Subsidiary

ICT for
Uganda

Curriculum Topic 11 out of 15:

DATA COMMUNICATION AND
NETWORKING
Recommended Coverage Duration: 18 periods (3 weeks)
Senior Six Term I
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SUB-ICT 11: Data Communication and Networking Slide 1
 Background
• Communication is one of the fundamental aspects of life. In this
regard, electronic communication means have been developed on
top of the traditional manual and mechanical modes of
communication for individuals and organisations to communicate
more effectively. A person can now communicate through
contemporary media like mobile phones and over the internet.
• It is therefore important that learners are introduced to basic data
communication and ICT networking infrastructure and services in
order to come to terms with contemporary data communication
facilities.
• Learning Outcome: The learner should develop basic skills,
knowledge and expertise in the use of contemporary communication
facilities like computers, mobile telephones, the Internet, among
others.
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 Presentation Outline
UACE Sub – ICT Topic 11/15:
Data Communication and Networking
• Sub Topic 11.1: Introduction to Data Communication
• Sub Topic 11.2: Introduction to Computer Networks

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 Sub Topic 11.1: Introduction to Data
Communication
Sub topic Objectives:
a. defining data communication.
b. explaining the elements of data communication (sender, receiver,
messages, transmission media and protocol).
c. defining data communication tools
d. describing types of electronic data communication tools like
computers, mobile phones, the Internet, among others.
e. comparing electronic and manual data communication tools (manual
drums, bells and messengers).
f. defining data transmission media.
g. differentiating between physical transmission media and wireless
transmission media.
h. describing services offered by data communication tools like E-mail,
Skype, News groups, and instant messaging.
i. explaining the implications of using data communication services.

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 a) Data communication
Data Communication refers to the transmission of
data between two connected devices.
• Data communication is the transmission of
electronic data over a medium.
• Data communication can be as simple as a having a
laptop connected to a mobile phone.

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 b) Elements of data communication
1. Sender. The computer or device that generates and sends
data is called the sender, source or transmitter. It can be a
computer, workstation (node), telephone handset, video
camera. Etc.
2. Message: is the information or data to be communicated.
It consists of text, numbers, pictures, sound or video.
3. Transmission Medium. is the physical pathway by which a
message travels from sender to receiver.
4. Receiver. The device or computer that receives the
message is called receiver. The receiver can be a
computer, printer, a fax machine, etc.

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 b) Elements of data communication
5. Protocol: a set of rules that allow devices to
exchange information. A protocol defines the
format for communication between systems. For
example the Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP)
defines the format for communication between
Web browsers and Web servers on the internet.
• Other examples of communication protocols
include: Internet Protocol (IP), Transmission Control
Protocol (TCP), Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP),
Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), and Simple
Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP ) - for emails.
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 c) Data communication tools
• Data communication tools are devices that enable
the users to send and receive messages. Etc.
• Data communication tools can be categorised into
two: electronic and manual data communication
tools.
• Electronic data communication tools use electric
power. Examples include Computers, Mobile
phones and internet.
• Manual data communication tools don’t use
electricity. Examples include drums, bells and
messengers.
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 d) Types of electronic data communication
tools
• As technology progresses, new communications are
born and old fade away. When you're trying to
connect with employees, colleagues, bosses, clients,
customers or suppliers electronic media are critical
to getting business done efficiently and cost-
effectively.
• Examples of data communications tools include
Computers, Fax machines, Radio and Television,
Mobile Devices like phones and PDAs, internet
services (Email, Websites, Social networking,
chartrooms Forums, etc).
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 e) Comparing electronic and manual
data communication tools
Manual data communication Electronic data
tools communication tools
-Do not use power and -Are quick and fast especially
transmit slower over networks.
-Cover a short distance -Cover a large distance

-Do not support digital -Support digital information

information
-Require a low level of literacy -Usually require a higher
to operate. E.g the drums level of literacy to use, e.g
computers.

