What does line coding accomplish in a network?

Line coding is a technique used in digital communication to convert binary data into a form that can be transmitted over a communication medium. Specifically, it transforms sequences of bits (0s and 1s) into a time-based signal suitable for transmission over channels such as copper wires, fiber optics, or wireless links. This process is essential as it helps maintain signal integrity over distances and reduces the potential for errors during data transmission.

For instance, different line coding schemes, such as NRZ (Non-Return to Zero), Manchester, or 4B/5B, have unique ways of representing bits that can incorporate synchronization, minimize DC bias, and enable error detection. By converting binary data into these time-based signals, line coding helps ensure that the receiving end can properly interpret the incoming signals as the original binary data. This function is critical in the design of reliable digital communication systems.