Data Communication

and Networking
• Data communication is the process of transferring
data from one computer system or area to another.

• Many computers are stand-alone systems. They

cannot communicate with other computers. If you
want to share a file that is saved on a stand-alone
system with another computer then you will have
to copy it onto a USB flash drive, CD or DVD.
• Computer systems can be connected together in a
network.
• A network is a set of computers (two or more) and
devices that are linked together. Networks allow
computers to share resources, such as hardware,
software, data, and information.
• Sharing resources saves time and money.

• A network interface card (NIC) is a piece hardware

that allows a computer to physically connect to a
network. There are many reasons to create a
network:
 Advantages

1. It allows users to use common printers, scanners

and other peripheral devices. Otherwise each user
would have to access their devices. Which would
be a waste of money and space.
2. Users can share their resources, such as
documents, and users can communicate with each
other easily using e-mail.
3. It is cheaper to buy software and services of
internet providers for many people than for
individual users.
4. An administrator can control the resource use of
network users, such as internet access. This is
important in office environment where there is a
high risk of computer viruses and abuse of
resources.
5. A typical network has a central server, such as a
file server, that stores data and controls access to
that data. A server is a more powerful computers
which manage the activity on the whole network.
A printer server allows any of the computers in the
network to use a printer. Having a central server is
much more efficient than each person storing all
the data on their own computer. It is a way to
control modification of that data.
 Disadvantages of networks:

1. It can be time consuming and expensive to set up

2. Viruses spread easily in a network
3. If many people have access to a file server, data is
likely to be corrupted.
4. If a central server fails, many users will not be able
to access the data they need.
• The computers and other devices in a network
communicate with each other by sending data
either directly to each other or through a server.
• Data can be sent between the devices in a
network either through cables or wirelessly, that
is, without cables. This is called data
communication.
 Area Networks

• Area networks link computer and other devices

together are categorized based the geographic
area the network covers. There are several types
of area network, including:
1. Local Area Network (LAN)
2. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
3. Wide Area Network (WAN)
 Local Area Network (LAN)

• A local area network is a network of computers

that are connected by cables over a fairly small
area, usually within one building, such as an
office or a school.
• One advantage of using a LAN is that you do not
have to store all the application software on the
hard disk of the computer you are using.
• When you want to use some software, like a
word processing package, you can download it
from the file server’s hard disk into the internal
memory of your computer.
 Local Area Network (LAN)

• you can also share files with someone else. If

you are working with a group of people, you can
upload it to the file server’s hard disk. Another
user can then download it and make any
changes they want to it.
• You can also use files at the same time as other
people. This often happens when a large
database is used in, for example, a shop.
 Uploading and Downloading

• A file is uploaded when it is transferred form a

computer in a network to a server. A file is
downloaded when it is transferred from a server
to a computer in a network.
 Metropolitan Area Network

• Sometimes a network is needed to serve a

limited area but that is bigger than a LAN. The
first metropolitan area network (MAN) were
built across a whole town or city, hence the
name. A MAN is run by a single organisation and
connects together the LANs within it.
 Wide Area Network (WAN)

• A WAN is a network that connects computers

over a wide area or even across the world.
• Instead of normal cables, a WAN uses a number
of different methods to connect the computers,
including telephone lines, satellite links and
broadband connections.
• Most WANs are private networks that are run by
organisations so that they can share business
information.
 Wide Area Network (WAN)

• A WAN lets the members of an organisation

share information between all their branches.
• They can also work on the same files, such as a
database, from anywhere in the country or even
the world.
• However it may be possible for a criminal to get
into a WAN. They do not have to get into the
organisation’s building, but may find out how to
access the system from any computer.
 Mobile Network

• What is a mobile network?

