DATA COMMUNICATION AND COMPUTER
NETWORKS
Data Communication & Computer Network
Data-link Layer Introduction
The Data Link Layer is the second layer in the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection)
model of computer networking. This layer is responsible for transferring data
between adjacent network nodes and ensuring reliable communication.
• Encoding
• Framing
• Error detection/correction
Data Communication & Computer Network
Data-link Layer Introduction
• Encoding: Encoding is the process of converting digital data into a format that
can be transmitted over a communication channel. At the Data Link Layer, this
involves transforming raw data into a format that can be framed and transmitted
across a physical link.
• Framing: Framing is the process of dividing a stream of data into manageable
frames. At the Data Link Layer, this involves adding a header and a trailer to the
data, which provides information such as the source and destination address,
length of the data, and error detection information. The header and trailer help
the receiving device to correctly reassemble the data and ensure that the data has
not been corrupted during transmission.
Data Communication & Computer Network
Data-link Layer Introduction
• Error detection/correction: Error detection and correction are techniques used to
ensure that the data being transmitted has not been corrupted or lost during
transmission. At the Data Link Layer, this involves adding checksums or cyclic
redundancy checks (CRC) to the data frames. The checksum or CRC is computed
by the sender and added to the header or trailer of the frame. The receiver
computes the checksum or CRC and compares it with the value received in the
frame. If the values match, the frame is assumed to be error-free. If the values do
not match, the receiver requests the sender to retransmit the data.
Data Communication & Computer Network
Data-link Layer Introduction
Bit error rate (BER) and Packet Error Rate (PER) are two important metrics
used to measure the quality of the data link layer's transmission. Both BER and PER
are affected by various factors such as noise, interference, distance, signal
attenuation, and the effectiveness of the error detection and correction techniques
used. Network engineers use these metrics to evaluate the performance of the data
link layer and to optimize the network's transmission efficiency.
Data Communication & Computer Network
Data-link Layer Introduction
• Bit Error Rate (BER): BER is the ratio of the number of erroneous bits received
to the total number of bits transmitted. It is a measure of the quality of the
transmission channel and the effectiveness of the error detection and correction
techniques used. A lower BER indicates a better transmission quality.
• Packet Error Rate (PER): PER is the ratio of the number of erroneous packets
received to the total number of packets transmitted. It is a more practical measure
of the quality of the data link layer transmission as packets are the fundamental
units of data transfer. A lower PER indicates a better transmission quality.
Data Communication & Computer Network
Data-link Layer Introduction
Data Link Layer Protocol: The Data Link Layer Protocol is a set of rules and
procedures that govern the exchange of data between two adjacent network nodes. It
is responsible for framing the data, detecting and correcting errors, managing access
to the communication channel, and ensuring reliable data transmission. Each
protocol has its own set of features, advantages, and limitations. Network engineers
must select the appropriate Data Link Layer protocol for a particular network based
on its requirements, topology, and transmission medium.
Data Communication & Computer Network
Data-link Layer Introduction
There are several Data Link Layer protocols in use today, including:
• Ethernet
• Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11)
• Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP)
• High-Level Data Link Control (HDLC)
• Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)
Data Communication & Computer Network
Data-link Layer Introduction
Ethernet: Ethernet is a widely used Local Area Network (LAN) protocol that
operates at the Data Link Layer of the OSI model. Ethernet uses a Carrier Sense
Multiple Access with Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) access method to manage
access to the transmission medium. The CSMA/CD protocol works as follows:
• Carrier Sense
• Multiple Access
• Collision Detection
• Backoff Algorithm
Data Communication & Computer Network
Data-link Layer Introduction
Ethernet:
The CSMA/CD protocol works as follows:
• Carrier Sense: In a CSMA/CD network, each node listens to the transmission
medium before transmitting data to avoid collisions with other nodes. If the
medium is idle, the device begins transmitting. The device uses a network
interface card (NIC) to sense the medium by measuring the voltage or light
signals on the transmission line. The NIC is connected to the medium through a
cable and has the ability to detect the presence or absence of a signal on the line.
Data Communication & Computer Network
Data-link Layer Introduction
Ethernet:
The CSMA/CD protocol works as follows:
• Carrier Sense: When a device wants to transmit data, it first listens to the
medium to detect any ongoing transmissions. If the medium is idle, the device
begins transmitting its data. However, if the device detects a signal on the
medium, it assumes that another device is transmitting and waits until the medium
is idle before transmitting.
Data Communication & Computer Network
Data-link Layer Introduction
Ethernet:
The CSMA/CD protocol works as follows:
• Carrier Sense: The NIC continues to monitor the medium while the device is
transmitting. If a collision is detected, the NIC stops transmitting immediately,
and both devices involved in the collision wait for a random period of time before
attempting to retransmit. In summary, the NIC of a device in a CSMA/CD
network listens to the medium by sensing the presence or absence of a signal on
the transmission line. The device waits for the medium to be idle before
transmitting and stops transmitting immediately if a collision is detected.
Data Communication & Computer Network
Data-link Layer Introduction
Ethernet:
The CSMA/CD protocol works as follows:
• Multiple Access: Multiple devices share the same transmission medium. Each device has
equal priority to access the medium, and no device has exclusive access.
• Collision Detection: If two or more devices start transmitting data simultaneously, a collision
occurs, and both devices stop transmitting. They then wait for a random time before attempting
to retransmit. The random delay ensures that the devices will not collide again when they try to
retransmit.
Data Communication & Computer Network
Data-link Layer Introduction
Ethernet:
The CSMA/CD protocol works as follows:
• Backoff Algorithm: After a collision, each device waits for a random amount of time before
attempting to retransmit. The backoff algorithm used for this waiting period is designed to
reduce the probability of another collision. Each time it tries to transmit but fails, the algorithm
doubles the amount of time that the device should waits before sending again.
Data Communication & Computer Network
Data-link Layer Introduction
Ethernet: An Ethernet frame is a data packet used in computer networks to transmit
data between devices connected to the same local area network (LAN). An Ethernet
frame consists of several fields that are used to transmit and receive data. These
fields include:
• Preamble: The preamble is a sequence of bits that serves as a synchronization pattern
and indicates the start of a frame.
• Header: The header contains information such as the source and destination MAC
addresses, frame type, and length.
Data Communication & Computer Network
Data-link Layer Introduction
Ethernet: An Ethernet frame is a data packet used in computer networks to transmit
data between devices connected to the same local area network (LAN). An Ethernet
frame consists of several fields that are used to transmit and receive data. These
fields include:
• Payload: The payload is the actual data being transmitted.
• Checksum: The checksum is used for error detection.
Data Communication & Computer Network
Data-link Layer Introduction
Ethernet: Ethernet supports various transmission speeds, including 10 Mbps, 100
Mbps, 1 Gbps, 10 Gbps, and higher. The physical medium used for Ethernet can be
copper twisted-pair, fiber optic, or wireless. Some common Ethernet standards
include:
• 10BASE-T: Ethernet over twisted-pair cable with a transmission speed of 10 Mbps.
• 100BASE-T: Fast Ethernet over twisted-pair cable with a transmission speed of 100 Mbps.
• 1000BASE-T: Gigabit Ethernet over twisted-pair cable with a transmission speed of 1
Gbps.
• 10GBASE-T: 10 Gigabit Ethernet over twisted-pair cable with a transmission speed of 10
Gbps.
