data communication
C1Formal, Technical
Definition
Meaning
The electronic transfer of information between computers or other digital devices.
A fundamental concept in computing and networking, encompassing protocols, hardware, and software for transmitting digital data across physical or wireless channels. It includes the process of sending, receiving, and correctly interpreting data streams according to established rules.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often used as a mass noun. While it describes a process, it can also refer to a field of study or technology. In contexts like 'establish data communication', it functions as an uncountable concept.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling conventions for related terms may apply (e.g., programme/program). 'Communication' is a count noun in some contexts in BrE (e.g., 'I had a communication from the bank'), but in 'data communication', it remains uncountable in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both varieties. No difference in connotation.
Frequency
Equally frequent in technical and academic contexts in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [noun] enabled/facilitated efficient data communication.Data communication [verb phrase] was lost/interrupted/established.[Verb] data communication between [nouns].A [adjective] system for data communication.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The information superhighway (dated, broader)”
- “Getting the data from A to B (informal).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to the technical infrastructure for corporate systems, e.g., 'Investing in secure data communication is a top priority.'
Academic
A key term in computer science and information theory, e.g., 'The paper models latency in ad hoc data communication.'
Everyday
Used when discussing internet, Wi-Fi, or mobile network connectivity, e.g., 'The storm disrupted data communication to the village.'
Technical
Precise term for protocols (TCP/IP), channels, and hardware (modems, routers), e.g., 'The RS-232 standard governs serial data communication.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The devices are data-communicating via a secure channel.
- The software failed to data-communicate with the server.
American English
- The system data-communicates using encrypted packets.
- We need the modules to data-communicate efficiently.
adverb
British English
- The files were transferred data-communicatively.
- (Rare usage; 'via data communication' is preferred).
American English
- (Rare usage; 'through data communication' is standard).
adjective
British English
- The data-communication link was unstable.
- They studied data-communication protocols.
American English
- We upgraded our data-communication infrastructure.
- A data-communication specialist was hired.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My phone uses data communication to send messages.
- The internet is a type of data communication.
- Wireless data communication is essential for mobile phones.
- A modem is a device for data communication over a phone line.
- The new protocol significantly improves the speed and security of data communication.
- Engineers designed a satellite system for global data communication.
- Fiber optic cables form the backbone of modern high-bandwidth data communication networks.
- The research focuses on quantum encryption methods for secure data communication in hostile environments.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of DATA as digital letters, and COMMUNICATION as the postal service that delivers them between computers.
Conceptual Metaphor
DATA IS A FLUID (data flow, data stream, bandwidth); COMMUNICATION NETWORK IS A HIGHWAY (backbone, traffic, packets).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translation 'связь данных' – use 'передача данных' or 'обмен данными'.
- Do not confuse with 'data processing' ('обработка данных').
- The word 'communication' here is uncountable; not 'коммуникации' (plural), but 'связь' or 'коммуникация'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a data communication').
- Confusing with 'communication data' (which is data about communications).
- Mispronouncing 'data' with a short /æ/ in formal British contexts.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the closest synonym to 'data communication' in a technical manual?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is an uncountable noun phrase, so it is treated as singular (e.g., 'Data communication is vital').
Telecommunication is a broader term covering all distant communication (voice, video, data). Data communication is a subset, specifically concerning digital data.
In American English, /ˈdeɪt̬ə/ (day-tuh) or /ˈdæt̬ə/ (da-tuh) are common. In British English, /ˈdeɪtə/ (day-tuh) is the standard formal pronunciation.
No, it refers to the process or field. The physical components are 'data communication devices', 'networks', or 'systems'.