What is a Communication System?

The communication system is a system model that describes a communication exchange between two
stations, transmitter, and receiver. Signals or information passes from source to destination through a
channel. It represents a way in which the signal uses it to move from a source toward its destination. To
transmit signals in a communication system, it should first be processed by beginning from signal
representation, to signal shaping until encoding and modulation. After the transmitted signal is
prepared, it is passed to the transmission line of the channel. Due to signal crossing this media, it is
faced with many impairments like noise, attenuation, and distortion.

The process of transferring the information between two points is called communication. The main
elements needed to communicate are the transmitter to send the information, the medium to send the
information and the receiver to receive the information on the other end.

Types of Communication Systems

Based on physical infrastructure: Based on physical infrastructure there are two types of communication
systems:

1. Line communication systems: Uses the existing infrastructure of power lines to transfer data
from one point to another point.
2. Radio Communication systems: uses the infrastructure of radio waves to transfer the
information from one point to another point.

There is a physical link, called a hardwire channel between the transmitter and the receiver inline
communication systems.

Based on Signal specifications: Signal specifications that are used to decide the type of communication
system are: Nature of the baseband or information signal: Baseband signals is a technology which can
access the signals with very low frequency and also near zero frequency and based on the nature of the
transmitted signal, the baseband signal can either be transmitted as it is without modulation or through
a carrier signal with modulation.

Further, communication systems are divided into:

1. Analog communication systems: The Analog system conveys the information from the audio,
video and pictures between two points using the analogue signals. A sinusoidal signal is an
example of an analogue communication system.
2. Digital communication systems: Digital communication has become very important in the age
of the internet. It is a physical exchange of information between two points discreetly. The
information exchange happens through digital signals.
3. Baseband communication system: Baseband communication is the transfer of signals that are
not amplified to higher frequencies. They help in transferring signals with near-zero frequency.
4. Carrier communication system: Carrier communication systems transfer the information
especially voice messages and calls by improving the frequency much higher than the actual
rate.
Out of four, a minimum of two types is needed to specify any communication system. Thus, two groups
are formed consisting of each of the two types such that at least one of the types from each group is
necessarily required to specify a communication system. These groups can be formed as:

1. Analog/digital communication systems

2. Baseband/carrier communication systems

To completely define any communication system, four out of the eight types are required. If any type is
missing, then the description of the communication system will be incomplete

1. Wireless and Wired communication system

Wireless communication systems use radio waves, electromagnetic waves and infrared waves to
communicate from one point to another point and the wire communication system uses wire, optical
fibre which works on the phenomenon of total internal reflection to communicate from one point to
another point.

Wireless communication is further divided into satellite communication, ground wave communication,
skywave and space wave communication. The satellite communication receives the signals from the
earth and resends them back to another point on the earth with the help of a transponder. Wired
communication is further divided into parallel wire, twisted wire, optical fibre and coaxial wired
communication.

Terms Used in Communication Systems

1. Signal A signal is that information that has been converted into a digital format. Analog signals
(such as human voice) or digital signals (binary data) are inputted to the system, processed
within the electronic circuits for transmission, then decoded by the receiver. The system is
claimed to be reliable and effective; only errors are minimized within the process.

2. Communication Channel A communication channel is a medium by which a signal travels.

3. Transducer The device used to convert one form of energy into another form is a transducer.

4. Receiver A receiver is a device that receives the signals sent/ transmitted by the senders and
decodes them into a form that is understandable by humans.
5. Attenuation Attenuation is the reduction in the strength of analog or digital signal as it is
transmitted over a communication medium.
6. Amplitude An amplitude of the signal refers to the strength of the signal.

7. Amplification Amplification is the process to strengthen the amplitude of the signals using an
electronic circuit.
8. Bandwidth Bandwidth explains the range of frequency over which a signal has been
transmitted.
 9. Modulation As the original message signal can't be transmitted over an outsized distance due to
their low frequency and amplitude, they're superimposed with high frequency and amplitude
waves called carrier waves. This phenomenon of superimposing a message signal with a carrier
wave is called modulation. And the resultant wave is a modulated wave which is to be
transmitted.

