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Representation of Data and in its flow in networks

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Representation of Data

Data representation refers to the way data is stored, processed, and transmitted within a system. It defines how various types of data (numbers, characters, images, etc.) are encoded for efficient computation and communication. Some common forms of data representation include:

  1. Binary Representation:

    • All data in computers is ultimately stored in binary (0s and 1s).
    • Example: The number 5 in binary is 101.

  2. Number Systems:

    • Decimal (Base 10): Used by humans (0-9).
    • Binary (Base 2): Used by computers (0,1).
    • Octal (Base 8): Sometimes used in computing (0-7).
    • Hexadecimal (Base 16): Common in programming (0-9, A-F).

  3. Character Representation:

    • ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange): Uses 7 or 8 bits to represent characters.
    • Unicode: Supports a wide range of characters using 16-bit or more.

  4. Data Structures:

    • Primitive Data Types: Integer, Float, Boolean, Character.
    • Complex Data Types: Arrays, Linked Lists, Trees, Graphs.

  5. Images and Multimedia:

    • Images: Represented using pixel values (e.g., RGB format).
    • Audio and Video: Stored as digital signals, often compressed (MP3, MP4).

Five Components of Data Communication

  1. Sender – The device that initiates the communication (e.g., a computer, phone).
  2. Message – The actual data being transmitted (text, audio, video, etc.).
  3. Medium – The transmission path that carries the message (wire, fiber optics, radio waves).
  4. Receiver – The device that receives and interprets the message.
  5. Protocol – A set of rules that governs data communication (e.g., TCP/IP, HTTP).

Data Flow (Simplex, Half-Duplex, and Full-Duplex)

a. Simplex Communication

  • Data flows in only one direction (unidirectional).
  • The sender transmits, and the receiver only receives.
  • Example: TV broadcasting, where a station sends signals, and viewers only receive.

b. Half-Duplex Communication

  • Data flows in both directions but only one at a time.
  • Devices take turns transmitting and receiving.
  • Example: Walkie-talkies, where one person speaks while the other listens, then switches.

c. Full-Duplex Communication

  • Data flows simultaneously in both directions.
  • Both sender and receiver can transmit and receive at the same time.
  • Example: Phone calls, where both parties can talk and listen simultaneously.