Data Transmission: Exploring the Basics

In summary: However, the most common application layer protocols are TCP/IP and HTTP. TCP/IP handles the Transmission Control Protocol and IP handles the Internet Protocol.
  • #1
chem_tr
Science Advisor
Gold Member
609
3
Greetings,

I was asked a weird question, K12 level, but interesting...

How is the data transferred through two computers, and how (and what) is it converted to the data again? Please send me some resources about it, or suggest your own ideas. I didn't like mine, so decided to ask in the forum.

chem_tr
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
  • #2
chem_tr said:
Greetings,

I was asked a weird question, K12 level, but interesting...

How is the data transferred through two computers, and how (and what) is it converted to the data again? Please send me some resources about it, or suggest your own ideas. I didn't like mine, so decided to ask in the forum.

chem_tr
simple, data is broken down into 1s and 0s, the data is compiled by the cpu/motherboard/ram combo, and then stored on the HDD as the compiled file, and vise versa
 
  • #3
Thank you for your reply.

Another question comes now, what kind of transmittance options are possible between two computers? I know that there are several ways to do it, for example, e-mail messaging, direct cable connection, network connection, and so on. I've also told that a relatively new kind of transmittance involves the use of IR waves, better known as bluetooth, if I'm not wrong.

Let's look into these types of transmissions. I am nearly sure all of these use the system you mentiones, that is, 1s and 0s compiled or decompiled, and of course derived from electrical currents or amperes, etc.
 
  • #4
simple, data is broken down into 1s and 0s, the data is compiled by the cpu/motherboard/ram combo, and then stored on the HDD as the compiled file, and vise versa

Its not as simple as that IMHO

Within Networking we look at the OSI model... which is comprised of 7 layers:
Application
Presentation
Session
Transport
Network
Data Link
Physical

The information presented by the application layer is encapsulated at each layer with more and more header information. Each layer is responsable for different jobs, (for example transport managers network layer connections, and provides relieable packet delivery)

So the end result is a stream of differeing voltages on the wire in the form of frames, frames are a defined size and bits in the frames represent different checksums addressing info and where the data portion will be...

To port this over to Bluetooth or any other protocol for that matter you need to change the physical layer behaviour...

this is the power behind using hierarcial designs for systems...

http://www.webopedia.com/quick_ref/OSI_Layers.asp

All this is done even before the data has hit the main cpu, by the network card.

You would say a file would reside above the appilication layer, and a transfer protcol like FTP would reside at the application layer...
 
Last edited:
  • #5
Thank you both for your interest. The second one was a such detailed and comprehensive answer. The first is also okay, I think it is enough for him to understand the basics involved here. I'll inform the person asked this question with the information you two gave.

Take care
 
  • #6
Anttech said:
Its not as simple as that IMHO
LOL, I really didn't feel like spending more than 2 minutes on a post, becuase I posted that at school. :shy:
 
  • #7
chem_tr said:
Another question comes now, what kind of transmittance options are possible between two computers? I know that there are several ways to do it, for example, e-mail messaging, direct cable connection, network connection, and so on. I've also told that a relatively new kind of transmittance involves the use of IR waves, better known as bluetooth, if I'm not wrong.

Let's look into these types of transmissions. I am nearly sure all of these use the system you mentiones, that is, 1s and 0s compiled or decompiled, and of course derived from electrical currents or amperes, etc.
Are you referring to the transmission media (physical layer) or to application programs (application layer)?
Let's sort it out. In the physical layer we have various transmission media: Copper wires (like coaxial cables or coax, unshielded twisted pair or UTP, shielded twisted pair, etc.), optical fibers, infrared light, radio waves (combined with satellites), microwaves (also used in cellular phones), and even beams of visible light. The signals in these media could be either digital (1s and 0s) or analogue (continuous waveforms) that can be translated to digital.
Regarding the data layer (framing) you could connect to a Local Area Network (Ethernet, FDDI, ATM, Token Ring, etc), a Metropolitan Area Network, or to a Wide Area Network/WAN. The Internet is a combination of these networks.
As regards to the application layer, there can be various protocols of communication, that is, how two computers agree on the meaning of the data being exchanged (including e-mail, IRC, File Transfer Protocol, and so on).
 

1. What is data transmission?

Data transmission is the process of sending and receiving digital information, such as text, images, or videos, over a network or communication channel. This can be done through various methods, including wired or wireless connections.

2. How does data transmission work?

Data transmission relies on a set of rules or protocols that determine how the data is sent and received. This can include the use of encoding and decoding techniques, error detection and correction, and routing information through different nodes in a network.

3. What are the different types of data transmission?

There are two main types of data transmission: analog and digital. Analog transmission uses continuous signals, such as sound waves, while digital transmission uses discrete signals, such as binary code.

4. What are the factors that affect data transmission?

There are several factors that can affect data transmission, including the quality and type of connection, the distance between the sender and receiver, and any interference or noise in the communication channel. Bandwidth and latency also play a significant role in the speed and efficiency of data transmission.

5. What are some common methods of data transmission?

Some common methods of data transmission include Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular networks. These methods can vary in terms of speed, range, and security, and are often used in combination to create a larger network for data transmission.

Similar threads

  • Programming and Computer Science
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • STEM Career Guidance
Replies
29
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
793
  • MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica, LaTeX
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • STEM Career Guidance
Replies
13
Views
1K
  • Materials and Chemical Engineering
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Back
Top