Data communication is the primary element that connects us to the devices and services that we rely on in our interconnected digital world. It encompasses a variety of methods and media that control the way information is transferred from one end to the other. Understanding how it works allows us to design an efficient and reliable networks that can provide the benefits of greater connectivity, such as enhanced efficiency and productivity for businesses and advancements in automation.
Data communication is the transfer of data between computers over channels or medium. This can be accomplished via a wire cable or satellite signal, radio frequency or wirelessly. The sender is the individual or device transmitting data, and the receiver is the computer that receives the data. In a data communications network more than two computers may be involved in the communication process.
Multiplexing and demultiplexing are useful communication technologies that allow several signals to be transmitted across one medium simultaneously, which results in optimizing the bandwidth used and reducing costs. Both of these processes require special equipment that can combine and then separate signals. Custom integrated circuits are commonly used to perform this function and are present in various communications devices, including phones, computers and printers.
The data communication mode that allows simultaneous two-way communication between a pair of devices is called full-duplex communication. This is a more complex mode than simplex transmission as it requires sending and receiving data at the same time.
