Which component does not affect the communication between the Historian and its data sources?

The communication between the Historian and its data sources can be influenced by various factors that affect data transmission, performance, and efficiency. Network speed is critical, as it determines how quickly data can be sent and received. System resources, such as CPU and memory, play a significant role in how effectively the Historian can process incoming data and maintain connections. Data compression also impacts communication by reducing the size of data being transmitted, which can enhance transfer speeds and reduce bandwidth usage.

In contrast, data type pertains to the kind of information being sent or stored, such as integer, float, or string. While the data type can affect how data is interpreted or processed once it reaches the Historian, it does not directly impact the channels or mechanisms of communication between the Historian and its sources. Therefore, it stands out as the component that does not affect communication in the same way the other factors do, making it the correct choice in this context.