CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION TO DATA COMMUNICATIONS
Chapter Summary
This chapter introduces the students to the concept of data communications in business. It
describes why it is important to study data communications and introduces you to the three
fundamental questions that this book answers. Next, it discusses the basic types and components
of a data communication network. Also, it examines the importance of a network model based on
layers. Finally, it describes the three key trends in the future of networking.
Learning Objectives
After reading this chapter, students should:
be aware of the three fundamental questions this book answers
be aware of the applications of data communications networks
be familiar with the major components of and types of networks
understand the role of network layers
be familiar with the role of network standards
be aware of three key trends in communications and networking
,Key Terms
American National interexchange carrier Open Systems
Standards Institute (IXC) Interconnection
(ANSI) International Reference model (OSI
application layer Telecommunications model)
application service Union— Pbps
provider (ASP) Telecommunications peer-to-peer network
AT&T Group (ITU-T) pervasive networking
backbone network (BN) Internet physical layer
bps Internet Engineering Task print server
broadband communication Force (IETF) protocol
cable Internet model Protocol Data Unit (PDU)
CA*net Internet service provider protocol stack
circuit (ISP) regional Bell operating
client internetwork layer company (RBOC)
common carrier intranet Request for Comment
convergence Kbps (RFC)
data link layer layers router
extranet local area network (LAN) server
Federal Communications local exchange carrier standards
Commission (FCC) (LEC) Tbps
file server Mbps transport layer
Gbps metropolitan area network Voice Over Internet
hardware layer (MAN) Protocol (VOIP)
hub monopoly Web server
information utility net neutrality wide area network (WAN)
Institute of Electrical and network
Electronics Engineers network layer
(IEEE)
,Chapter Outline
1. INTRODUCTION
2. DATA COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS
a. Components of a Network
b. Types of Networks
3. NETWORK MODELS
a. Open Systems Interconnection Reference Model
b. Internet Model
c. Message Transmission Using Layers
4. NETWORK STANDARDS
a. The Importance of Standards
b. The Standards-Making Process
c. Common Standards
5. FUTURE TRENDS
a. Wireless LANs and BYOD
b. The Web of Things
c. Massively Online
6. IMPLICATIONS FOR MANAGEMENT
7. SUMMARY
, Answers to Textbook Exercises
Answers to End-of-Chapter Questions
1. How can data communication networks affect businesses?
Data communication networks can affect businesses by being the foundations for distributed
systems in which information system applications are divided among a network of
computers. Data communication networks facilitate more efficient use of computers and
improve the day-to-day control of a business by providing faster information flow, aiding
strategic competitive advantage. They also provide message transfer services to allow
computer users to talk to one another via electronic mail.
2. Discuss three important applications of data communication networks in business and
personal use.
Three important applications of data communication networks in business and personal use
include email, videoconferencing, and the Internet.
3. How do LANs differ from WANs, and BNs?
A Local Area Network (LAN) is a group of microcomputers or terminals located in the same
general area. A Backbone Network (BN) is a large central network that connects most
everything on a single company site. A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) encompasses a
city or county area. A Wide Area Network (WAN) spans cities, states, or national
boundaries. Typically, MANs and WANs used leased facilities, while LANs and BNs are
often located internally in an organization and used owned facilities.
INTRODUCTION TO DATA COMMUNICATIONS
Chapter Summary
This chapter introduces the students to the concept of data communications in business. It
describes why it is important to study data communications and introduces you to the three
fundamental questions that this book answers. Next, it discusses the basic types and components
of a data communication network. Also, it examines the importance of a network model based on
layers. Finally, it describes the three key trends in the future of networking.
Learning Objectives
After reading this chapter, students should:
be aware of the three fundamental questions this book answers
be aware of the applications of data communications networks
be familiar with the major components of and types of networks
understand the role of network layers
be familiar with the role of network standards
be aware of three key trends in communications and networking
,Key Terms
American National interexchange carrier Open Systems
Standards Institute (IXC) Interconnection
(ANSI) International Reference model (OSI
application layer Telecommunications model)
application service Union— Pbps
provider (ASP) Telecommunications peer-to-peer network
AT&T Group (ITU-T) pervasive networking
backbone network (BN) Internet physical layer
bps Internet Engineering Task print server
broadband communication Force (IETF) protocol
cable Internet model Protocol Data Unit (PDU)
CA*net Internet service provider protocol stack
circuit (ISP) regional Bell operating
client internetwork layer company (RBOC)
common carrier intranet Request for Comment
convergence Kbps (RFC)
data link layer layers router
extranet local area network (LAN) server
Federal Communications local exchange carrier standards
Commission (FCC) (LEC) Tbps
file server Mbps transport layer
Gbps metropolitan area network Voice Over Internet
hardware layer (MAN) Protocol (VOIP)
hub monopoly Web server
information utility net neutrality wide area network (WAN)
Institute of Electrical and network
Electronics Engineers network layer
(IEEE)
,Chapter Outline
1. INTRODUCTION
2. DATA COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS
a. Components of a Network
b. Types of Networks
3. NETWORK MODELS
a. Open Systems Interconnection Reference Model
b. Internet Model
c. Message Transmission Using Layers
4. NETWORK STANDARDS
a. The Importance of Standards
b. The Standards-Making Process
c. Common Standards
5. FUTURE TRENDS
a. Wireless LANs and BYOD
b. The Web of Things
c. Massively Online
6. IMPLICATIONS FOR MANAGEMENT
7. SUMMARY
, Answers to Textbook Exercises
Answers to End-of-Chapter Questions
1. How can data communication networks affect businesses?
Data communication networks can affect businesses by being the foundations for distributed
systems in which information system applications are divided among a network of
computers. Data communication networks facilitate more efficient use of computers and
improve the day-to-day control of a business by providing faster information flow, aiding
strategic competitive advantage. They also provide message transfer services to allow
computer users to talk to one another via electronic mail.
2. Discuss three important applications of data communication networks in business and
personal use.
Three important applications of data communication networks in business and personal use
include email, videoconferencing, and the Internet.
3. How do LANs differ from WANs, and BNs?
A Local Area Network (LAN) is a group of microcomputers or terminals located in the same
general area. A Backbone Network (BN) is a large central network that connects most
everything on a single company site. A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) encompasses a
city or county area. A Wide Area Network (WAN) spans cities, states, or national
boundaries. Typically, MANs and WANs used leased facilities, while LANs and BNs are
often located internally in an organization and used owned facilities.
