The document provides an overview of a course on data communications and networking, outlining key texts and the core concepts covered. It explains the structure of networks, including how devices communicate and share resources, as well as the necessary components for effective data transmission. Key topics include the organization of local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs) and the principles of data communication such as delivery, accuracy, and timeliness.

1. Module I
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2. General Information
Textbooks:
●– Data Communications and networking by B. A.
ForouZan
Reference
●Data & Computer Communications by William
Stallings
●Computer Networks by A. S. Tanenbaum
●– Internetworking with TCP/IP Volume 1 by Douglas
Comer
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3. Overall Organization of the Course
1. How do two directly connected machines
communicate reliably?
2. How can a link be shared between more than two
machines?
3. Building networks
1. LAN and interconnecting LANs –
communication over small geographical area
2. WANs –reliable communication over wide
geographical area, when no direct link exists
between all machines
4. How we can send data so accurately in distant
places?
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4. INTRODUCTION
● Definition: A n/w is a set of devices connected by
communication links.(Device nodes & nodes can be a
computer, printer, or any other device capable of sending &/or
receiving data generated by other nodes on the network. )
●Networks are an interconnection of two or more computers
such that they can share resources and information.
●These computers can be linked together using a wide variety
of
●Cables
●Or telephone lines
●or through satellites.
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5. What is a Network?
●A collection of machines/devices that
communicate with each other over some
communication medium
●Two machines may be directly connected, or can
communicate through other machines
●Some machines are sources and destinations of
data
●Some devices do not generate data, but facilitate
in the transfer (ex. a router)
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6. Data Communications
● Data Communications: are the exchange of data b/w two devices
via some form of transmission medium such as a wire cable.
● For data communications to occur, the communicating devices must
be part of a communication system made up of a combination of
hardware & software.
● Effectiveness of a data communication depends on:
 delivery (system must deliver data to the correct destination)
 accuracy (system must deliver data accurately)
 timelines (system must deliver data in a timely manner)
 jitter (refers to the variation in the packet arrival time)
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