BTEC 2012

Unit 1 The Online World

Name: .

Lesson 9 Data Exchange

(Student Book B Pg 11 - 14)

Starter What is the role of a CODEC? What is a CODEC another name for?
A codec is a device or software that is used to compress or decompress a digital media file, such as a
video or song. The codec can be dividing into 2 parts: encode and decode. The encoder performs the
compression (encoding) function and the decoder performs the decompression (decoding) function.
1. Explain what VoIP stands for and how it works.
The term VoIP stands for voice over Internet Protocol. VoIP is related to the terms IP telephony and
Internet telephony, which you'll be hearing more and more about during the next several years.
2. There are three transmission modes used in communication, these are shown in the diagram below.
Explain what each is and how it operates.

Transmission Mode

Description

Simplex

Simplex communication is a communication channel that sends information in one

direction only. A "duplex" communication channel requires two simplex channels
operating in opposite directions.

Half Duplex

Half duplex is when you can communicate both ways but only one person
Can talk at once.

Duplex (Full Duplex)

Full duplex is when you can communicate at the same time and both people
Can talk at once.

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BTEC 2012
Unit 1 The Online World

Name: .

Plenary How many geostationary satellites are there in orbit and what do they
provide?
Nobody knows how many their actually are but the estimated number is around 401. A geostationary
satellite is an earth-orbiting satellite, placed at an altitude of approximately 35,800 kilometers (22,300
miles) directly over the equator, that revolves in the same direction the earth rotates (west to east).

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