A data communication apparatus and method that permits communication between two devices without having to perform a complicated initial connection procedure. A communication unit conducts data transmission/reception with an external data communication apparatus, and a controller controls the communication unit to operate in one of a network mode or a broadcast mode. The network mode conducts network communication via connection through an initial connection procedure with the external data communication apparatus and the broadcast mode receives or transmits data to/from the external data communication apparatus according to a predetermined broadcast method.