Data Communication

What is Data Communication?

Data communication is the process of

collecting and distributing data(text, voice,

graphics, video, etc) electrically from one

point to another.

In other words it is the transfer of data or information

between a source and a receiver. The source transmits

the data and the receiver receives it.

Data Communication cont’d

Communication using computer technology

Computer technology has resulted in a variety of

communication methods. Some of these include:

facsimile transmission(fax), mobile phones, video

conferencing, e-mail and the use of networks.

Facsimile Machine (Fax machine)

Facsimile transmission

A facsimile machine (fax machine) is a combination of

a telephone and a photocopier in one. A fax machine

scans an image;

Facsimile transmission cont’d

the copy of that image is sent as electronic signals

over transmission lines to another fax machine. The

other fax machine then converts the signal back to an

image and prints it on paper.

Cellular Phone (Cellphone)

Cellular phones

Cellular or ‘cell’ phones can be used as normal

telephones to make or receive calls and also to send

and receive text messages. These days cell phones can

send and receive e-mail and digital photos and access

the internet.

Video Conferencing

Video conferencing

Video conferencing involves

communicating using a telephone,

computer system and video camera and

specialized software e.g. Skype. Like the

telephone, video conferencing helps

remove the barrier of physical location.

Video conferencing

With this system people in different

locations around the world are able to

see and hear each other in real time.

One can chat with friends, hold

meetings etc.

Email

Electronic Mail

Electronic mail(e-mail) is the most popular and

widely used service on the Internet today. A e-mail

program enables you to send, receive and manage

electronic messages(text, sound, video and graphics).

Networks

Networks

A network is a set of computers that are linked

together so they can share resources such as printers,

data files and software. Types of Networks are LAN,

MAN and WAN.

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the tone.

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voice message.

Voice mail

Voice mail

Voice mail, which functions much like an answering

machine, allows someone to leave a voice message for

one or more people. Some voice mail systems are

visual voice mail in that users can view the messages

being sent, length of message.

Some can send digital voice mail files to e-mail

addresses. Others can convert a voice message to a text

message for display on a computer or mobile device.

The END