Data communication is the transfer of data between two points via a network. This may be a wired medium such as copper wires or optical fibers or a wireless one like microwaves or radio waves or even a computer network. The information being transferred is usually represented as an electromagnetic signal, which can vary in speed and amplitude.
The transmission of data over long distances is the most challenging aspect of data communication. Signals traveling along long conductors could be affected by electrical distortion or noise which can alter the original data.
Error detection plays an essential role in the successful communication of data. This is accomplished by adding a checksum number the data packets which make up the transmission and comparating it with the totality of all individual packets after they reach their destination. If the sum is equal to zero, there are no errors in the data transmission.
It is important to maintain a high transmission rate for accurate and reliable communication. This can be achieved by ensuring that the data transfers over an unrestricted medium from interference or by sending redundant information to prevent the loss of data due to intermittent interruptions.
Effective data communication is vital for many applications, such as chat, traffic information downloads, file downloads and other internet-based services. For example, traffic data communicates real-time traffic estimations to motorists and passengers in vehicles on roads, which could assist them in making better informed decisions about their trip.