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 f) Data transmission media
• The term transmission media refers to any physical or
non-physical link / pathway between two or more
devices and in which a signal can be made to flow
from source to destination.
• A data signal cannot be sent from one place to
another without a medium of communication.
• Data communication media can be divided into two:
– 1. Physical /Wired / Bounded/ Guided transmission media
– 2. Wireless / Unbounded / Unguided transmission media

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 f) Data transmission media
Transmission Media

Guided/ Bounded/ Unguided/ Unbounded/

Physical / Wired Wireless

Twisted Coaxial Infrared

Fiber Optic Radiowave Microwave
Pair Cable Cable wave

Shielded Bluetooth Satellite

Terrestrial
Unshielded Wifi Microwave

RFID

Wimax
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 g) Physical transmission media and wireless
transmission media
• Physical media transmits data signals from the source to
the destination through a restricted pathway such as a
cable. Examples include:
Twisted pair cable: Twisted pair cable is
made up of solid copper wire strands wound in pairs
within a single media. The winding of the wires is
meant to avoid the development of an
electromagnetic field around the two wires as they
transmit data.
• TP is commonly used to interconnect devices on
a Local Area Network.
• There are two common types of twisted pair
cabling, STP and UTP. The S stands for
Shielded, the U stands for Unshielded.
• The extra covering in shielded twisted pair wiring
protects the transmission line from
electromagnetic interference leaking into or out of
the cable, but makes it more expensive.
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 g) Physical transmission media and wireless
transmission media
– Coaxial cables. Coaxial cables consist of a core copper
wire in the center enclosed in an insulating sheath,
followed by hollow mesh conductor which is covered by a
shield making the cable more resistant to electromagnetic
interference than the twisted pair cable.
Coaxial cables have
bandwidths in Gigabits
per second. Hence,
they are installed in a
network to form the
network backbone.

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 g) Physical transmission media and wireless
transmission media
– Fibre optic cable. Fibre optic cable utilizes light to transmit data
from one point to another on the network. The electrical signal
from the source are converted to light signals, and then
propagated along the fiber optic cable.
– To convert an electric signal to light, you need a light emitting
diode (LED) at the transmitter. At the receiving end, a
photosensitive device can be used to convert the light signals back
to electric signals that can be processed by the computer. The
fiber optic cable is made of hair-like glass strands, cladding, buffer,
a jacket.
– They have the highest
bandwidth
as compared to other
transmission media
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 g) Physical transmission media and wireless
transmission media
• Wireless or unbounded media is that is where data signals flow
through the air. In this case transmitting antenna and receivers aerial
facilitates the communication. Example of wireless transmission
media include:
• The major wireless transmission media include radio waves,
microwaves, and infrared which are part of the electromagnetic
spectrum, which is the range of all possible frequencies of
electromagnetic radiation.

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 g) Physical transmission media and wireless
transmission media
• RADIO WAVES: Radio waves frequencies are easy to generate and are widely
used for communication, both indoors and outdoors. Examples of communication
technologies using radio waves include Bluetooth, Wireless Fidelity (Wifi), and
Wimax.
– Bluetooth is a short range wireless based information transmission system
which works on the basis of a microchips embedded in the digital devices like
mobile phones, speakers.
– Wireless Fidelity (Wifi) is used to create a hotspots from where information
signals can be easily accessed by Wi-Fi enabled devices, forming a wireless local
area network (WLAN).
– Wimax stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access. It is a
telecommunication technology providing wireless data over long distances in a
variety of ways from point to point links to full mobile cellular type access.
– Radio-frequency identification (RFID) uses radio waves to automatically
identify and track tags attached to objects. The RFID tag can be affixed to an
object and used to track and manage inventory, assets, people, etc. For
example, it can be affixed to cars, computer equipment, books etc.
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 g) Physical transmission media and wireless
transmission media
• MICROWAVES: Microwaves are high-frequency electromagnetic
radiations that are sent through space to deliver telecommunications
services. Microwaves are dependent on line of sight. Microwave
communication systems are mainly classified into satellite and
terrestrial.
Satellite microwave signals
Terrestrial microwave signals travel from Earth to a satellite
are sent from one ground-based
in space and then back to a
antenna to another.
station on the earth.

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 g) Physical transmission media and wireless
transmission media
Infrared Rays use electromagnetic waves
with smaller wavelength than radio and
microwaves to transmit data. IrDA (Infrared
Data Association) ports transmit data via
infrared light waves.
As long as the devices are within a few feet
and nothing obstructs the path of the
infrared light wave, data can be transferred
without the use of cables.
A TV remote control is an example of an
Infrared application.

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 g) Physical transmission media and wireless
transmission media
Advantages of physical over wireless transmission media
• Physical media support higher bandwidth
• They can carry voice, data and video signal simultaneously.
• They are more resistant to radio and electromagnetic
interference.
Disadvantages of physical transmission media
• Installation is difficult because the cables must be carefully
handled.
• They are relatively complex to expand as compared to
wireless
• Cover short distance since they use the physical wires
• Inconvenience due to inflexibility of restrictive cables.

