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?
Codec is a device or program that compresses data to enable faster transmission

and decompresses received data. Codec is another name for a video conferencing
unit.

1. Explain what VoIP stands for and how it works.

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. By plugging any standard telephone
into a special device called an ATA (analog telephone adapter) you can use your
internet connection to make telephone calls. VoIP telephone calls can also be
made directly from your computer using software and a headset. The ability to
be able to make and receive phone calls from a wireless hot spot in places such
as airports, cafes and hotels is of great benefit to people who are always on the
move.
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 is a way of communication where is only 1 signal is transmitted. It always goes in the
same direction and the transmitter and receiver operate on the same frequency

Simplex

A Half-Duplex is where signals are alternatively sent and received between the devices but not
at the same time.

Half Duplex

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BTEC 2012
Unit 1 The Online World

Duplex (Full Duplex)

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At higher frequencies often not reachable by Half-Duplex or Simplex devices Duplex is required
or it may just be used as an alternative. Duplex devices can send and receive signals at the
same time.

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BTEC 2012
Unit 1 The Online World

Name: .

3. The table below shows the main transmission methods that are used. Complete the table to find out
the key details, benefits and limitations of each.

Wired
Type
Cable used

Max Speed

Coaxial
A copper core
Twisted Pair (Shielded or surrounded by insulating
un-shielded)
layers
1000mbps
52000mbps

10000000000mbps

Max Distance

300ft

600ft

25 miles

Benefits

Cheap and easy to splice

Less susceptible to
electrical interference
from nearby equipment
Less likely to cause
interference
Slower connection
speeds than rivals
Ethernet, video
applications

Greater cable lengths

than twisted pair cable

Faster and longer in

length by far compared
to rivals
More flexible

Limitations
Example of use

UTP / STP

Faster connection
speed than twisted
pair

Fibre Optic

Optical fibre(particles
of transparent glass)

Doesnt bend easily and Must stay polished and is

is difficult to install
more expensive
Video, HAM Radio, TV
Long distance TV cables

Wireless
Type
Cable used

Infrared
Short range data
transmissions using
infrared light. (The same
technology as in TV
remotes)

Max Speed

Microwave
Short wavelength radio
transmissions working at
very high frequencies.

Satellite
Data is transmitted from
Earth to a satellite before
being relayed back to a
recipient station on Earth

300Gbps

Extremely high

4 Mbps
100m

Max Distance
100m
Benefits
Reliable
Limitations

Example of use

Short range

Between 500km to
36,000
Signal does not lose
Can increase the size of
much strength over long a network
distances
Devices must be in direct expensive
sight.

Must be in a direct line of

sight from the receptor
Can be affected by the
weather
Can suffer from
interference
Can suffer from internal
interference
Earth to satellite
Keyboard, printer, mouse communication
and remote handsets
Bluetooth

Global Communication
Systems

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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?
Around 300 satellites provide a broad range of functions including
communication, television broadcasting and defense and intelligence
services. Just 3 satellites would be enough to give global coverage.

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