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CN Physical Data Link Layer Notes

The document covers the Physical Layer and Data Link Layer of computer networks, detailing their responsibilities such as transmitting raw bits, error detection, and data transfer. It explains key concepts like analog and digital signals, bit rate, and various modulation techniques. Additionally, it discusses transmission media and multiple access protocols, including circuit switching and packet switching.

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92prajak sen
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CN Physical Data Link Layer Notes

The document covers the Physical Layer and Data Link Layer of computer networks, detailing their responsibilities such as transmitting raw bits, error detection, and data transfer. It explains key concepts like analog and digital signals, bit rate, and various modulation techniques. Additionally, it discusses transmission media and multiple access protocols, including circuit switching and packet switching.

Uploaded by

92prajak sen
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Computer Networks Notes

Unit 3: Physical Layer


3.1 Introduction to Physical Layer, Tasks of Physical Layer

The Physical Layer is responsible for transmitting raw bits over a communication channel. It defines

the hardware transmission technologies, electrical and mechanical interfaces to the physical

medium, and network topology. Tasks include:

- Bit-by-bit delivery of data.

- Transmission of signals through media.

- Ensuring data encoding and modulation.

3.2 Data and Signals

Q1: What are Analog and Digital Signals?

A: Analog signals are continuous signals representing varying data, while digital signals consist of

discrete values (0s and 1s).

Q2: What is Bit Rate?

A: Bit rate refers to the number of bits transmitted per second.

Q3: Explain Attenuation, Distortion, and Noise.

A: Attenuation is the loss of signal strength, distortion is the change in signal shape, and noise is

unwanted interference that disrupts the signal.

Q4: What is Nyquist Bit Rate (Noiseless Channel)?

A: It calculates the maximum bit rate for a noiseless channel as Bit Rate = 2 * Bandwidth * log2(L),

where L is the number of levels in the signal.


Q5: What is Shannon Capacity (Noisy Channel)?

A: Shannon Capacity gives the maximum bit rate for a noisy channel as Capacity = Bandwidth *

log2(1 + SNR), where SNR is the signal-to-noise ratio.

3.3 Analog-to-Digital Conversion

Q1: What is Pulse Code Modulation (PCM)?

A: PCM converts analog signals to digital by sampling, quantization, and encoding.

Q2: What is Delta Modulation (DM)?

A: DM encodes the difference between successive samples rather than the absolute value.

Q3: Differentiate Parallel and Serial Transmission Modes.

A: In parallel transmission, multiple bits are transmitted simultaneously, while in serial, bits are

transmitted one after another.

3.4 Digital-to-Analog Conversion

Q1: What is Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK)?

A: ASK changes the amplitude of the carrier signal to represent data.

Q2: What is Frequency Shift Keying (FSK)?

A: FSK changes the frequency of the carrier signal to represent data.

Q3: What is Phase Shift Keying (PSK)?

A: PSK changes the phase of the carrier signal to represent data.


Q4: What is Line Coding in Digital Communication?

A: Line coding converts digital data to a digital signal by mapping bits to signal levels.

3.5 Analog-to-Analog Conversion

Q1: What is Amplitude Modulation (AM)?

A: AM varies the amplitude of a carrier signal in proportion to the message signal.

Q2: What is Frequency Modulation (FM)?

A: FM varies the frequency of the carrier signal in proportion to the message signal.

Q3: What is Phase Modulation (PM)?

A: PM varies the phase of the carrier signal to transmit data.

3.6 Transmission Media

Q1: What is Guided Media?

A: Guided media, such as twisted pair, coaxial cable, and fiber optics, involve physical paths for

signals to travel.

Q2: What is Unguided Media?

A: Unguided media, such as radio waves, microwaves, and infrared, use wireless transmission

methods.

3.7 Switching

Q1: What is Circuit Switching?

A: Circuit switching establishes a dedicated communication path between two points for the duration

of the conversation.
Q2: What is Packet Switching?

A: Packet switching divides data into packets and sends them independently across the network.

Q3: What is Message Switching?

A: Message switching involves sending a complete message to each node, where it is stored and

forwarded to the next.

Unit 4: Data Link Layer


4.1 Introduction to Data Link Layer

The Data Link Layer is responsible for node-to-node data transfer, error detection, and correction. It

ensures that data frames are transmitted and received accurately.

4.2 Multiple Access Protocol

Q1: What is ALOHA?

A: ALOHA is a simple communication scheme in which each source sends data whenever it has

data to send, leading to possible collisions.

Q2: What are Collision and Broadcast Domains?

A: A collision domain is a network segment where data packets can collide, while a broadcast

domain is a network segment where broadcasts are propagated.

Q3: Explain CSMA/CD and CSMA/CA.

A: CSMA/CD detects collisions and takes steps to resolve them, while CSMA/CA avoids collisions

by checking if the channel is clear before transmitting data.

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