Data Communication and Computer Networks Lecture Notes

This set of flashcards covers key concepts and terminology related to data communication and computer networks, as discussed in the lecture.

Data Communication

An exchange of data/information between two devices over communication media.

Computer Network

An interconnection of autonomous computing devices that exchange data and resources with each other.

Transmission Vs Communication

Communication is full data exchange and interactive, while transmission is one-way data transfer.

Simplex Mode

Unidirectional communication where only one device transmits and the other only receives.

Half-Duplex Mode

Each station can both transmit and receive, but not at the same time.

Full-Duplex Mode

Both stations can transmit and receive simultaneously.

Unicast Transmission

Data sent from a single sender to a single receiver.

Broadcast Transmission

Data transmitted from one sender to all receivers in a network.

Multicast Transmission

Data sent from a single source to a specific group of hosts.

Network Topology

Defines the structure of the network and how components are interconnected.

Bus Topology

All stations connected through a single backbone cable.

Ring Topology

Nodes connected in a circular fashion where data flows in one direction.

Mesh Topology

Every device is connected to another device via a channel.

Star Topology

All devices connected to a single hub or switch.

Tree Topology

A hierarchical arrangement of nodes connected to central hubs.

Hybrid Topology

Combination of various topologies.

Personal Area Network (PAN)

Connects personal technology devices over a short distance.

Local Area Network (LAN)

Connects devices over a small geographical area.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

Covers a larger area than LAN but smaller than WAN.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

Extends over a large geographical area and connects multiple LANs.

OSI Model

A conceptual model providing a standard framework for communication in networks.

TCP/IP Model

A four-layer model consisting of Application, Transport, Internet, and Link layers.

Shannon’s Theorem

Describes the maximum data rate of a communication channel in the presence of noise.

Throughput

The actual amount of data transmitted successfully over a network.

Latency

The delay from the sender to the receiver in data transmission.

Twisted Pair Cable

A type of cable made of pairs of insulated copper wires twisted together.

Coaxial Cable

A cable consisting of a central conductor, insulation, and an outer conductive shield.

Optical Fiber

Thin glass or plastic threads used to transmit data as light waves.

Router

A device that forwards data packets between computer networks.

Switch

A device that connects devices in a network and uses packet switching.

Gateway

A device that connects two or more dissimilar networks.

VoIP

Technology allowing voice calls using a broadband Internet connection.

PSTN

A public switched telephone network combining multiple telephone networks.

Circuit Switching

A method of transmitting data through a dedicated communication path.

Packet Switching

A technique where messages are broken into packets for transmission.

Message Switching

Transmits and routes messages as complete units through intermediate nodes.

ISDN

Integrated Services Digital Network, providing digital telecommunication services.

Digital Channel Types

Channels in ISDN including B channels, D channels, and H channels.

Terrestrial Microwave

Transmission from ground-based antennas using microwave frequencies.

Satellite Communication

Communication using satellites for data transmission between ground stations.