1. Define Data communications. Data communications is defined as the process of transferring digital information between two or more points.

The simple block diagram of a data communications system is as shows

2 Modes of Data Transmission

Figure :Simplex Transmission

3.Explain Serial and parallel Transmission

However, in parallel data transfer, all the bits of a code word are transferred simultaneously and as a result, it is extremely fast. This concept is illustrated in figure. In parallel data transmission, there is one wire for each bit of information to be transmitted. This means a multi wire cable must be used. As a general rule, parallel transmission is used for short-distance communications and within a computer.

4.Explian Asynchronous and Synchronous Communications

In asynchronous transmission, each character is individually synchronized, usually by the use of start and stop elements. Generally, a frame of information must consist of start bit( binary 0), follow by 5 to 8 data bits, parity bit (even or odd) and stop bit(binary 1). Asynchronous data usually come from low-speed terminals with data rates below 2 kilobits per second (kbps). In these systems, idle transmission lines are in a mark (binary 1) state, as illustrated in figure shown below. A start bit precedes each transmitted character and indicates to the receiving terminal that a character is being transmitted. The receiver detects the start bit first, then the data bits that make up the character. At the end of the transmitted character, one or more stop bits return the line to mark, where it gets ready for the next character. This process is repeated for each character until the entire message is transmitted. The start and stop bits allow the receiving terminal to synchronize its circuitry to the transmitting terminal character by character. Asynchronous transmission is the most common transmission method in data communications simply because there are more low-speed terminals and small computer applications in which it is used.

Asynchronous

Synchronous Communications With synchronous transmission, an internal clock synchronizes the communication channels transmitter and receiver. When one or more synchronization characters are sensed by the receiving terminal, data transmission proceeds character by character without any intervening start or stop bits. A modulated carrier containing data blocks, or frames, illustrated in Figure shown below is a kind of synchronous data format. Synchronous data cannot be stopped once a transmission has begun, or the receiver will lose synchronization.

5. Applications of Data Communications i. Electronic Mail (e-mail or Email) replaces snail mail. E-mail is the forwarding of electronic files to an electronic post office for the recipient to pick up. ii. Scheduling Programs allow people across the network to schedule

appointments directly by calling up their fellow worker's schedule and selecting a time! iii. Videotext is the capability of having a two-way transmission of picture and sound. Games like Red Alert, distance education lectures, etc. use iv. Groupware is the latest network application. It allows user groups to share documents, schedules databases, etc. (ex. Lotus Notes) v. Teleconferencing allows people in different regions to "attend" meetings using telephone lines. vi. Telecommuting allows employees to perform office work at home by "Remote Access" to the network. vii. Automated Banking Machines allow banking transactions to be performed everywhere: at grocery stores, drive-in machines etc. viii. Information Service Providers provide connections to the Internet and other information services. Examples are Genie, Prodigy, America online (AOL), etc. ix. Electronic Bulletin Boards (BBS - Bulletin Board Services) are dialup connections (using a modem and phone lines) that offer a range of services for a fee. x. Value Added Networks are common carriers such as AGT, Bell Canada, etc. (they can be private or public companies) who provide additional leased line connections to their customers. These can be Frame Relay, ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode), X.25, etc. The leased line is the Value Added Network.