Data Communication, Network, & Internet Flashcards
is the practice of connecting two or more computing devices to share data and resources. These devices can include computers, servers, smartphones, tablets, and various other types of equipment.
Computer networking
WHY IS NETWORK IMPORTANT?
Sharing resources (Hardware and Software)
Centralized Administration and Support
CLASSIFICATIONS OF NETWORK
Based on transmission media
Based on network size
Based on management method
Based on topology
2 types of transmission media
Guided
Unguided
Uses a physical medium, such as wires, cables, or optical fibers, to confine and direct the signals.
Guided
No physical conductor is used. Signals propagate freely through the air or space.
Unguided
Examples of Guided TM
Shielded twisted pair
Unshielded twisted pair
Coaxial cable
Fiber optic cable
is a type of guided transmission media commonly used in telecommunications and networking. It consists of two insulated copper wires twisted together in a spiral pattern. This twisting helps to ____________ from external sources and crosstalk between neighboring pairs of wires.
Twisted pair cable; reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI)
two main types of twisted pair cables:
- Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)
- This is the most common type used in Ethernet networks and telephone lines. It is relatively inexpensive and easy to install. However, it is more susceptible to interference compared to STP. - Shielded Twisted Pair (STP)
- This type has an additional layer of shielding around each pair of wires, providing better protection against interference. STP is often used in environments with high levels of EMI.
Advantages of Twisted Pair Cables:
- Cost-Effective: relatively inexpensive compared to other types of transmission media, such as fiber optic cables.
- Easy to Install: They are flexible and easy to work with, making them suitable for a variety of installations.
- Widely Available: Twisted pair cables are readily available and widely used in many different applications
Disadvantages of Twisted Pair Cables:
- Susceptibility to Interference: UTP cables are more susceptible to electromagnetic interference than STP cables.
- Limited Distance: The maximum distance for reliable data transmission over twisted pair cables is limited, typically around 100 meters for Ethernet.
is a type of transmission line used to carry high frequency electrical signals with low losses. It has a unique construction that makes it well-suited for various applications, from cable television and internet connections to radio transmission and medical equipment.
Coaxial cable
Advantages of Coaxial Cables:
- High Bandwidth: Coaxial cables can carry a wide range of frequencies, making them suitable for high-speed data transmission.
- Low Signal Loss: The shielding minimizes signal loss, allowing for transmission over longer distances compared to other types of cables.
- Good Noise Immunity: The outer conductor provides good protection against external interference, ensuring a clean signal.
Disadvantages of Coaxial Cables:
- Cost: can be more expensive than twisted-pair cables, especially for longer runs.
- Flexibility: less flexible than twisted pair cables, making them less suitable for tight spaces.
- Single Cable Path: In most applications, coaxial cables provide a single path for both transmitting and receiving signals.
also known as an __________, is a type of transmission cable that uses thin strands of glass or plastic fibers to transmit data as pulses of light. They are widely used in telecommunications, internet infrastructure, and various other applications due to their high bandwidth, low signal loss, and immunity to electromagnetic interference.
Fiber optic cable; optical fiber cable
Advantages of Fiber Optic Cables:
- High Bandwidth: significantly higher bandwidth than copper cables, allowing for faster data transmission.
- Low Signal Loss: Light signals experience minimal loss over long distances, making them ideal for long-haul communication.
Advantages of Fiber Optic Cables:
- Immunity to EMI: not affected by electromagnetic interference, ensuring signal integrity.
- Security: They are difficult to tap into, making them more secure for sensitive data transmission.
- Lightweight and Thin: lighter and thinner than copper cables, making them easier to install and manage.
Disadvantages of Fiber Optic Cables:
- Cost: can be more expensive than copper cables, especially for initial installation.
- Fragility: They are more fragile than copper cables and require careful handling during installation.
- Specialized Equipment: Specialized tools and expertise are needed for installation and maintenance.
Examples of Unguided TM
Terrestrial microwave
Communication satellite
Cellular technology
is a type of wireless communication technology that uses radio waves in the microwave frequency range (typically between 1 GHz and 100 GHz) to transmit information between two or more points on the Earth’s surface. These signals are highly directional and require a clear line-of sight path between the transmitting and receiving antennas
Terrestrial microwave
Advantages of Terrestrial Microwave:
- High Bandwidth: links can carry a large amount of data, making them suitable for high-speed communication.
- Line-of-Sight Coverage: They can provide reliable communication over long distances as long as there is a clear line-of-sight path.
- Cost-Effective: In some cases, terrestrial microwave can be a more cost-effective solution compared to laying fiber optic cables, especially in challenging terrains.
Disadvantages of Terrestrial Microwave:
- Line-of-Sight Requirement: The need for a clear line-of-sight limits the flexibility of placement and can be affected by weather conditions like heavy rain or fog.
- Limited Distance: While terrestrial microwave links can cover long distances, they usually require repeater stations to extend the range further.
- Susceptibility to Interference: Microwave signals can be affected by interference from other radio sources or environmental factors.
- Security Concerns: links can be vulnerable to eavesdropping or interception if not properly secured.
is an artificial satellite that relays and amplifies radio telecommunication signals via a transponder. It creates a communication channel between a source transmitter and a receiver at different locations on Earth.
communication satellite
Advantages of communication satellite:
- Wide Coverage: can cover vast geographical areas, making them ideal for global communication.
- Reliability: links are less prone to disruptions caused by natural disasters or infrastructure damage compared to terrestrial links.
- High Bandwidth: can carry large amounts of data, supporting high speed communication and multimedia applications.