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 h) Services offered by data communication
tools
Data communication tools offer services like Telephone, SMS, E-mail, Skype,
Newsgroups and instant messaging.
• Telephone voice calls help keep people talking even when they are distant and
mobile.
• Short Messaging Services SMS facilitate sending and receiving of brief text
messages
• Electronic mail and fax : An electronic mail is the message transmitted
electronically over the internet, from one user to another. A fax machine is a device
that transmits and receives typed or hand written documents over telephone lines.
• Skype supports voice and video calls, text, instant messaging and sharing
conversation with (someone) over the Internet using the software application
Skype, frequently also viewing by webcam.
• Newsgroups are organized group of internet users who wish to share ideas and
interests through discussion forums and debates.
• Instant messaging: This is a more enhanced messaging service that allows two or
more people to chat directly in real time.
• Social networking e.g. Facebook and Twitter create digital societies through linking
people of common interests.
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 h) Implications of using data communication services.

Positive Implications
• Have led to faster, simpler communications between people e.g.
through electronic-mail, mobile phones, social networks etc.
• Communications costs have become lower e.g. Making cheap
internet calls, for example via Google talk and Skype
• Community mobilization now easier - its now very simple to send a
message to many people in one go e.g using Mailing lists and group
chats.
• Data communication tools like the internet have facilitated
emergence of the world wide web where there is a wealth of
information, such as news, weather reports, and airline schedules.
• Data communication tools like telephones and SMS Have
revolutionised the way people transact businesses e.g access to
mobile money services using phones.
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 h) Implications of using data communication services.

Negative Implications
• Security and privacy: data communication services have made it easy
access private information e.g. on social networks, hence posing
security concern.
• Spamming is high especially by advertisers who send unwanted e-
mails in bulk, such as email adverts.
• There has been emergency of new kinds of crimes facilitated by data
communication services, such as cyberbullying.
• Inaccurate information on the internet can be misleading and lead to
dire consequences to the users.
• Data communication services have facilitated the digital divide in
society, hence disadvantaging the computer illiterate people when it
comes to opportunities like jobs and government services.

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 Sub Topic 11.2: Introduction to Computer
Networks
Sub topic Objectives:
a. defining a computer network.
b. explaining the basic requirements for setting up a computer
network (Routers, transmission media, modems and network
software like windows internet explorer.)
c. explaining the implications of computer networks.
d. identifying different types of computer networks (LAN, MAN, WAN).
e. explaining the Network models (Client-server, and Peer-to-peer).

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 a. Definition of a computer network
• A computer network is defined as a collection of
computers linked together using transmission
media for the purpose of communication and
resource sharing.
• Some of the shared resources include internet
connectivity, printers, fax machines, modems,
storage devices, networked software programs etc.

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 a. Definition of a computer network

An
illustration
of A SOHO
(small
office/
home
office)
network

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 b. Basic requirements for setting up a
computer network
• The basic requirements for setting up a
computer network can be classified under
– Data transmission media, [Already discussed in
previous sub topic]
– Networking Hardware / Communication devices
like Routers, and modems
– Networking software like windows internet
explorer.

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 b. Basic requirements for setting up a
computer network
• NETWORKING HARDWARE includes all computers,
peripherals and Communications devices that enable two
or more computers to exchange items such as data,
instructions, and information with each other.
• Examples include: a network interface card, modem, Hub/
Switch, Router, repeater, network Bridge, Firewall etc.

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 b. Basic requirements for setting up
a computer network
• A network interface card
(NIC), is a device that
enables the computer or
device that does not have
built-in networking
capability to access a
network.
• Examples include
adapter card, PC Card,
USB network adapter, flash
card e.t.c
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 b. Basic requirements for setting up
a computer network
• A modem is a device which Modulates a digital
signal from computers into an analog one to send
data out over the phone line. Then for an incoming
signal it Demodulates, the analog signal into a
digital one.

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 b. Basic requirements for setting up
a computer network
• A hub, (also called a multi-station access unit
(MAU)) is a device that provides a central point for
cables in a network.
• Unlike the hubs, a switch does not broadcast the
data to all the computers, it sends the data
packets only to the destined computer.

