Data communication is vital to our digital age. It connects us with the devices and services that we rely on. It includes a variety of methods and media that dictate how information flows from one end to another. Understanding how this works can help us design efficient and reliable networks that can reap the benefits of greater connectivity, including improved efficiency in business and productivity as well as advancements in automation.
The premise of data communication is the transfer of data from one computer to another using the medium or channel. This can be accomplished via a wire cable or satellite signal, radio frequency or wirelessly. A person or device that transmits data is the sender and the computer which receives the data is known as the receiver. In a data communications network more than two computers may be involved in the communication process.
Multiplexing and demultiplexing are both communication techniques that optimize bandwidth use and reduce costs. Both processes require special hardware that is able to combine and then separate these signals. Custom integrated circuits are commonly used to perform this function and are found in many communications devices, including phones, computers and printers.
Full-duplex communication is a type of data transmission that permits simultaneous two-way communication between two devices. This is a more complex mode than simplex transmission because it requires the ability of sending and receiving data at the same time.