Computer Science Computer Networking Data Communications and Networking
Data Communications and Networking
Data Communications and Networking is the discipline within computer science focused on the principles and practices of transmitting digital information between two or more computing devices. It covers the entire spectrum of this process, from the physical layer—concerning the hardware, media (like cables or wireless signals), and signaling methods—to the higher-level protocols and software that govern data formatting, transmission, and routing across complex network architectures. The ultimate goal is to design, build, and manage reliable and efficient networks, ranging from small local area networks (LANs) to the global internet, enabling seamless resource sharing and communication.
1.1.
Core Concepts of Communication
1.1.1.
Data and Information
1.1.1.1. Definition of Data
1.1.1.2. Definition of Information
1.1.1.3. Relationship Between Data and Information
1.1.2.
Signals and Signal Types
1.1.2.1.1. Characteristics of Analog Signals
1.1.2.2.1. Characteristics of Digital Signals
1.1.2.2.2. Binary Representation
1.1.3.
Communication System Components
1.1.3.2. Receiver Functions
1.1.3.3. Communication Medium
1.1.4.
Communication Modes
1.1.4.1. Simplex Communication
1.1.4.2. Half-Duplex Communication
1.1.4.3. Full-Duplex Communication
1.1.5.
Transmission Media Overview
1.2.
Fundamentals of Networking
1.2.1.
Network Definition and Purpose
1.2.2.
Network Criteria
1.2.2.1. Performance Metrics
1.2.2.2. Reliability Factors
1.2.2.2.4. Mean Time Between Failures
1.2.2.3. Security Requirements
1.2.2.3.2. Security Countermeasures
1.2.3.
Network Components
1.2.3.2. Intermediary Devices
1.2.3.3.2. Fiber Optic Cables
1.3.
Network Types and Classifications
1.3.1.
Classification by Geographic Scale
1.3.1.1. Personal Area Network (PAN)
1.3.1.1.1. Bluetooth Networks
1.3.1.1.2. Infrared Networks
1.3.1.2. Local Area Network (LAN)
1.3.1.2.1. Wired LAN Characteristics
1.3.1.2.2. Wireless LAN Characteristics
1.3.1.3. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
1.3.1.3.1. MAN Characteristics
1.3.1.3.2. MAN Technologies
1.3.1.4. Wide Area Network (WAN)
1.3.1.4.1. WAN Characteristics
1.3.1.4.2. WAN Technologies
1.3.1.5. Global Area Network (GAN)
1.3.1.5.1. Internet as GAN
1.3.1.5.2. Satellite Networks
1.3.2.
Classification by Network Architecture
1.3.2.1. Peer-to-Peer Networks
1.3.2.1.1. P2P Characteristics
1.3.2.1.3. P2P Disadvantages
1.3.2.2. Client-Server Networks
1.3.2.2.1. Client-Server Characteristics
1.3.2.2.2. Client-Server Advantages
1.3.2.2.3. Client-Server Disadvantages
1.3.2.2.4. Client-Server Use Cases
1.4.
Network Topologies
1.4.1.
Physical Topologies
1.4.1.1.3. Bus Disadvantages
1.4.1.2.2. Star Advantages
1.4.1.2.3. Star Disadvantages
1.4.1.3.2. Ring Advantages
1.4.1.3.3. Ring Disadvantages
1.4.1.4.3. Mesh Advantages
1.4.1.4.4. Mesh Disadvantages
1.4.1.5.2. Tree Advantages
1.4.1.5.3. Tree Disadvantages
1.4.1.6.1. Hybrid Structure
1.4.1.6.2. Hybrid Advantages
1.4.1.6.3. Hybrid Disadvantages
1.5.
Standards and Protocols
1.5.1.
Importance of Standards
1.5.1.3. Quality Assurance
1.5.2.
Standards Organizations
1.5.2.1. International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
1.5.2.2. International Telecommunication Union (ITU-T)
1.5.2.3. American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
1.5.2.4. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
1.5.2.5. Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF)
1.5.3.
Protocol Fundamentals
1.5.3.1. Protocol Definition
1.5.3.3. Protocol Semantics