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 b. Basic requirements for setting up
a computer network
• A Router connects multiple
networks and routs
communications traffic to
the appropriate network
using the fastest available
path.
• A router allows multiple
computers to share a single
high-speed Internet
connection such as through
a cable modem

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 b. Basic requirements for setting up
a computer network
• A repeater is a device that accepts a
signal from a transmission medium,
amplifies it, and retransmits it over
the medium. As a signal travels over
a long distance, it undergoes a
reduction in strength, an occurrence
called attenuation.
• A network bridge is device that
connects two networks making each
accessible to the other. A bridge
knows all of the addresses on each
side of the bridge and can send
information accordingly.
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 b. Basic requirements for setting up
a computer network
• A firewall is a networking device that is installed at the entrance to
a LAN, particularly when connecting a private network to a public
network, such as the internet. The firewall uses rules to filter inbound
traffic into the private network, to protect the private network users
and data from malevolent hackers. Unauthorized traffic is rejected,
and authorized traffic passes as illustrated below.

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 b. Basic requirements for setting up
a computer network
NETWORKING / COMMUNICATIONS SOFTWARE consists of programs
that aid the setup and use of a network. It includes network operating
systems (NOS) and network application software programs.
A network operating system (NOS) Network application software
is the system software that organizes These are programs that provide an
and coordinates the activities on a interface for users to communicate
network. over computer networks. A variety of
• NOS software consists of programs examples of application software for
that help users establish a communications include:
• E-mail client applications,
connection to another computer or
• FTP programs,
network, such as network drivers,
• Web browsers like Internet Explorer,
and manage the transmission of
• Newsgroup/ message boards,
data, instructions, and information.
• Chat apps,
• Examples of NOSs include: Novell
• Instant messaging,
NetWare, Microsoft Windows • Video conferencing applications
server 2008, 2012, 2016, Sun e.g. Skype, and VoIP.
Solaris, etc.
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 c. Implications of computer networks.
Advantages of Installing a Network
• Speed. Networks provide a very rapid method for sharing and
transferring files.
• Enable central management of resources like an antivirus solution
can be easily deployed and managed over a network, i.e. security
updates are installed only on one Machine (server), and then all the
Machines receive the update and get protected.
• Cost saving- e.g. Networkable versions of many popular software
programs are available at considerable savings when compared to
buying individually licensed copies.
• Easier backup especially in centralized databases.
• Sharing resources such as laser printers, fax machines, modems,
scanners, etc. is simplified
• Improved collaboration. Networks allow users to access their files
from computers throughout the network. Users can also work
cooperatively through the network.
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 c. Implications of computer networks.
Disadvantages of Installing a Network
• Expensive to Install. Although a network will generally save money
over time, the initial costs of installation, purchase of additional
networking hardware can be prohibitive.
• Requires Administrative Time. Proper maintenance of a network
requires considerable time and expertise which usually requires
hiring a network administrator, hence additional operating costs.
• Security Issues. There are common cases of hackers accessing
network resources and stealing data especially over wireless
networks.
• Computer Networks can fail. In case any network device or media
gets a fault, the work is halted and every user is stranded.
• Rapid Spread of Computer Viruses is usually facilitated by computer
networks.

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 d. different types of computer networks

– Local Area Network (LAN)

• A network can be – Personal area network (PAN)
relatively small or – Wide area network (WAN)
extensively large. – Campus Area Networks
• It can be setup for (CANs)
private-access or – Metropolitan area networks
public-access (MANs)
• The most common – Virtual Private Networks
(VPNs)
types of computer
• Difference between Intranet,
networks include:
Extranet and Internet

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 d. different types of computer networks

• A local area network (LAN) is a network that

connects computers in a small geographic area
such as a building like a computer laboratory, or an
office.
• A wireless LAN (WLAN) is a LAN that uses wireless
technologies such as Wi-Fi so connect the
computers.
• A personal area network (PAN) is a LAN within the
range of an individual person, typically
interconnecting personal devices like phone, tablet,
laptop, speakers, music player, etc.
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 d. different types of computer networks
• An example of a PAN is a person traveling with a laptop, a
personal digital assistant (PDA), and a portable printer
could interconnect them without having to plug anything
in, using some form of wireless technology.

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 d. different types of computer networks

• A wide Area Network (WAN) is a network that

covers a large geographic area.
• An example of a WAN is a network that connects
the district office computers of a company across
the country or across several counties in the world.
• Computers are often connected to a WAN via public
networks such as the telephone system or by
dedicated lines or satellites.

