Communications Technologies

Abstract

In this chapter, we look at some of the technologies that are used for computer communications. The chapter starts with an explanation of the differences between serial and parallel data transfer, asynchronous and synchronous communications and duplex, half-duplex and full-duplex communications. There are explanations of the distinctions between data rate, bandwidth and throughput. Next come discussions of modulation and encoding, error control methods, switching and multiplexing. The topologies used in networking are described. Finally, we explore network transmission media.