Module 1:

Introduction to Data Communications and Networking

ECE 306/306L

Engr. Dennis R. dela Cruz, MSc.

Module Objectives
Topic Title Topic Objective
Introduction to Data Be able to describe the information transfer process.
Communication
Basics of Networking Understand the concepts related to communication and a
data communication network including its importance and
applications.
Reliable Network Describe the four basic requirements of a reliable network.
Network Trends Explain how trends such as BYOD, online collaboration,
video, and cloud computing are changing the way we
interact.
Opportunities in Networking Explain employment opportunities in the networking field.
Field
1.1
What is Data Communications?

Engr. Dennis R. dela Cruz, MSc.

Introduction to Data Communications
Definition
Communications
• process of exchanging information
Information
• knowledge or intelligence
Data
• any information presented in whatever
form agreed by the communicating party.
Generally, these are information that is
stored in digital form
Data Communications
•exchange of information presented digitally
(usually in binary form) agreed by the
communicating party or devices.
Introduction to Data Communications
Concept of Network Communication
• Communication refers to the information transfer and exchange between people, between people and things,
and between things through a certain medium and behavior.
• Network communication refers to communication between terminal devices through a computer network.
• Examples of network communication:
Data
Router

A. Files are transferred between two computers

(terminals) through a network cable.
Data
..
Data
.

B. Files are transferred among multiple

computers (terminals) through a router.
C. A computer (terminal) downloads
files through the Internet. Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 2020
Network Communication
Information Transfer Process
Virtual information transfer is similar to real object transfer.

Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 2020

Network Communication
Milestones in Network Communication
1837 – telegraph and Morse code
1940 – first special purpose computer
by Bell Laboratory
1951 – Remington Rand Corporation
built UNIVAC
1968 – Supreme court’s Carterfone decision
allowed non-Bell companies to
interconnect to the vast AT&T
communications network.
Recent development includes Internet,
intranets and the World Wide Web
1.2
Basics of Networking

Engr. Dennis R. dela Cruz, MSc.

Globally Connected
The Networking Then and Now
Globally Connected
Networking Today
§ Network has no boundary
and supports the way we:
• Learn
• Communicate
• Work
• Play

Cisco, 2019 - 2021

Networking Today
Why establish a network?

• resource sharing
• reduced cost
• easier installation
• improved communication
• workplace flexibility
• improved security
Networking Today
Applications that uses the network
• Web browser and FTP
• database application
• instant messenger
• email
• online games
1.3
Considerations of a
Reliable Network

Engr. Dennis R. dela Cruz, MSc.

Reliable Network
Network Architecture Network Architecture refers to the
technologies that support the infrastructure
that moves data across the network.

There are four basic characteristics that the

underlying architectures need to address to
meet user expectations:
• Fault Tolerance
• Scalability
• Quality of Service (QoS)
• Security

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Reliable Network
Fault Tolerance
A fault tolerant network limits the impact of a
failure by limiting the number of affected
devices. Multiple paths are required for fault
tolerance.
Reliable networks provide redundancy by
implementing a packet switched network:
• Packet switching splits traffic into
packets that are routed over a network.
• Each packet could theoretically take a
different path to the destination.
This is not possible with circuit-switched
networks which establish dedicated circuits.
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Reliable Network
Scalability
A scalable network can expand
quickly and easily to support
new users and applications
without impacting the
performance of services to
existing users.
Network designers follow
accepted standards and
protocols in order to make the
networks scalable.

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Reliable Network
Quality of Service
Voice and live video transmissions require
higher expectations for those services
being delivered.
Have you ever watched a live video with
constant breaks and pauses? This is
caused when there is a higher demand for
bandwidth than available – and QoS isn’t
configured.

• Quality of Service (QoS) is the primary

mechanism used to ensure reliable
delivery of content for all users.

• With a QoS policy in place, the router

can more easily manage the flow of data
and voice traffic.
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 There are two main types of network
Reliable Network security that must be addressed:
Network Security • Network infrastructure security
• Physical security of network devices
• Preventing unauthorized access to the
devices
• Information Security
• Protection of the information or data
transmitted over the network
Three goals of network security:
• Confidentiality – only intended
recipients can read the data
• Integrity – assurance that the data has
not be altered with during transmission
• Availability – assurance of timely and
reliable access to data for authorized
users
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1.4
Network Trends

Engr. Dennis R. dela Cruz, MSc.

