Fundamentals of Data Communication and Telematics Networks

Posted on Aug 5, 2025 in Technology

Understanding Communication System Fundamentals

Simplex Communication: If the roles of transmitter and receiver are clearly defined, and data transmission is always carried out in one direction from sender to receiver. Example: TV broadcast.
Half-Duplex Communication: Communication may be bidirectional, but cannot be simultaneous. Example: Two-way radio (walkie-talkie).
Full-Duplex Communication: Two-way simultaneous communication. The emitter also acts as transmitter and receiver interchangeably. Example: Telephone.

Emitter (Sender): The communication terminal element responsible for providing the information.
Receiver: An element of the communication terminal that receives information from an emitter.
Terminal: Terminals are connected through transmission lines, forming what we call a data circuit.

Simple Terminals: A simple terminal has no intelligence whatsoever; it is totally controlled by an external process. Example: Monitor.
Intelligent Terminals: They have a certain capacity for independent processing. This type of terminal has its own processor and memory to perform some previously established tasks. Example: Personal Computer (PC).
Programmable Terminals: Tasks are assigned by loading a program from an external source.

General Purpose Terminals: They can develop a wide variety of functions. Example: PC.
Specific Purpose Terminals: Meet only the specific function for which they were designed. This does not mean that their role is always the same and cannot be changed. Thus, there are special-purpose terminals that are programmable. Example: ATM (Automated Teller Machine).

Telematics: A technique for remote communication between processes. It must address both the physical interconnectivity (connector shape, type of signal, etc.) and logical specifications (communication protocols, error detection and correction, etc.).
Transmission: The telematic process by which signals are transported from one place to another.
Signals: Entities of diverse nature which manifest as physical quantities, mainly mechanical, electromagnetic, light, electrical, magnetic, or acoustic.
Communication: The telematic process by which information is conveyed. This information travels on a signal being transmitted.
Communication Lines: Channels through which the circuits can exchange data.
Communication Network: Formed when two or more computers are interconnected via communication lines.
Topology: The method of connecting data lines.

Point-to-Point Lines: Two computers are connected via a point-to-point line, where there is a physical line that links them, through which communication can occur. No other team can request transmission service to this line. This type is insensitive to competition for communication resources.
Multipoint Lines: Have a backbone topology, formed by a bus (a cable through which information circulates) common to all computers that connect to the network.

Private Lines: A line is private when it has a defined owner.
Public Lines: They are usually held by telephone companies and therefore have a national or supranational scope. Telephone companies and telematics service providers build broad-scope networks which they offer to potential customers.