Communications Technologies

• These refer to any equipment or software which can be used to transfer or process information.
• Information can be either downloaded or uploaded.
• When information is downloaded, a copy file or data is transferred from another location (e.g a distant computer) to one's local computer.
• On the contrary, uploading involves transferring a copy of a file or data from one's local computer to another.
• These processes are possible because the computer involved are connected to a network, i.e, a system in which computers share resources and exchange data.

Types of Networks

1. LAN / Local Area Network: a network used to link computers in a small geographic location (e.g a single building such as an office or a home). This network is often used for printers in schools or offices.
2. MAN / Metropolitan Area Network: a computer network which connects computers in many towns, cities or any large area. Local cable television uses this form of network for broadcasts.
3. WAN / Wide Area Network: this network connects computers internationally. These networks are used to connect global branches of businesses to the same network.

Data can be sent both wired and wirelessly using transmission media. Transmission media is used to link two or more computers in a network.

Wired Transmission Media

1. Twisted Pair Cables: used for telephone and Ethernet networks.

   • Advantages: Are relatively to install, ideal for small areas, the network can still operate even if a small portion of the cable is damaged.
   • Disadvantages: They are easy to break because of their thinness and low durability, they regularly require maintenance, they have low security and are easily susceptible to hackers stealing data.

2. Coaxial Cables: used for internet and cable services.

   • Advantages: Are more durable, can support high bandwidths (the amount of data which can be transmitted over a given network), are less affected by electromagnetic forces.
   • Disadvantages: If one cable is damaged, the entire network stops operating, possess low security and are easily susceptible to hackers stealing data. they are expensive.

3. Fibre Optic Cables: used for long distance communications such as

   • Advantages: Possess the fastest bandwidth, works very well over long distances, it has stronger security.
   • Disadvantages: Are expensive to install, are fragile and easy to break, maintenance is also difficult and expensive.

Wireless Transmission Media

1. Microwave: used for radar communications (utilizing electromagnetic waves to determine the position of an object)
2. Blutooth: used in a short range to transfer data between devices or link devices (e.g. a controller to a video game console, two phones using Blutooth to send photos and videos)
3. Satellite: used for different navigations systems and applications (e.g. Google Maps), supporting international calls and messages (e.g. texting Cuba from Trinidad)
4. Infrared: used for remote controls (such as in air conditioning units, toy cars or television remotes)

Wired Transmission Media vs Wireless Transmission Media

• Wired is generally faster than Wireless. In places with obstructions which can negatively affect or disrupt wireless signals, physical cables are more reliable and faster.
• Wired possesses more security than Wireless because data being transferred through radio, satellite, etc. are more likely to be intercepted by hackers. However, firewalls and Virtual Private Networks (VPN's) can make Wireless signals safer to use.
• Wired has more hardware needed for installation and are generally more costly to install and maintain.