Chapter 7 :
Telecommunication and Data
Networking
Communications
Communications
The message (data and information) is communicated via
the signal
The transmission medium “carries” the signal
Transmission
medium
Sender Signal Receiver
Telecommunications
Telecommunications
The electronic transmission of signals for communications,
including such means as:
Telephone
Radio
Television
Telecommunication medium
Anything that carries an electronic signal and interfaces
between a sending device and a receiving device
Communications and Telecommunications
In human speech, the sender transmits a
signal through the transmission medium of the
air
In telecommunications, the sender transmits a
signal through the transmission medium of a
cable
Schematic
Data Communications
Data communications
A specialized subset of telecommunications that refers to the
electronic collection, processing, and distribution of data --
typically between computer system hardware devices
Elements of a Telecommunications System
Telecommunication devices
Relay signals between computer systems and
transmission media
Computer Network
Computer network…
The communications media, devices, and software
needed to connect two or more computer systems
and/or devices
Used to share hardware, programs, and databases
across the organization
Fosters teamwork, innovative ideas, and new
business strategies
Types of Telecommunications Media (1)
Twisted pair wire cable
Insulated pairs of wires historically used in
telephone service and to connect computer
devices.
Coaxial cable
Consists of an inner conductor wire
surrounded by insulation, called the dielectric
The dielectric is surrounded by a conductive
shield, which is surrounded by a non-
conductive jacket. Coaxial cable has better
data transmission rate than twisted pair.
Types of Telecommunications Media (2)
Fiber-optic Cable
Many extremely thin
strands of glass or plastic
bound together in a
sheathing which transmits
signals with light beams
Can be used for voice,
data, and video
Types of Telecommunications Media (3)
Microwave Communications
Line-of-sight devices which must be placed in relatively
high locations
Microwave usage
Information is converted to a microwave signal, sent
through the air to a receiver, and recovered
Pretty picture
Types of Telecommunications Media (4)
Satellite transmission
Communications satellites are relay
stations that receive signals from one
earth station and rebroadcast them to
another
Pretty picture
They use microwave signals
Types of Telecommunications Media (5)
Cellular transmission
Signals from cells are transmitted to a receiver
and integrated into the regular network
Types of Telecommunications Media (6)
Infrared transmission
Involves sending signals through the air via light
waves
Requires line-of-sight and short distances (a few
hundred yards)
Used to connect various computing devices such as
handheld computers
Terminology
Analog Signal
A continuous, curving signal
Digital Signal
A signal represented by bits
Modems
Devices that translate data from digital to
analog and analog to digital
How a Modem Works
Modem
Modulates a digital signal into an analog signal for
transmission via analog medium, then demodulates
the signal into digital for receiving
Network Concepts and Considerations
Network Topology
A logical model that describes how networks are structured or
configured
Topologies…
Ring
Bus
Star
Hierarchical
Hybrid
Hierarchical
• Uses tree like structures with messages
passed along the branches of the hierarchy
Hybrid
• Network made up of various types of
topologies
Network Types
Local area network (LAN)
Connects computer systems and devices in the same
geographic area (can be Ring, Bus, Hierarchical, Star,
Hybrid)
Wide area network (WAN)
Ties together large geographic regions using microwave
and satellite transmission or telephone lines
International network
Links systems between countries
File Server Connection
Applications and databases reside on the same host computer.
File server transfers data and programs to PCs on the network,
where these target PCs perform most of the processing
Target PC File downloaded to user
File server
Host
computer
Client/Server Connection
Applications and databases reside on specialized host
computers
Servers do most or all of the processing and transmit the
results to the client
Client Server
Server Client Server
Advantages & Disadvantages of
Client/Server
Advantages Disadvantages
Reduced cost Increased cost
potential potential
Improved Loss of control
Performance Complex multi-vendor
Increased Security environment
Communications Software and Protocols (1)
Communications software
Provides error checking, message formatting,
communications logs, data security and privacy, and
translation capabilities for networks
Network operating system (NOS)
Systems software that controls the computer systems and
devices on a network and allows them to communicate with
each other
Network management software
Enables a manager on a networked desktop to monitor the
use of individual computers and shared hardware, scan for
Communications Software and Protocols (2)
Protocol
Rules that ensure communications among
computers of different types and from different
manufacturers.
Communications Software and Protocols (3)
Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Model
Serves as a standard model for network architectures
and is endorsed by the International Standards
Committee
Communication functions are represented in seven
layers to promote the development of modular
networks. Designed to permit communication among
different computers from different operating systems
Communications Software and Protocols (4)
TCP/IP
TCP/IP = Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
Standard originally developed by the U.S. government to link
defense research agencies; it is the primary communication
protocol of the Internet
Systems Network Architecture (SNA)
IBM communication protocol
Ethernet
Protocol standard developed for LANs using a bus topology
X.400 and X.500
An international standard for message handling and network
Bridges, Routers, Gateways and Switches
Bridge
Connects two or more networks, with the same protocol, at the media
control portions of the data link layer
Router
Operates at the network level of the OSI model and features more
sophisticated addressing software than bridges. Can determine preferred
paths
Gateway
Operates at or above the OSI transport layer and links LANs or networks
that employ different architectures and use dissimilar protocols
Switch Schematic
Routes or switches data to its destination
Telecommunications Applications (1)
Linking personal computers to mainframe computers
Download and upload information
Voice mail
Enables users to leave, receive, and store verbal messages
for and from other users
Electronic mail (e-mail)
Enables a sender to connect a computer to a network, type
messages, and send it to another person on the network
Telecommunications Applications (2)
Electronic software distribution
Involves installing software on a file server for users to share by
signing onto the network and requesting that the software be
downloaded onto their computers over a network
Electronic document distribution
Transporting documents -- such as sales reports, policy manuals,
and advertising brochures -- over communications lines and
networks
Telecommuting
Enables employees to work away from the office using personal
computers and networks to communicate via electronic mail with
Telecommunications Applications (3)
Videoconferencing
Allows participants to conduct long-distance meetings
“face to face” while eliminating
Pretty picture
Telecommunications Applications (4)
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
Uses network systems and follows standards and
procedures that allow output from one system to be
processed directly as input to other systems, without
human intervention
Pretty picture
EDI link
(a)
Vendor Customer
EDI link EDI link
Third-party
clearing house
(b)
Vendor Customer
Telecommunications Applications (5)
Public network services
Services that give personal computer users access to vast
databases and other services, usually for an initial fee plus
usage fees
Specialized and regional information services
Specialized electronic bulletin boards and e-mail services
targeting particular interests.
Distance learning
Use of telecommunications to extend the classroom
Thank You!