Different Types of Modulation.

 Amplitude Modulation (AM) The process of changing the amplitude of the signal wave by
impressing or superimposing it on a high-frequency carrier wave, keeping its frequency
constant, is called amplitude modulation.

 Frequency Modulation (FM) is a technique in which the frequency of the message signal is
varied by modulating with a carrier wave. It is better than amplitude modulation because it
eliminates noise from various sources.

 Phase Modulation (PM) The phase of the carrier wave changes the phase of the signal wave. The
phase shift after modulation is dependent on the frequency of the carrier wave as well. Phase
modulated waves are immune to noise to a greater extent.

10. Demodulation Demodulation takes a modulated signal and then extracts the original message
from it.
11. Repeater The repeater extends the range of communication systems by amplifying the signals.

12. Noise Any electrical signal which interferes with an information signal is called noise.

THEORIES ABOUT COMMUNICATION

Communication is an essential aspect of human interaction. Whether in personal relationships, professional

settings, or societal contexts, effective communication plays a crucial role in conveying ideas, building
relationships, and fostering understanding.

THEORY 1: TRANSMISSION MODEL OF COMMUNICATION

The Transmission Model of Communication stands as a cornerstone theory in the field, shedding light on the
fundamental elements of communication. This model presents communication as a linear process, involving
a sender, a message, and a receiver. The sender encodes the message, which is then transmitted through a
channel and decoded by the receiver. This model emphasizes the importance of clarity and accuracy in
conveying information. By understanding the basics of the Transmission Model, we gain insights into the
sequential flow of communication and the essential components that contribute to effective message
delivery.

Sender-Receiver Process: Encoding, Transmission, and Decoding

Within the Transmission Model, the sender plays a crucial role in encoding the message, converting thoughts
and ideas into a format that can be transmitted to the receiver. The process of encoding involves selecting
appropriate words, organizing thoughts, and considering non-verbal cues. Once the message is encoded, it is
transmitted through a chosen channel, such as verbal conversation, written text, or digital media. The
receiver then decodes the message, interpreting the transmitted information based on their own
understanding and context. This sender-receiver process showcases the intricate dynamics involved in
communication, highlighting the significance of clear encoding and accurate decoding for effective message
transmission.

Real-Life Examples
Despite its limitations, the Transmission Model of Communication offers practical applications in various
contexts. In professional settings, understanding this model can help individuals refine their message
delivery, ensuring that information is transmitted clearly and effectively to colleagues, clients, or
stakeholders.
For example, a manager can use the principles of the Transmission Model to craft concise and impactful
emails, presentations, or memos. In personal relationships, being aware of the sender-receiver process can
aid in avoiding miscommunication and fostering understanding. By considering the encoding and decoding
aspects of communication, individuals can tailor their messages to be more comprehensible and aligned with
the intended meaning. Real-life examples abound, from public speakers who skillfully encode their messages
to resonate with their audience, to writers who carefully choose their words to convey their thoughts
accurately. By observing these examples and practicing effective encoding and decoding techniques, we can
enhance our communication skills and create more meaningful connections.

THEORY 2: SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY OF COMMUNICATION

The Social Learning Theory of Communication delves into the role of observational learning in shaping our
communication skills and behaviors. This theory, first introduced by Albert Bandura, posits that individuals
acquire and refine their communication abilities through observation, imitation, and modeling of others. We
learn how to communicate by observing those in our immediate environment, as well as through media
representations.

Real-Life Examples
Real-life examples of the Social Learning Theory of Communication abound. Consider public speakers who
captivate their audience through engaging and persuasive communication techniques. By observing and
studying their methods, aspiring speakers can enhance their own abilities and convey their messages with
impact. Additionally, in personal relationships, individuals who exhibit effective communication skills can
serve as positive role models for others to emulate. By learning from these examples and actively
incorporating their successful strategies, we can cultivate stronger connections, resolve conflicts more
effectively, and foster healthier relationships.