Data Communication is the second topic that is discussed in the first unit of Computer Science Class 10 - Networking and Telecommunication. In this chapter, we will discuss definition of data communication, its components, and modes. We will also discuss few probable questions from this chapter, as well.

Summary

  • Data communication is a basic element of a computer network - a connection of two or more computers made to share data.
  • In order to setup a computer network, there are five basic requirements: sender, receiver, data or message, transmission medium, and protocols.
  • Data can be transmitted in a network via three basic modes: Simplex mode, Half-Duplex mode and Full-Duplex mode.

What is Data Communication?

Data Communication refers to the transmission of digital data from sender to receiver using the computing technologies, and software applications. Generally, it takes places when two or more computing systems are connected to each other.

Understanding further..

Data Communication can be understood as sending a file from a computer to a smartphone which is connected to the computer via a Bluetooth connection. Here, the computer acts as the Sender because it is sending or transmitting some sorts of files, pictures, documents, or any other digital data. Similarly, the smartphone acts as the receiver as it is the recipient or the end-point for the data being shared over that network. Also, Bluetooth which is used as a medium to make data communication possible between these two computing devices is a transmission medium. To be specific, it is a unguided or unbounded medium of data transmission.

Components of Data Communication

Few components are taken as the basic requisite to make data communication between two points possible. These elements are almost the same as we used in the above-mentioned example of data communication. Additionally, there is a protocol that guides the rules for sharing of the digital data. Here is a list of them:

  • Sender: A point that sends the data.
  • Receiver: A point that receives the data.
  • Data or Message: Some facts to be shared.
  • Transmission Medium: The pathway to be followed by electronic data for transmission.
  • Protocols: The sets of rules to make the communication possible.

Modes of Data Communication

There are few modes of data communication. These simply tell us how the data can be transmitted across the network. To elaborate, the way data is transferred: one way or two way - like in a highway, determine the type of data communication. Normally, three types of data communication are popular in the world:

  1. Simplex Mode: A point (sender) can only send the data but can not receive it. Similarly, another point who receives the data (receiver) can only receive it but cannot respond back to the sender. Example: TVs, Radios, etc.
  2. Half-Duplex Mode: Data can travel two-way in it but not at the same time. Example: Walkie talkie, etc.
  3. Full-Duplex Mode: Data can travel two-way at the same time. It makes communication more efficient. Example: Telephone, Internet, etc.