Introduction to Computer Science, 2nd Edition

Chapter 12

Data Communication and Computer Network

CHAPTER OUTLINE

• Introduction
• Data Communication
• Transmission Media
• Multiplexing
• Switching
• Computer Network
• Network Topologies
• Communication Protocols
• Network Devices

12.1 INTRODUCTION

The term communication in simple words means sending or receiving information. In ancient times, people used the beating of drums, smoke signals, mirrors reflecting sunlight, homing pigeons and so on to send messages. Another way of long-distance communication was the use of homing pigeons to carry messages. With the advancement in science and technology, various devices were invented for communication. Telegraph, which originated in Greece, was one of the most prevalent ways of data communication in the nineteenth ...