3.9.1.2 Communication Basics.

Question 1

Define a symbol.

Answer 1

A particular pattern of bits represented by a signal e.g. a symbol of four bits might be 1101.

Question 2

Define baud rate.

Answer 2

The number of signal changes in the medium per second. 1 Baud (or 1Bd) is equal to 1 symbol change per second.

aka the rate at which data can be transmitted, one baud represents one electronic state change per second.

Question 3

Define bit rate.

Answer 3

A communication medium’s bit rate refers to the number of bits that are transmitted over the medium per second. This is often measured in bits per second (bps).

Question 4

Bit rate formula:

Answer 4

Therefore, a communication system’s bit rate is equal to its Baud rate multiplied by the number of bits per signal in the communication medium.

Bit rate = Baud rate × № of bits per signal

Question 5

Can bit rate be higher than baud rate?

Answer 5

A communication medium’s bit rate will be higher than its Baud rate if there is more than
one bit sent per signal.

Question 6

Define bandwidth.

Answer 6

Bandwidth, expressed in Hertz, relates to the range of frequencies that a communication
medium is capable of transmitting.

Question 7

Describe the relationship between bandwidth and bit rate.

Answer 7

There is a direct relationship between bandwidth and

bit rate. Higher bandwidth results in a higher bit rate.

Question 8

Define latency.

Answer 8

In data communications, latency is the time delay between when a signal is sent and when it is received.
Usually increases with distance.

Question 9

Define a protocol.

Answer 9

A protocol is a set of rules relating to communication between devices.