1.

Objectives and Overview

 Topics Covered:
o Difference between Data Communication and Internet.
o Key concepts: Internet, Intranet, Extranet.

Potential Exam Question:

1. Define Internet, Intranet, and Extranet.

o Answer:
 Internet: A global network connecting millions of private, public,
academic, business, and government networks.
 Intranet: A private network accessible only to an organization’s staff.
 Extranet: A private network that securely shares part of a business’s
information with external stakeholders.

2. Data Communication

 Definition: Exchange of data between devices using a transmission medium (e.g.,

cables).
 Key Characteristics:
o Delivery: Data must reach the intended destination.
o Accuracy: Delivered data should be error-free.
o Timeliness: Must be delivered on time (especially in real-time applications).
o Jitter: Uniform packet arrival times.

Potential Exam Question:

2. What are the four fundamental characteristics of an effective data communication

system?
o Answer: Delivery, Accuracy, Timeliness, Jitter.

3. Components of a Data Communication System

 Components:
o Message: Data to be communicated (text, numbers, audio, etc.).
o Sender/Receiver: Devices involved in communication.
o Medium: Path used for transmission (e.g., coaxial cable).
o Protocol: Rules governing data exchange.

Potential Exam Question:

 3. Explain the role of Protocol in a data communication system.
o Answer: A protocol ensures proper communication by defining the rules for data
exchange, allowing devices with different designs to communicate.

4. Data Flow Types

 Simplex: One-way communication (e.g., monitor).

 Half-Duplex: Bidirectional but not simultaneous (e.g., walkie-talkies).
 Full-Duplex: Bidirectional and simultaneous (e.g., telephone).

Potential Exam Question:

4. Differentiate between Half-Duplex and Full-Duplex data flow.

o Answer:
 Half-Duplex: Communication occurs in both directions but only one
direction at a time.
 Full-Duplex: Communication occurs simultaneously in both directions.

5. Network Fundamentals

 Definition: A system connecting devices to share resources.

 Performance: Metrics include throughput (speed) and delay (response time).

Potential Exam Question:

5. What is the difference between throughput and latency in network performance?

o Answer:
 Throughput: Amount of data transmitted per second.
 Latency: Time taken for data to travel from source to destination.

6. Characteristics of a Network

 Speed: Data transmission rate.

 Cost: Financial aspects of setup and maintenance.
 Security: Protection from unauthorized access.
 Availability: Uptime percentage.
 Scalability: Adaptability for growth.
 Reliability: Dependability measured as MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures).

Potential Exam Question:

 6. List and briefly explain any four characteristics of a network.
o Answer: Speed, Cost, Security, and Availability.

7. Physical Structures and Topologies

 Connection Types:
o Point-to-Point: Dedicated link between two devices.
o Multipoint: Shared link among multiple devices.
 Network Topologies:
o Mesh: Each device connected to all others.
o Star: Devices connected to a central hub.
o Bus: Single backbone cable shared by all devices.
o Ring: Devices connected in a circular format.
o Hybrid: Combination of multiple topologies.

Potential Exam Question:

7. Compare Star and Mesh topology.

o Answer:
 Star: Centralized control, easier to install, but relies on a hub.
 Mesh: Highly reliable with dedicated links but expensive and complex.

8. Differences between Network and Internet

 Network: Connects devices within a system for resource sharing.

 Internet: Interconnection of multiple networks.

