10/5/2020 [hwdccc00] Comms circuit

Communications circuit
Data Communications
Overview | Universal 7 part data circuit | Terms

Overview
A Data communications system can be described simply in terms of 3 components ;

A Transmitter ('Source')
The Transmission Path ('Channel' or 'Line')
A Receiver ('Sink')

In 2 way communications the source and sink may interchange roles.

The Universal 7 Part Data Circuit

Any communications network is made up of the following basic components;

Data Terminal Equipment
Data Communications Equipment
Communications Medium
Interface

Other terms you will encounter are also briefly discussed

Universal 7 part data circuit

2 x Data Terminal Equipment (DTE)

Terminals or PC's
1 x Communication Medium
Line connecting
2 x Interface
Communications or Networking software
2 x Data Communication Equipment (DCE)
Modems or NTU (digital connectors) or Network cards or Ports (serial or parallel).

> Data terminal equipment (DTE)

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A Computer or business machine that provides data in the form of digital

signals as it's output.
eg ; Terminals, PC's , Computers.

> Data communications equipment (DCE)

The equipment that provides the functions to establish, maintain and

terminate a connection.
Provides the signal conversion required for communication between DTE's
and the telephone line, or data circuit.
Example
Modems, Multiplexors, Concentrators, Front End Processors
> Communications medium

Telephone Line, or Data Circuit

Example
Cables, Wires, Telephone cables, Microwaves, Radio waves
> Interface

Software between;

The DTE, and DCE

Communications Programs
Operating Systems
Firmware (Read-only memory)

Terms
In a multi-user computing environment there are some generic terms.
In this situation a multi-user operating system such as Unix runs on a central server, which is accessed by
terminals or PC's acting as terminals.

Host

Refers to the computer system that performs the

Processing for a DTE (Data Terminal Equipment).
For example
A multiuser Unix server does the processing for
attached terminals.

Terminal

Data Terminal Equipment that is able to receive and

send digital data.
For example
A PC running an appropriate terminal interface can act
as a terminal.
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Local

Refers to the physical proximity of some device, in

that DCE (Data Communication Equipment) is not
required to access the device.
For example
In a multiuser system a terminal is directly connected
via cable to a server.

Remote

Refers to the physical proximity of some device, in

that DCE (such as a modem or NTU) is required to
access the device.
For example
A terminal in a local bank branch is connected to a
central server that may be in another city or country.

Rev: [9/3/98] 12/8/97 � 1997-98 V/2-Com (Verhaart), P O Box 8415, Havelock North, New Zealand.

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