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Hub: A device that joins multiple computers to form a single network
segment. It forwards data to all connected computers.

Switch: A device that connects multiple computers within a Local
Area Network (LAN). It manages data traffic to ensure that data
reaches only the intended destination. Unlike a hub, a switch
forwards data only to the target device.

Router: A device that connects different networks and directs data
packets between them based on their IP addresses.

Network repeater: A device that boosts incoming electrical, wireless or optical
signals. It amplifies signals to prevent them from becoming too weak or corrupted
during transmission.

Gateway: A device that connects dissimilar networks those using different

protocols. A gateway takes data from one system, interprets it and
transfers it to another system.

Bridge: A device that connects similar networks, usually LANs using
the same hardware and protocols. It reduces the traffic on other
network segments as it filters the data based on the MAC addresses

of the source and destination before forwarding it.

Imagine computer networks as highways in the sky. What kinds of vehicles would
travel on these highways and what destinations would they reach?

DATA COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

Data communication is the process of exchanging data between two devices.

Sender Message Receiver

Transmission Medium
Rule 1, Rule 2, ... Rule n Rule 1, Rule 2, ... Rule n

Protocol Protocol
There are five main components in a data communication system:

Message: This refers to data or a piece of information that is to be communicated.

10 Computer Science (V5.0)-VIII