This document discusses data communication and computer networks. It covers the following key points:
- Data communication systems have five components: a sender, receiver, message, medium, and protocol. Communication can be simplex, half-duplex, or full-duplex.
- A computer network connects devices like computers and allows them to share resources and information. Common network types include local area networks and the Internet. Networks use distributed processing and must meet criteria for performance, reliability, and security.
- Physical network topologies include mesh, star, bus, and ring configurations. A topology defines how devices are linked together physically in a network.