What do you mean by data communication? What are its components?

It is the exchange of data between two devices through some transmission medium.

Types:

1.     Local

2.     Remote

1. Local:

If the devices are restricted in a geographical area.

2. Remote:

If the devices are farther away without any geographical restriction.

Fundamental Characteristics:

1.     Delivery

2.     Accuracy

3.     Timeliness

Components:

Data communication systems are made up of five components.

1.     Message

2.     sender

3.     Receiver

4.     Medium

5.     Protocol

 

Components of data Communication

1. Message:

This is the information to be communicated. It can consist of text, numbers, pictures, sound or video or any combination of these.

2. Sender:

It is the device that sends the data message. It may be a computer, workstation, telephone handset, video camera…

3. Receiver:

It is the device that receives the message. It may be a computer, workstation, telephone handset, television…

4. Medium:

It is the physical path which a message travels from sender to receiver. It may consist of twisted pair wire, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, laser or radio waves.

5. Protocol:

            It is a set of rules that governs data communication. It is a agreement between the communication devices.