Data Communication - Essay Sample

Introduction

Data communication is the exchange of digital or electronic information between the source and the recipient. It is a technology intensive communication approach that allows the flow of data from one point to another regardless of the geographical location of the receiver and the source, usually through optic cables, copper wires and other wireless communication channels. The components are the message, sender, medium, receiver, and encoder/decoder.

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What are three areas within data communication that managers need to have a clear understanding?

The three (3) areas of data communication that managers need to understand are data security, target audience, and technical capabilities. In terms of data security, managers should understand the vulnerabilities that come with data communication and how to counter them to avoid privacy and confidentiality breaches. Managers should also identify the specific audience that the message targets. Without a target audience, data communication will be futile as it will not have the desired impact. On the other hand, it is critical to know the technical aspects, especially the capability of the medium so that any hitches can be eliminated to allow for the efficient flow of data from the sender to the receiver.

What are three major components of a typical data communication system?

The three major components of a data communication are the transmitter, communication medium, and receiver. The role of the transmitter is to process the message from the sender and convert it to form that can be conveyed by the medium to the receiver. On the other hand, the medium provides the pathway between the transmitter's output and the receiver's input on the other end of the communication chain. The receiver is to digest the message received and derive the appropriate meaning as intended by the sender. These elements must work interdependently for communication to make the process successful.

What are the seven layers of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model?

The seven (7) layers of the OSI are;

• Physical- it is the first layer and provides the hardware for sending and receiving data in a data communication set-up
• Data Link-It is the second layer and it is where the data packets are encoded. This layer also facilitates transmission protocol management and flow control.
• Network-The third layer where logical paths are created to facilitate data transmission from one node to another.
• Transport- Responsible for flow control and end-to-end error recovery.
• Session-Establishes, manages, and terminates app-to-app connections
• Presentation-Allows data conversion and encryption
• Application-Supports end-user processes and communication partner identification in line with privacy and authentication standards.

What is a network topology? What are the five popular types?

A network typology is the arrangement of the components of a data communication network which include links and nodes. It is the schematic description of how the various nodes in a network arrangement are connected to facilitate the flow of data between them. The most common types of network typology are:

• Star-All the computers are connected to a single hub by a cable.
• Bus-Each computer is connected to a single cable
• Ring-All the computers are connected to one another with the last one being connected to the first one to form a ring.
• Mesh-All the nodes in the network are connected to each other
• Hybrid-An arrangement with a combination of two or more typologies.

Define the client/server model. Which type is the most popular type?

A client/server model is a distributed communication set-up of network processes that brings together clients, service providers, and service requestors. This application allocates the tasks between the three parties to facilitate communication and data exchange. The most popular type is the 3-tier architecture in which the application is divided into three distinct logical layers. Unlike the 1-tier and 2-tier architectures, this type enhances quick responses and quality services which are crucial for individual and large-scale use

What are three drawbacks of mobile and wireless networks?

• They are highly vulnerable to interference, causing them to malfunction
• They are highly susceptible to infiltration by unauthorized users because encrypted information can pass through
• They are significantly slower than wired networks

What is convergence? What are two business applications of convergence?

Convergence is the coming together of two or more distinct technologies in a single device or large system to execute a single task with fewer resources, energy, and within a short time. In business, convergence can be applied in marketing and customer relations management.