• We all use mobile phones on a daily basis. How

do mobile phones work?
• Watch video: How do Cellphones Work-

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-O0Yf3VJpcA
• Watch video: How does your mobile phone work- - ICT #1

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JZG9x_VOwA&t=263s
 Mobile Network

• A mobile network, also known as a cellular

network. It is a telecommunications network
that uses radio waves to transmit data between
mobile devices and a cell tower (base stations).
• The cell towers are connected to the public
switched telephone network (PSTN), which
allows mobile devices such as smartphones,
tablets, and laptops, to connect to the internet
and communicate with each other wirelessly.
 Mobile Network

• Mobile networks are a fundamental part of modern

communication infrastructure and enable network
users to make and receive phone calls, send and
receive text messages, and access the internet to
transfer data on the go.
• Mobile networks are divided into cells, which are
small areas covered by a cell tower (base station).
When a mobile device moves from one cell to
another, the device automatically connects to the
base station in the new cell. This allows mobile
devices to maintain a connection to the network
even when they are moving.
 Mobile Network

• A cell tower, also known as a cell site, base station

or a base transceiver station (BTS), is a tall
structure or antenna that houses electronic
communications equipment used to transmit and
receive radio waves.
• Cell towers are used by cellular network operators
to provide mobile phone service to their
subscribers.
• Cell towers facilitates wireless communication
between mobile devices (such as smartphones,
tablets, and cell phones) and a
telecommunications network.
Cell Towers (base station)
 Mobile Network

• A cell site is the

area covered by a
cell tower, while a
cell tower is the
physical structure
that houses the
electronic
communications
equipment and
antennas.
 Mobile Network

• Mobile networks are designed to provide

coverage over a wide area, and they are
typically categorized by generations.

• The terms 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G refer to the

generations of cellular network technology.
Each generation has its own set of features and
capabilities that improve upon the previous
generation.
 Mobile Network

1G (First Generation)
• 1G was the first generation of cellular networks,
introduced in the late 1979. It used analogue
signals to transmit voice calls. It had low data
transfer rates, and was primarily used for voice
communication.
• 1G had a limited coverage and poor call quality
compared to later generations.
• 1G networks are now obsolete.
 Mobile Network

2G (Second Generation)
• 2G was introduced in the early 1990s and used
digital signals to transmit voice calls and limited
data services (e.g., SMS). It had a maximum data
speed of 64 kbps.
• 2G improved on the voice quality of 1G.
• 2G networks are still in use in some parts of the
world, but are being phased out in favour of 3G
and 4G networks.
 Mobile Network

3G (Third Generation)
• 3G was introduced in the late 1990s and early
2001. It offered faster data speeds for mobile
internet and multimedia services than 2G, up to
2 Mbps.
• 3G networks also supported new features such
as internet browsing, video streaming, and
mobile gaming. 3G networks are still in use in
many parts of the world.
 Mobile Network

4G (Fourth Generation)
• 4G was introduced in the early 2010s. It offered
significantly faster data speeds and lower latency
than 3G, up to 1 Gbps.
latency refers to the time it takes for data to
travel from one point to another on the
network.
• 4G enabled high-quality video streaming, online
gaming, and more advanced mobile applications.
 Mobile Network

4G (Fourth Generation)
• 4G was introduced in the early 2010s. It offered
significantly faster data speeds and lower latency
than 3G, up to 1 Gbps.
latency refers to the time it takes for data to
travel from one point to another on the
network.
• 4G enabled high-quality video streaming, online
gaming, and more advanced mobile applications.
 Mobile Network

4G (Fourth Generation)
• 4G paved the way for services like Voice over LTE
(VoLTE), which allows for high-quality voice calls
over a data network.
• 4G networks are the most widely used cellular
networks in the world today.
 Mobile Network

5G (Fifth Generation)
• 5G is the latest generation of cellular network
technology. It offers even faster data speeds
than 4G, up to 100 Gbps. 5G networks also
support new features such as ultra-low latency
(less than 1 millisecond, which is about 10 times
lower than 4G).
 Mobile Network