Network Trends
Recent Trends
The role of the network must adjust
and continually transform in order to be
able to keep up with new technologies
and end user devices as they
constantly come to the market.

Several new networking trends that

effect organizations and consumers:
• Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
• Online collaboration
• Video communications
• Cloud computing

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Network Trends Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) allows
Bring Your Own Device users to use their own devices giving
them more opportunities and greater
flexibility.

BYOD allows end users to have the

freedom to use personal tools to
access information and communicate
using their:
• Laptops
• Netbooks
• Tablets
• Smartphones
• E-readers
BYOD means any device, with any
ownership, used anywhere.

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Network Trends
Online Collaboration and Video Communication
§ Collaborate and work with others over the
network on joint projects.

§ Collaboration tools gives users a way to

instantly connect and interact.
§ Collaboration is a very high priority for
businesses and in education.

• Video calls are made to anyone, regardless of where they are located.

• Video conferencing is a powerful tool for communicating with others.

• Video is becoming a critical requirement for effective collaboration.

© 2019, 2021 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Cisco Confidential 23
Network Trends
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing allows us to store personal files or backup our data on servers over the internet.
• Applications can also be accessed using the Cloud.
• Allows businesses to deliver to any device anywhere in the world.
Cloud computing is made possible by data centers.
• Smaller companies that can’t afford their own data centers, lease server and storage services from
larger data center organizations in the Cloud.

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 Network Trends
Cloud Computing (cont.)
Four types of Clouds:
• Public Clouds
• Available to the general public through a pay-per-use model or for free.
• Private Clouds
• Intended for a specific organization or entity such as the government.
• Hybrid Clouds
• Made up of two or more Cloud types – for example, part custom and part public.
• Each part remains a distinctive object but both are connected using the same architecture.
• Custom Clouds
• Built to meet the needs of a specific industry, such as healthcare or media.
• Can be private or public.
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Network Trends
Technology Trends at Home
• Smart home technology is a
growing trend that allows
technology to be integrated into
every-day appliances which allows
them to interconnect with other
devices.
• Ovens might know what time to
cook a meal for you by
communicating with your calendar
on what time you are scheduled to
be home.
• Smart home technology is
currently being developed for all
rooms within a house.

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Network Trends
Powerline Networking • Powerline networking can
allow devices to connect to a
LAN where data network
cables or wireless
communications are not a
viable option.
• Using a standard powerline
adapter, devices can connect
to the LAN wherever there is
an electrical outlet by sending
data on certain frequencies.
• Powerline networking is
especially useful when
wireless access points cannot
reach all the devices in the
home.
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Network Trends
Wireless Broadband In addition to DSL and cable, wireless is
another option used to connect homes
and small businesses to the internet.
• More commonly found in rural environments,
a Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP)
is an ISP that connects subscribers to
designated access points or hotspots.
• Wireless broadband is another solution for
the home and small businesses.
• Uses the same cellular technology used by a
smart phone.
• An antenna is installed outside the house
providing wireless or wired connectivity for
devices in the home.

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1.5
Opportunities in the
Networking Field

Engr. Dennis R. dela Cruz, MSc.

Opportunities
IT Professional (HCIA)
Opportunities The Cisco Certified Network Associate
IT Professional (CCNA) (CCNA) certification:
• demonstrates that you have a knowledge of
foundational technologies
• ensures you stay relevant with skills needed
for the adoption of next-generation
technologies.
The new CCNA focus:
• IP foundation and security topics
• Wireless, virtualization, automation, and
network programmability.
New DevNet certifications at the
associate, specialist and professional
levels, to validate your software
development skills.
Specialist certification validate your skills
in line with your job role and interests.

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Opportunities
IT Professional (CCNA)
At www.netacad.com you can click the
Careers menu and then select Employment
opportunities.
• Find employment opportunities by
using the Talent Bridge Matching
Engine.
• Search for jobs with Cisco, Cisco
partners and distributors seeking
Cisco Networking Academy students
and alumni.

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