Process of Data Communication and its components

Описание: DAY 1 – PROCESS OF DATA COMMUNICATION AND ITS COMPONENTS

--------------------------------------------------
SHORT NOTES
--------------------------------------------------

1) DATA COMMUNICATION – DEFINITION
Data Communication is the process of transferring data from one device to another through a transmission medium using a set of rules called protocols. The goal is accurate, fast, and secure data exchange.

Example:
Sending a WhatsApp message from one mobile phone to another over the internet.

--------------------------------------------------
2) PROCESS OF DATA COMMUNICATION
--------------------------------------------------
The data communication process involves:
Sender → Encoding → Transmission Medium → Decoding → Receiver

Steps:
1. The sender (transmitter) creates data.
2. Data is converted into signals.
3. Signals travel through a medium.
4. The receiver gets the signals.
5. Signals are converted back into data.

--------------------------------------------------
3) COMPONENTS OF DATA COMMUNICATION
--------------------------------------------------

A) TRANSMITTER (SENDER)
Definition:
The transmitter is the device that sends data in the form of signals.

Examples:
Computer, Mobile Phone, Server, IoT device

Role:
Generates data
Converts data into signals
Initiates communication

--------------------------------------------------
B) RECEIVER
Definition:
The receiver is the device that receives the data sent by the transmitter.

Examples:
Laptop, Smartphone, Printer, Server

Role:
Receives signals
Converts signals back into data
Displays or stores data

--------------------------------------------------
C) MEDIUM (TRANSMISSION MEDIUM)
Definition:
The medium is the physical or wireless path through which data travels from sender to receiver.

Types:
1. Wired:
Twisted Pair Cable
Coaxial Cable
Optical Fiber
2. Wireless:
Radio Waves
Microwaves
Infrared

Examples:
Ethernet cable, Wi-Fi, Mobile Network (4G/5G)

--------------------------------------------------
D) MESSAGE
Definition:
The message is the actual data or information being communicated.

Forms of Message:
Text
Numbers
Images
Audio
Video

Examples:
Email content, voice call data, video stream

--------------------------------------------------
E) PROTOCOL
Definition:
A protocol is a set of rules that governs how data is transmitted, received, and interpreted.

Functions:
Data formatting
Error control
Flow control
Addressing
Security

Common Protocol Examples:
HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, TCP/IP, SMTP

--------------------------------------------------
4) CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFECTIVE DATA COMMUNICATION
--------------------------------------------------
Delivery: Data must reach the correct receiver
Accuracy: Data must be error-free
Timeliness: Data must arrive on time
Security: Data must be protected