CS601 Data Communication

CS601: Data Communication

CS601 Data Communication is a fundamental course that explores the principles and technologies behind the transfer of data between computer systems. This course lays the groundwork for understanding computer networks, focusing on the physical and data link layers of communication. You will learn how information is converted into signals, transmitted over various media, and reliably delivered to its destination, despite the inherent imperfections of the physical world.

The course demystifies the 'magic' of digital communication, breaking it down into its core components. We will investigate the properties of both analog and digital signals, the different types of transmission media (like copper wire, fiber optics, and wireless), and the techniques used to encode data onto these signals (modulation). You will also learn how systems handle errors, manage data flow, and control access to a shared communication channel.

Key Topics Covered:

• Data Communication Models: Introduction to the core components of a data communication system (sender, receiver, medium, message, protocol) and layered models like the OSI and TCP/IP suites.
• Signals and Transmission: Understanding analog vs. digital data, periodic and aperiodic signals, bandwidth, and the causes of transmission impairment (attenuation, distortion, noise).
• Digital and Analog Transmission: Exploring digital-to-digital encoding (line coding), analog-to-digital conversion (PCM), digital-to-analog (modulation, e.g., ASK, FSK, PSK), and analog-to-analog (AM, FM, PM).
• Transmission Media: A detailed look at guided media (twisted-pair, coaxial cable, fiber optics) and unguided media (radio waves, microwaves, infrared) and their characteristics.
• Multiplexing: Techniques for sharing a single communication link among multiple users, including Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM), Time Division Multiplexing (TDM), and Wave Division Multiplexing (WDM).
• Data Link Layer: Focusing on error detection and correction (parity, CRC), flow control (stop-and-wait, sliding window), and media access control (MAC) protocols (e.g., Aloha, CSMA/CD as used in Ethernet).

Course Objectives:

1. Understand the fundamental principles of data communication and the layers of protocol stacks.
2. Describe the characteristics of different transmission media and signaling techniques.
3. Analyze the processes of data encoding, modulation, and multiplexing.
4. Explain the mechanisms for error detection, error correction, and flow control at the data link layer.
5. Grasp the challenges and solutions for managing access to shared communication channels.

By completing CS601, students will have a solid foundation in how data physically moves from point A to point B, preparing them for advanced studies in computer networks, telecommunications, and information security.