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 d. different types of computer networks

The Internet is the world’s largest WAN.

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 d. different types of computer networks
• A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a large computer
network that usually spans a city or a large campus. A MAN
usually interconnects two or more LANs using a high-
capacity backbone technology, such as fiber-optical links or
other digital media. A MAN covers a smaller geographic
area than a WAN.
• A Campus Area Network (CAN) is a network that connects
two or more LANs but is limited to a specific and
contiguous geographical area such as a college campus,
industrial complex, or a military base. It spans multiple
LANs but smaller than a MAN

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 d. different types of computer networks
• A virtual private network (VPN) extends a private network
across a public network, and enables users to send and
receive data across shared or public networks as if their
computing devices were directly connected to the private
network. Applications running across the VPN may
therefore benefit from the functionality, security, and
management of the private network.
• VPNs may allow employees to securely access a corporate
intranet while located outside the office. They are used to
securely connect geographically separated offices of an
organization, creating one cohesive network.

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 d. different types of computer networks
• Individual Computer networks such LANS and PANs
can be interconnected to form extended networks
such as Intranets, Extranets and the Internet.
• What is the difference between Intranet, Extranet
and Internet?
– Intranet is refers to an inter connection of private
computer networks within an organization;
– Extranet is and extension of an intranet - used even out
side the organization.
– Internet is global.

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 d. different types of computer networks
Extranets are
extended private
intranet networks
that have been
built in many
organisations.
Most extranets
use the internet
as the entry point
for outsiders, a
firewall
configuration to
limit access and a
secure protocol
for authenticating
users.
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 e. explaining the Network models
(Client-server, and Peer-to-peer)
• A client/server network has
one or more computers acting
as a server while the other
computers (i.e., clients) on the
network can request services
from the server.
• A client computer is a
A dedicated server is a
computer that can access the
server that performs a
resources on a network. specific task. Examples of
• A server provides a centralized dedicated Servers include:
storage area for programs, file server, print server,
data, and information. database server, and a
network server
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 e. explaining the Network models
(Client-server, and Peer-to-peer)
• A file server stores Requirements of a server computer
and manages files on • It needs a computer with very
a network high processing speed
• A print server • It needs large amounts of RAM
manages printers and • It needs a very big storage
print jobs. capacity
• A database server • It needs a very fast Network
stores and provides interface card
access to a database
• It needs network operating
• A network server
system such as Novell Netware,
(e.g., a DNS) manages Windows NT Server or Apple
network traffic. Share
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 e. explaining the Network models
(Client-server, and Peer-to-peer)
Advantages of a Client/Server Network
• All Resources are centralized and easier to access.
• Easy management and administration of the network.
• More data security since all network access is controlled
through the server.
• The network is flexible, because changes and new
technology can be easily included into system.
• Client /Server network is faster than P2P since data and
resources are handled by a dedicated machine.
• It is easy to backup all data stored centrally on the server.
• Client Server network can support many computers as
compared to a P2P network

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 e. explaining the Network models
(Client-server, and Peer-to-peer)
Disadvantages of a Client /Server Network
• It is expensive to set up as compared to a P2P network.
• It requires an extra computer to serve as a dedicated
server.
• Maintenance – large networks will require an administrator
staff to ensure efficient operation
• Dependence – When the server goes down, operations will
cease across the network
• Server can get overloaded since all the processing is
controlled at one point.

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 e. explaining the Network models
(Client-server, and Peer-to-peer)
• Peer-to-Peer Networks Involve the sharing of Information
or resources between two or more computers connected
to each other without the use of a Server. Each computer
stores files on its own storage devices and each computer
on the network contains both the network operating
system and application software.
It can use either Point to point
Connections or Multi point
Connections.

A point-to-point connection Multipoint connection (multidrop)

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 e. explaining the Network models
(Client-server, and Peer-to-peer)
Advantages of Peer to Peer Network
• A peer-to-peer network is simple to setup i.e. does not
require too much configuring.
• It is not expensive to set up.
• It does not require a dedicated server to control the
network.
• It is perfect for home and small business users.
Disadvantages of a Peer to Peer Network
• The system is not centralized, making administration
difficult.
• Limited security i.e. files can be accessed by any one on the
network
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 Subsidiary
ICT for
Uganda
End of Topic
11: Data Communication and Networking

Next Topic:
Topic 12: Electronic Publication
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