Potential Exam Question:

8. Define a Computer Network and distinguish it from the Internet.

o Answer:
 Computer Network: System connecting devices to share resources.
 Internet: A global network connecting multiple smaller networks.
 Difference between Guided and Unguided
Media




Network media or transmission media refer to the physical pathways

through which data is transmitted from one device to another within
a network. These ways can be wired or wireless. The selection of
media depends on factors like distance, speed, and interference. In
this article, we will discuss the transmission media.
Types of Transmission Media
1. Wired (Guided) Media: Wired media allows signal energy
enclosed and guided within a solid medium. This media is used
either for point-to-point links or a shared link with various
connections. In guided media, interruption is generated by outputs
in the adjacent cables. Proper covering of guided media is required
to reduce the interruption problem.
 Twisted Pair Cable: It it made up of insulated copper wires
twisted together that’s why it called is as twisted pair cable.
Mostly used in telephone networks and Ethernet cables. It is
affordable.
 Coaxial Cable: In this cable one central conductor surrounded
by insulation, a metallic shield, and an exterior cover. This type of
cable used in television networks and for long-distance
communication lines. It provides better protection against
interruption than twisted pair cables.
 Optical Fiber: Uses light signals to transfer data. Made up of
glass or plastic fibers, it provides very high bandwidth and low
signal reduction, making it ideal for long-distance and high-speed
data transmission. It’s immune to electromagnetic obstruction but
more expensive than copper cables.
2. Wireless (Unguided) Media: In the unguided media, the signal
energy propagates through a wireless medium. Wireless media is
used for radio broadcasting in all directions. Microwave links are
chosen for long-distance broadcasting transmission unguided media.
Interference is also a problem in unguided media, overlapping
frequency bands from competing signals can alter or eliminate a
signal.
 Radio Waves: Are used for wireless communication networks
over large range distances, such as in broadcasting, cellular
networks, and Wi-Fi. It can travel through walls and have a wide
coverage area.
 Microwaves: It provide high-frequency radio waves used for one-
to-one communication. Used in satellite and terrestrial
communication.
 Infrared: Uses light signals just below the visible spectrum.
Infrared is used for nearby communication, such as remote
controls and short-range data transfer (e.g., between a laptop
and a mobile device).
 Satellite Communication: Satellite communication used for
broadcasting, GPS, and global communications.
Difference between the Guided Media and Unguided Media
Guided Media Unguided Media

The guided media is also called wired The unguided media is also called wireless
communication or bounded transmission communication or unbounded transmission
media. media.

The signal energy propagates through The signal energy propagates through the
wires in guided media. air in unguided media.

Used to perform point-to-point Unguided media is generally suited for radio

communication. broadcasting in all directions.

It is affordable. It is costly.

Discrete network topologies are formed Continuous network topologies are formed
by the guided media. by the unguided media.

Signals are in the form of voltage, Signals are in the form of electromagnetic
current, or photons in the guided media. waves in unguided media.
 Guided Media Unguided Media

By adding more wires, the transmission

It is not possible to obtain additional
capacity can be increased in guided
capacity in unguided media.
media.

It sends out a signal that indicates which

It does not indicate which way to travel.
way to go.

For a shorter distance, this is the best

For longer distances, this method is used.
option.

It is unable to pass through walls. It can pass through walls.

Conclusion
Transmission media are components of modern communication
systems, helping the exchange of information across various
channels. The selection of transmission medium effects the
performance, speed, and reliability of communicating networks.
Guided media offer high bandwidth and secure data transmission
over long distances, while unguided media provide flexibility and
ease of deployment, especially in areas where physical cabling is
impractical. With ongoing technological advancements new
transmission media and enhancements will likely appear, further
enhancing the capabilities and efficiency of communication
networks. Gaining knowledge of the principles and applications of
transmission media is crucial for anyone involved in the field of
telecommunications and information technology, ensuring optimal
network design and operation.
Frequently Asked Questions on Guided and Unguided Media-FAQ’s
For wide-area communication which type of
transmission media is used?
Guided media, are generally better for long-distance communication
due to their high bandwidth and low signal reduction.
Can guided and unguided media be used together?
Yes, we can use guided and unguided media together in hybrid
communication systems.
Write a the primary uses of guided and unguided
media?
First is Guided media or wired media are used for local area
networks (LANs) and high-speed internet connections. Second is
Unguided media or wireless media are often used for mobile
communication, satellite communication, and wireless networks like
Wi-Fi and cellular networks.

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