DATA COMMUNICATION

Lecture-6

Recap of Lecture 4 & 5

Physical Structure of Network
Categories of Topologies

Line Configuration/ Type of Connection Topologies

Overview of Lecture 6

Protocols Elements of Protocols Standards

De-Jure De-Facto

Protocols
A protocol is a set of rules that govern data communications. A protocol defines
what is communicated, how it is communicated, and when it is communicated.

For communication to occur, the entities must agree on a protocol. The key elements of a protocol are
Syntax Semantics timing.

Protocols (Cont.)
Syntax:
The term syntax refers to the structure or format of the data, meaning the order in which they are presented. For example, a simple protocol might expect the first 8 bits of data to be the address of the sender, the second 8 bits to be the address of the receiver, and the rest of the stream to be the message itself.
The word semantics refers to the meaning of each section of bits. How is a particular pattern to be interpreted, and what action is to be taken based on that interpretation? For example, does an address identify the route to be taken or the final destination of the message?

Semantics:

Protocols (Cont.)
Timing:

The term timing refers to two characteristics: For example, if a sender produces data at 100 Mbps but the receiver can process data at only 1 Mbps, the transmission will overload the receiver and some data will be lost.
when data should be sent? and how fast they can be sent?

Standards
A standard provides a model for development that makes it possible for a product to work regardless of the individual manufacturer

Why Standards are Essential?

Standards are essential in:
1. Creating/Maintaining Open and Competitive Markets. 2. Guaranteeing National/International Interoperability of data and

telecommunications technology and processes. Standards provide guidelines to manufacturers, vendors, government agencies, and other service providers to ensure the kind of interconnectivity necessary in today's marketplace and in international communications.

Why Standards are Essential?

Categories of Standards
Standards

De jure ("by law" or "by regulation")

De facto (By Fact or "by convention)

Proprietary

Non Proprietary

De jure
Those standards that have been legislated by an officially recognized body.

De facto
Standards that have not been approved by an organized body but have been adopted as standards through widespread use. De facto standards are often established originally by manufacturers who seek to define the functionality of a new product or technology.

De facto
Proprietary (Closed Standards) Standards that are originally invented by a commercial

organization as a basis for the operation of its product. They are wholly owned by the company. They are also called Closed Standards because they close off communication systems. e.g. IGRP & EIGRP Routing Protocols.

Non Proprietary (Open Standards) They are originally developed by groups or communities that

have passed them into public domains. They are also called Open standards because they open communication between different systems.

Standards Organizations
Standards are developed mainly by 3 entities:
Standard Creation Committees Forums Regulatory Agencies

Standard Creation Committees

They are procedural bodies and are slow moving and cannot co-op with the fast growing communication industry. ISO (International Standard Organization) ITU-T (International telecommunication Uniontelecommunication Standard Sector) ANSI (The American National Standard Institute) IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)

FORUMS
Special Interest Groups with representatives from interested corporations they facilitate and fasten standardization process by working with universities, and users to test, evaluate, and standardize new technology.

Frame Relay Forum ATM Forum Internet Society Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF)

Regulatory Agencies
All communication technology is subject to regulation and laws by government agencies. The purpose is to protect public interest by regulating radio, television and cable communication.

FCC

Summary
Protocols Elements of Protocols Standards
De-Jure De-Facto

Suggested Reading
Section 1.4, Data Communications and Networking 4th Edition by Behrouz A. Forouzan
Sections 1.3, Data and Computer Communication 6th Edition by William Stallings