data communication:
**Definition**:
**Data Communication** refers to the exchange of data or information
between two or more devices (e.g., computers, smartphones, servers)
using a transmission medium like cables or wireless signals. It ensures
that information is sent from a source (sender) to a destination
(receiver) effectively, accurately, and reliably.
### **Basic Elements of Data Communication**
1. **Sender**:
- A device that sends message is called sending [Link] is also called
[Link] device that initiates the communication.
- Examples: The sending device can be Computers, mobile phones,
fax machine .
2. **Receiver**:
- A device that receive the message is called the receiving device. It is
also called sink. The device or system that receives the transmitted
data.
- Examples: The receiving devices are Servers, printers, or another
computer.
3. **Message**:
- The data being communicated between sending and receiving
devices through communication medium.
- Types: Text, images, audio, video, or combinations of these.
4. **Transmission Medium**:
- The channel through which data is [Link] is used to carry
messages from one place to [Link] is also called communication
[Link] can be physical cable and wireless connection.
- Types:
- **Wired**: Copper wires, fiber optic cables.
- **Wireless**: Radio waves, microwaves, infrared, or satellite
signals.
5. **Protocol**:
- A set of rules that govern how data is transmitted, received, and
interpreted.
- Examples: TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP, and SMTP.
### **Characteristics of Effective Data Communication**
1. **Delivery**:
- Data must reach the intended recipient.
- Delivery failures lead to incomplete or lost messages.
2. **Accuracy**:
- Data must be received without errors or corruption.
- Example: File transfers should retain the integrity of the file.
3. **Timeliness**:
- Data must be delivered in a timely manner.
- Real-time systems like video calls depend on low-latency
communication.
4. **Jitter**:
- Refers to variations in the time delay between data packets.
- Minimizing jitter is crucial for applications like video streaming or
VoIP.
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### **Modes of Data Communication**
1. **Simplex Mode**:
- Data flows in only one direction.
- Example: Televisions, keyboards.
2. **Half-Duplex Mode**:
- Data flows in both directions but only one direction at a time.
- Example: Walkie-talkies.
3. **Full-Duplex Mode**:
- Data flows in both directions simultaneously.
- Example: Phone calls, video conferencing.
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