Data communication is the transmission of data via the network. This may be a wired medium, such as optical fibers or copper wires, a wireless medium like radio waves or microwaves, or even a computer network. The electromagnetic signal that is used to transfer data can differ in amplitude or speed.
Transmission of information over long distances is the most difficult part of data communications. This is due to the fact that signals passing through long conductors are susceptible to noise or electrical distortion that could corrupt the original data.
Error detection plays a crucial role in the successful communication of data. This is done by adding a checksum number to the data packets that comprise a transmission and comparating it with the sum of all the individual packets after they reach their destination. If the sum is zero, there were no errors in the data transmission.
It is crucial to maintain a high transmission rate to ensure secure and accurate communication. This can be achieved either by ensuring the data transfers on a medium free from interference or by sending redundant data to avoid the loss that is caused by interruptions in a moment.
Effective data communication is vital for a myriad of applications, including traffic information, chat services, file downloads, and internet-based services. Traffic data, for example can provide real-time estimates of traffic to motorists and pedestrians on the road, which can aid them in making better choices.