5G (Fifth Generation)
• Some of the potential uses of 5G are:
• Virtual reality and augmented reality
• Self-driving cars
• Remote surgery
• Telemedicine
• Smart cities
 Mobile Network

5G (Fifth Generation)
• Self-driving cars: 5G's low latency will be
essential for self-driving cars to communicate
with each other and with traffic infrastructure.
This will make self-driving cars safer and more
efficient.
• Remote surgery: 5G's low latency will allow
surgeons to operate on patients remotely, as if
they were in the same room. This will make it
possible to provide life-saving surgery to people
in rural areas or developing countries.
Data Transmission
 Data Transmission
• Networks us a number of different methods to send
data from one computer or device to another.
• For example, if you send an email to someone living
on the other side of the world, your message may
be transmitted by computer cables, telephone
cables and microwave signals before reaching its
destination.
• Those cables and signals are together known as
transmission media.
 Data Transmission

• Transmission media are the cables and signaling

methods that carry data communication from one
place to another in a network. Note that the
singular of media is medium.
• All transmission media falls into two groups:
– those that use wires and
– those that do not (wireless).
 Wired Transmission Media

 A coaxial cable is a type of electrical cable with a

central copper conductor surrounded by a braided
metal shield and an insulating layer.
 The shield protects the signal from electromagnetic
interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference
(RFI).
 Coaxial cables are used in a variety of applications,
including cable television, computer networks, and
telecommunications.
 Wired Transmission Media

A coaxial cable consists of the following components:

 Center conductor: A solid copper wire that carries
the signal.
 an insulating layer: A non-conductive material that
separates the center conductor from the shield.
 a metallic shield: A braided metal mesh that
protects the signal from EMI and RFI.
 Outer jacket (outer insulating layer) : A protective
plastic covering that protects the cable from
damage.
 Wired Transmission Media

Coaxial cables also have some disadvantages,

including:
 Cost: Coaxial cables are more expensive than
twisted pair cable.
 Installation: Coaxial cables can be difficult to install,
especially in tight spaces.
 Wired Transmission Media

 Coaxial cables are also used in some computer

networks, such as Ethernet networks, but they have
been largely replaced by twisted pair cabling in this
application.
 Wired Transmission Media

 Coaxial cable carry electric current at radio

frequencies. It is used for cable television and
broadband Internet connections.
 Wired Transmission Media

 Some common examples of devices that use coaxial

cables for wired communication include:
 Televisions
 Cable modems
 Satellite receivers
 Antennae
 Video surveillance cameras
 Security systems
 Wired Transmission Media
• Televisions: Coaxial cables are used to connect
televisions to cable TV boxes, satellite receivers, and
other video sources. They are also used to connect
TVs to VCRs, DVD players, and other home video
equipment.
• Cable modems: Cable modems use coaxial cables to
connect to a cable TV provider's network in order to
provide high-speed internet access.
• Satellite receivers: Satellite receivers use coaxial
cables to connect to a satellite dish in order to
receive satellite TV signals.
 Wired Transmission Media
 Antennae: Coaxial cables are used to connect
antennae to TVs and radios in order to receive
broadcast signals.
• Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Systems: Coaxial
cables are used to connect surveillance cameras to
recording or monitoring equipment.
• Antennas: Coaxial cables are used to connect
outdoor or indoor antennas to TVs and radios for
receiving over-the-air signals.
 Security systems: Security systems use coaxial
cables to connect sensors and other devices to a
central control panel.
 Wired Transmission Media

 Fibre-optic cables contain a bundle glass fibres.

