Data Communication

Tutorial 1


1. Identify the five components of a data communication system.
Sender, receiver, medium, message, and protocol


2. What are the advantages of distributed processing?
Security, distributed databases, collaborative processing, faster problem solving

3. What are the three (3) criteria necessary for an effective and efficient network?
Performance, reliability, security.

4. What are fundamental characteristic determine the effectiveness of the data communication system?
Data communication is the data exchange between two or more devices; distance is irrelevant. Telecommunication is data communication between remote devices. Therefore telecommunication is a subset of data communication.

5. Discuss the factors that affect the performance of the network.
A standards creation committee tests, evaluates, and standardizes new technologies. A forum concentrates on a particular new technology, trying to speed its development and acceptance. A forum can present its findings to a standards creation committee. A regulatory agency protects the public interest by regulating radio, TV, and wireless communications.

6. Discuss the factors that affect the reliability of the network.
Delivery, accuracy, timeliness

7. Discuss the factors that affect the security of the network.
Number of users, transmission medium, type of hardware and software.

8. How are network used in marketing and sales?
In marketing, networks are used to collect, exchange, and analyze data related to customers' needs and interests. In sales, tele- and on-line shopping are becoming increasingly popular.

9. How are network used in financial services?
In financial services, networks are used for storing and processing credit information, money transfer, and investment and exchange services.

10. How are network used in manufacturing?
Computer-assisted design and manufacturing allow users to work on a project simultaneously.

11. How are network used in teleconferencing?
Networks provide data exchange between users at different locations (e.g., voice-,text-, and videoconferencing).

12. Why are protocols needed?
A protocol defines what is communicated, in what way and when. This provides accurate and timely transfer of information between different devices in a network.

13. Why are standards needed?
Standards are needed to create and maintain an open and competitive market for manufacturers, to coordinate protocol rules, and thus guarantee compatibility of data communication technologies.

14. What are the key elements of a protocol?
Syntax, semantics, and timing.

15.What is the different between IEEE and EIA ?
The aim of IEEE is to advance theory and production and to develop standards in electrical engineering, electronics, and radio. In addition to standards development EIA promotes public awareness education and manufacturing concerns.

16. Give five instances of how networks are a part of your life today.
a. Talking with a friend on the phone
b. Checking banking account information and making transactions on line
c. Sending e-mail
d. Registering for classes on line
e. Watching a news broadcast from other parts of the world on cable TV