This document discusses data communication and networks. It defines data communication as the process of transferring data electronically from one place to another. The basic elements are a sender, receiver, and medium. Communication protocols establish rules for exchanging information and perform functions like data sequencing, routing, flow control, and error control. Data transmission can be digital, analog, asynchronous, or synchronous. Wired transmission media include twisted pair cable, coaxial cable, and fiber optics, while wireless includes radio waves, microwaves, and infrared.