 Data is transmitted as light pulses instead of electric
signals on copper wires.
 This is a very fast and reliable form of data
transmission
 Wired Transmission Media

 Fiber optics is a technology that transmits light

signals through thin strands of highly transparent
optical fibers, usually glass but sometimes plastic.
 Fiber optic cables are used in a wide range of
applications, including telecommunications, cable
television, and computer networks.
• Watch videos: Optical fiber cables, how do they work? | ICT
#3
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZOg39v73c4

CHECK THIS also:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doAVuehH-L4
• Watch this video: How Submarine Fiber Cable Installed-
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0gs497KApU
• Watch this video: Why GIANT SHARKS Can No Longer ATTACK
UNDERSEA Internet Cables
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IA-5TZ2J444
 Wired Transmission Media

• It is best for large WANs and MANs. Fibre-optic

cables can be used over long distances and can
carry data at high speeds. Telecommunication
companies use fibre-optic cables to transmit data.
 Wired Transmission Media

• Twisted Pair cables is made up of pairs of wires

twisted around each other. Twisted pair cabling
does not allow very fast transmission, so it is not
suitable for sending large amounts of data, it is used
in small LANs for offices and home.
Coaxial Cable Fibre Optic Cable Twisted Pair Cable
and Connector and Connector and Connector
 Wired Transmission Media

• All of these transmission media can be used in

LANs.

Video on cables used to

connect to the internet
• Watch this video:
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93-3zmVvCGU
 Wireless Transmission Media

• Computer data is more and more frequently

transmitted using technologies that do not use
cables or wires. Generally, wireless connections are
not as fast or reliable as cables, but they can be very
convenient.
• All wireless connections use electromagnetic waves
including radio, microwave and infrared.
Wavelengths vary from kilometres (for long-wave
radio) to less than a millimetre (for infrared).
 Wireless Transmission Media

• The frequency of a signal is the number of waves

that can be completed in a second. So long
wavelengths, like radio, have low frequencies and
short wavelengths like infrared have very high
frequencies.
 Wireless Transmission Media - Radio Signals

Radio Signals are the most common form of

wireless transmission.
They are able to travel long distances and penetrate
through obstacles, making them ideal for long-
distance communication and broadcasting.
Radio waves are used for a variety of applications,
including AM and FM radio, television, Bluetooth,
cellular networks (cellular phones), Wi-Fi, and also
in many small LANs.
 Wireless Transmission Media - Radio Signals

 An example of short range broadcast radio is

Bluetooth (used in computers, mobile phones,
printers, wireless headphones etc)
 Wireless Transmission Media – Microwave

Microwave Transmission uses a signal with a

shorter wavelength than radio. It can be used over
distances of up to 50km, but it cannot get around or
through objects in its way.
They are usually installed on tall towers and
buildings because they cannot pass through
objects and use line of sight transmission.
 Wireless Transmission Media - Satellites

 Satellites enable microwave signals to be sent

around the world. Data is transmitted by microwave
up to a satellite in stationary orbit then directed
back down to a receiving station in another
country.
 Satellites are placed in space and the orbit the earth
It receives microwave signals from a earth station
(called uplink).
 satellites magnifies the signals and retransmit them
to earth (called downlink)
 Satellites are very expensive
 Wireless Transmission Media - Infrared

 IR signals are blocked by solid objects, so they require a

line of sight between the transmitter and receiver.
 Some common examples of devices that use IR for
wireless communication include:
 TV remotes
 Computer mice and keyboards
 Wireless printers
 IR headsets
 Night vision goggles
 Security cameras
Wireless Network
 Wireless Networks

• Wireless networks use no cables. They are an

increasingly popular technology for small networks,
because the computers, especially laptops, can be
moved around but still remain connected to the
network.
• Wireless networks normally use radio
transmissions:
 Wireless Transmission Media

Infrared Transmission is used in remote controls for

televisions and other domestic devices. The signal
has a very much shorter wavelength than radio.
It is occasionally used in computer systems, for
example, when controlling robots. However, the
signals cannot travel very far and also need very
clear space for the signal to travel.
 Wireless Networks – Wi-Fi

