Choosing the right Communication Interfaces to Improve Network Performance
"Isolation Communication", Painting by Charles Luna

Choosing the right Communication Interfaces to Improve Network Performance

The history of communication interfaces is a long one. From the telegraph to the telephone to email and instant messaging, there’s been an evolution in how we exchange information in every aspect of our lives. In today’s corporate world, data needs to be shared quickly and accurately from one location or person to another. Without reliable communication protocols between devices on your network, it can be difficult for employees and partners to collaborate effectively—which is why choosing the right protocol is critical for any organization.

I was propelled to write this article following a personal frustration encounter over a less than optimal network performance on my personal device, amongst other things, such as the onset of an error message that flashed before my eyes, "Operating system is not currently configured to run this application". This instance can also happen within large organizational structure, and when it does, well "you better call Saul", your IT genius.

Let's get into the basics.

The importance of communication protocols

Communication protocols are a set of rules that govern how information is sent over a network. They ensure data is delivered in the correct sequence and in the correct order, and they also help to minimize errors.

Choosing the right protocol for your network

There are two main types of data-transport protocols: connectionless and connection-oriented. The former sends packets without establishing a connection, while the latter uses acknowledgments to ensure that each packet is received successfully.

Network interface card?(NIC) and?media access control?(MAC) layer specifications define how network hardware communicates with a computer’s operating system at its lowest levels. Ethernet is an example of a popular IEEE 802 standard for wired networks involving these layers; fiber-optic cable is another option for transmitting data over long distances at high speeds without interference from electromagnetic radiation or other signals traveling nearby on the same frequency spectrum as your own signal.

The two main types of data-transport protocols

There are two main types of data-transport protocols:?TCP/IP?and?UDP/IP.

TCP/IP?is the most popular protocol suite in use today, used for sending data over the Internet. It provides reliable communication by ensuring that packets are delivered in order and intact (without errors). TCP/IP also guarantees that packets won’t be duplicated or lost during transmission; this is known as ??error detection?? and ??error correction.???The Transmission Control Protocol?(TCP) manages the flow of data from one host to another by breaking it down into smaller pieces called segments. These segments are then added to a queue before being sent across an internetwork via IP datagrams (packets). If any errors occur during transmission, they’re detected by error detection codes built into each packet’s header; if necessary, these packets can be retransmitted using less bandwidth than would otherwise be required–saving time while keeping costs low!

UDP/IP?stands for User Datagram Protocol/Internet Protocol. It is a transport layer protocol that provides a best-effort delivery system for applications on the Internet. UDP/IP is a connectionless protocol, meaning that there is no session establishment and no data exchange control. It is used for streaming audio and video, gaming, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and other time-sensitive applications.

TCP/IP and internetwork protocols

TCP/IP is a suite of protocols that includes TCP, IP, UDP and ICMP. TCP/IP is the most commonly used protocol suite because it works well in a variety of environments and can be adapted to new applications.

TCP/IP was designed for internetworking over the Internet. It was first developed at Stanford University by Vint Cerf and Bob Kahn in 1973-74 as part of DARPA’s ARPANET project (which later became today’s Internet).

Network interface card (NIC) and media-access control (MAC) layer specifications

To easily dissect these specifications in two parts, we have:

  • NIC and MAC layer specifications are comprised of Ethernet and fiber-optic cable, TCP/IP and internetwork protocols
  • Physical layer specifications: Layer 1 (physical) includes the cabling, connectors and adapters for your network.

The network interface card (NIC) and media-access control (MAC) layer specifications are the first two layers of the OSI model, responsible for connecting one computer to another computer or device.

The NIC is a physical piece of hardware that allows information to be passed between computers. This provides a physical connection between the computer and the network cable, allowing data to be transmitted from one computer to another over a wired or wireless network.

The MAC layer is responsible for ensuring that all data packets sent over the network are delivered correctly. It also ensures that each packet is addressed correctly before being transmitted over the network. The MAC layer can also be referred to as Layer 2 in the OSI model because it operates on a lower level than Layer 3 (the Network layer).

Ethernet and fiber-optic cable

You may be wondering what the difference is between fiber optic and copper cable. Fiber-optic cable uses light to transmit data, while copper cable relies on electrical signals. This means that fiber-optic cables are faster, more reliable and can carry more information than their copper counterparts. However, they’re also more expensive to install because they require specialized equipment that must be installed by professionals who have been trained in this area.

A few options in Summary when choosing the right communication interfaces to improve network performance.

1. High-Speed Ethernet:?High-speed Ethernet is the most efficient and reliable communication interface for improving network performance. It offers speeds up to 10 Gbps, which is significantly faster than other types of communication interfaces.

2.?Gigabit Ethernet:?Gigabit Ethernet is a high-performance communication interface that provides speeds up to 1000 Mbps. It’s ideal for applications that require higher bandwidth, such as streaming video or large file transfers.

3.?Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is an excellent choice for improving network performance, especially in environments with multiple devices connected to the same network. It provides speeds up to 54 Mbps and is easy to install and configure.

4.?Fiber Optic Cables: Fiber optic cables are the fastest type of communication interface available. They provide speeds up to 100 Gbps and are more reliable than other types of communication interfaces.

5.?Powerline Adapters: Powerline adapters provide speeds up to 500 Mbps and are ideal for homes and small businesses. They are easy to install and require no additional hardware.

Communication interfaces are an important part of improving organizational performance.

Communication interfaces are an important part of improving organizational performance as they provide a platform for data sharing, analysis and decision making. They help to improve communication between employees and their managers, which in turn helps the network perform better, allowing for faster business operations. Through the transfer of information and data between individuals, departments and organizations, teams are able to communicate and collaborate on projects, tasks, and initiatives more efficiently. More so, by providing a way for people to exchange information and ideas, communication interfaces improve organizational performance by making it easier to create innovative solutions, identify problems, and develop strategies.


There are many factors that come into play when choosing which communication interface will work best for your needs including: location, speed, reliability, and cost among other things.

By understanding the different types of communication protocols and their uses, you can make better decisions about which technology is right for your network.



Article originally published on my blog Augstinbel Labs . Subscribe for more insights.

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