Components of Data Communications System

Mainly, a data communications system consists of five components: Message: The message is the information (data) to be communicated. Popular forms of information include text, numbers, pictures, audio, and video. Sender: The sender is the device that sends the data message. It can be a computer, workstation, telephone handset, video camera, and so on. Receiver: The receiver is the device that receives the message. It can be a computer, workstation, telephone handset, television, and so on. Transmission medium: The transmission medium is the physical path by which a message travels from sender to receiver. Some examples of transmission media include twisted-pair wire, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, and radio waves. Protocol: A protocol is a set of rules that govern the data communications. It represents n agreement between the communicating devices. Without the protocols, two devices may be connected but can not communicate with each, just as a person speaking Chines cannot be understood by a person who speaks only French.