 Wi-Fi is a wireless radio technology that can be

used to send data between devices and computers.
Small LANs can be built using only Wi-Fi, and the
signal is good enough to be used with a shared
Internet access. A area where you can access a
Wi-Fi is known as a Hotspot.
Some cell phones can use Wi-Fi technology to
access the Internet.
 Wireless Networks - Hotspot

 A hotspot is a physical location where people can

access the Internet using Wi-Fi.
 Hotspots are often found in public places, such as
coffee shops, airports, and hotels. Some hotspots
are free to use, while others require users to pay a
fee.
 Wireless Networks - Benefits of Wi-Fi and Hotspot

 Convenience: Wi-Fi and hotspots allow you to

access the Internet wirelessly, which is much more
convenient than having to use a cable or modem.
 Mobility: Wi-Fi and hotspots allow you to move
around freely while you are connected to the
Internet. This is especially beneficial in public
places, such as coffee shops and airports.
 Speed: Wi-Fi and hotspots can provide high-speed
Internet access, which is ideal for streaming video,
downloading files, and playing online games.
 Wireless Networks - Security of Wi-Fi and Hotspots

It is important to be aware of the security risks associated

with using Wi-Fi and hotspots. Public Wi-Fi networks are
often not secure, and hackers can easily intercept data that
is being transmitted over these networks.

To protect your security when using Wi-Fi and hotspots,

you should:
Only connect to trusted Wi-Fi networks.
Use a VPN (virtual private network) when connecting to
public Wi-Fi networks.
Avoid transmitting sensitive data, such as credit card
numbers and passwords, over public Wi-Fi networks.
 Wireless Networks - Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows

devices to communicate with each other over
short distances. It is a popular choice for
connecting devices such as wireless headsets,
speakers, keyboards, mice, and smartphones.
Bluetooth is also used in many other applications,
such as car hands-free systems, wireless point-of-
sale systems, and industrial automation systems.
Bluetooth uses radio wave to transmit data
It is similar to Wi-Fi, but only works over short
distances, it is also slower Wi-Fi.
Network Hardware
Devices
 Modem

• Modem stands for Modulator-Demodulator.

• A modem is a hardware device that connects a
computer or other digital device to the
internet.
• It allows computers to transmit and receive
data over various communication channels,
such as telephone lines, cable systems, or
wireless connections.
 Functions of a Modem

• Modulation: It does this by converting digital

signals from the computer into analogue
signals that can be transmitted over analogue
communication lines (e.g., telephone line,
cable line, or other medium).
• This process is called modulation.
 Functions of a Modem

• Demodulation: on the receiving end the

modem does the opposite.
• It converts the analogue signals back into
digital data that the computer can
understand. This process is called
demodulation.
 Network Hardware
Devices - Hub

• A hub is a device that connects a number of

computers together to make a LAN.
• A hub is a ‘dumb’ device: if it receives a
message, it sends (repeats) it to every device
on the network.
• This means that hub based networks are not
very secure - everyone can listen in to
communications.
• it also creates additional network traffic.
Network Hardware
Devices - Hub
 Network Hardware
Devices - Switch
• A switch can only operates within a single
network.
• It only sends a message to its intended
destination device.
• The switch builds up a table with the MAC
address of every device that is connected to each
of its ports.
• When a signal is received, the data is analysed to
determine the destination MAC address. The
data is then sent to the port connected to the
device with the MAC address.
 Hub, Switch, & Router Explained
• Watch this video:
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1z0ULvg_pW8&list=PL7zR
JGi6nMRzg0LdsR7F3olyLGoBcIvvg&index=2
 Modem

• Watch this video:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mad4kQ5835Y&t=5s
Message sent
is only
forwarded to
the intended
device,
leaving other
devices free to
communicate
with each
other
Switch
Router
●A device which connects two or more
networks together.
●When a network needs to be
connected to another network over a
large area, a router is needed.
●A router forwards messages from
one network to another. It acts as a
gateway.
Credit: Needpix
Router
●It is responsible for forwarding packets of data
from one network to another and works out
the best route for data to travel between
computers.
●A router will scan a packet of data that enters
the device to see whether its destination is the
network in which it is currently travelling, or
another network. It will then forward the
Credit: Needpix
packet to its destination.
Router
●A common job of a router is to join a
home network to the internet via an
internet service provider (ISP).
●Whether you are watching this
through a network in your home, or
through your mobile network,
whoever provides this is your ISP.

