What does the string represent?

The CHANNEL for

communication.
What does the string represent?

The CHANNEL for

communication.
Topic: Channels of Communication Today’s
Objectives

Appreciate that information may be carried

by a number of different channels
including:
• wire-pairs
• coaxial cables
• radio and microwave links
• optic fibres
 What channel is being used?
255 Tb/s

Wire-pairs Coaxial cable Radio and optic fibers

Microwave links
Group Work
1. wire pairs 2. coaxial cables 3. optic fibers
4. radio and microwaves
Describe in terms advantages and
• Diagram
disadvantages in terms of:
• Uses • cost
• attenuation
• Advantages
• bandwidth
• Disadvantages • noise and interference
• crosstalk and security
Channel Structure Uses Advantages Disadvantages

Wire
pair
Coaxial
cable

Optic
Fibers
Radio

and

Micro-
waves
Channel Structure Uses Advantages Disadvantages

Wire pair Very simple Low cost Break easily,

communication Easy Installation susceptible to
systems, e.g. interference, low
intercom, security, low
doorbell bandwidth,
require regular
amplification
Coaxial Used to transfer Compared to Greater bulk,
cable
signals from TV wire pair these expensive,
aerials to TV have higher amplification still
receivers. bandwidth, are needed over
Underground less prone to distance
telephone links EM
interference,
lower noise
levels.
Channel Structure Uses Advantages Disadvantages

Radio Radio, long distance Low cost, extra Bandwidth

communication, terrestrial links issues with
linking a ground possible digital
and station to a satellite, interference,
mobile phones Greater bandwidth Need to be line
Micro- than radio, potentially of sight. Regular
waves more secure higher power
Optic Long-distance High bandwidth, low Regeneration
Fibers telecommunication attenuation of signal, needed (only
and high volume easier to handle over large
transfer of digital because its not heavy, distances)
data including video high security, no cross
data talk, low noise, no EM
interference.
Coaxial cable labelled drawing

Function:
• Acts as the return
for the signal
• Shields core from
noise
Cross talk and noise
• Cross-talk: picking up of a signal from one cable in another
cable

• Noise: random, unwanted signal power that interferes with

the signal
Links:
• video on satellites
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFypCugyFoM&safe=active
• or
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4gGalZV8TM&safe=active
• or
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4k3kEA3pmo&feature=related&safe=activ
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