and maintenance play a role in selecting the appropriate transmission media for data transfer.
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Optical fibres
The core of an optical fibre is typically made of glass or plastic, measuring just a hair's width in diameter. Light pulses generated by a laser or LED travel through the core, bouncing off the cladding, ensuring the light remains contained. At the receiving end, a photodetector or optical receiver converts the light back into electrical signals.
The development of optical fibre communication systems has progressed through generations. The fourth generation employed optical amplification and wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) to reduce the need for repeaters and increase data capacity, respectively. As of 2021, scientists have achieved a transmission rate of 319 terabits per second over 3,000 kilometres using four-core fibre cables. The fifth generation aims to further extend the wavelength range of WDM systems.
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Analogue and digital signals
Data communication is the process of transferring data from one place to another, or between two devices or networks. This process involves the use of transmission media such as cables, wires, air, or vacuum. Data communication enables the exchange of information between devices and networks, allowing for instant communication and greater business efficiency.
One key aspect of data communication is the use of analogue and digital signals. Analogue signal data has been transmitted electronically since the advent of the telephone. Analogue signals are continuous signals that can vary infinitely and are used to represent information. They are typically transmitted through electrical wires or cables.
On the other hand, digital signals represent data using discrete values or symbols. Digital communication involves the transfer of either a digitised analogue signal or a born-digital bitstream. Digital transmission is commonly associated with telecommunications and electrical engineering. It is used in modern digital communications such as email, instant messaging, and video calls.
The distinction between analogue and digital signals is important because it determines the method of data transmission. Analogue signals are transmitted as a continuous wave, while digital signals are transmitted as discrete packets or bits. Digital transmission offers advantages such as higher data transfer rates and improved error detection and correction.
Additionally, analogue and digital signals have different capabilities and limitations. Analogue signals can be more susceptible to interference and noise, while digital signals can be easily copied and transmitted without loss of quality. Digital signals also allow for more complex data representation and manipulation, making them more versatile in modern computing and communication systems.
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Communication protocols
A typical example of a data communication system is sending an email. In this process, the sender composes a message (the data) and sends it to the receiver. Both the sender and receiver must have an internet connection, which uses a wireless medium to send and receive the email. The Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) is one of the many protocols involved in this process.
The development of communication protocols has been influenced by seminal contributions such as Paul Baran's work on distributed adaptive message block switching for digital communication of voice messages and Donald Davies' invention of packet switching, high-speed routers, hierarchical computer networks, and the essence of modern data communication.
Today, communication protocols are defined and managed by interconnected bodies, including private businesses, standards-making organizations, and regulatory agencies.
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Frequently asked questions
Data communications refer to the exchange of data between two devices via some form of transmission media such as a cable, wire, air, or vacuum.
The two technologies that constitute data communications are transmission media and protocols.
Transmission media refers to the physical path or medium used to transmit data between devices. It can be categorised into two types: guided media and unguided media.
Coaxial cables and optical fibres are examples of guided media. Optical fibres transmit data as light pulses along thin glass fibres, while coaxial cables are commonly used by cable operators and internet providers.
Protocols are a set of rules that govern how data is exchanged between devices. They define the standards and procedures for transmitting and receiving information. Examples include Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) for sending emails.
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