Credit: Needpix

83
 Router

84
Network Diagram
 Router

86
 Router

87
 Router

88
 Network Interface Card (NIC)

• A Network Interface Card (NIC), also known as a

network adapter or network card, is a hardware
component that connects a computer to a
computer network.
• It allows the computer to communicate with
other devices on the network, such as other
computers, printers, and servers.
 Network Interface Card (NIC)

• There are two main types of NICs: wired and

wireless.
• Wired NICs use a cable to connect the computer
to the network. The most common type of cable
used for wired networks is Ethernet cable.
• Wireless NICs use radio waves to connect the
computer to the network. This allows the
computer to connect to the network without
the need for a cable. Wireless NICs are
commonly used in Wi-Fi networks.
• .
Wireless NIC
Internet, Intranet & Extranet
Intranet
 Intranet
• An intranet is a private network that is only accessible to
members of an organization.
• It is a private network that works like the internet but is only
available within a particular organisation, not to the public.
 Intranet
• An intranet is a private network that is only accessible to
members of an organization.
• It is a private network that works like the internet but is only
available within a particular organisation, not to the public.
 Intranet
• It is typically used to share information and resources within
the organization, such as company policies, employee
directories, and project files. Intranets can also be used to
provide employees with access to web-based applications,
such as email, calendars, and customer relationship
management (CRM) systems.
The internet

What is the Internet?

Watch this video:

https://www.flocabulary.com/unit/what-is-the-internet/
Watch this video: How does the INTERNET work? | ICT #2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3c1ih2NJEg&t=457s
The internet
 Put simply, the
internet is a collection
of networks
connected globally.
 Information can travel
between and within
these networks. Credit: Pixabay

 But how are they

connected?
The internet
 The word "internet" is formed by
combining the first 5 letters of the word
‘interconnected’ and first 3 letters of
the word network’.
 Hence, it is an inter-connected
networks –
 different networks around the world
that are connected together
Watch this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dxcc6ycZ73M&t=2s
Watch this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVDBsPZDpMs
The internet
 The Internet is a global network of computer
networks that connects billions of devices
worldwide.
 It is a network of networks that consists of
millions of private, public, academic,
business, and government networks, of local
to global scope, that are linked by a broad
array of electronic, wireless and optical
networking technologies.
How are networks in the Guyana
connected to networks in the UK and
United States?
Watch this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhEf7e4kopM
Oceanic cables

Credit: TeleGeography, Submarine Cable Map

 Oceanic cables
 The first oceanic cable was
laid in 1851 to connect
telephones
 99% of internet data is
transmitted through cables
under the oceans
 Oceanic cables can be
damaged by anchors,
trawling fishing nets, and Credit: TeleGeography, Submarine Cable Map

even shark bites!

EXTRANET

Flowchart symbol used

Extranet
 Extranet
• Extranets are private networks that allow organizations to
securely share information with external parties such as
customers, suppliers, and partners.
• An extranet is created by extending an organization's intranet
to include authorized users from outside the organization.
 Extranet
• This is done using a variety of security technologies, such as
firewalls, VPNs, and encryption. Extranets are often used to
improve communication and collaboration between
organizations and their partners.
 Extranet
Here are some examples of extranets:
• A company's extranet that allows its suppliers to access order
information and track shipments.
• A bank's extranet that allows its corporate customers to access
account information and make payments.
• A healthcare provider's extranet that allows its patients to access
their medical records and schedule appointments.
• A government agency's extranet that allows its contractors to
submit bids and track project progress.