Module 4 Study Guide Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards based on Module 4 Study Guide lecture notes, covering concepts related to transmission media, noise, fiber optics, point-to-point communication, signal propagation, and satellite orbits.

Transmission Media Classification

The categorization of transmission media based on two approaches: the Physical Path and the form of Energy used.

Noise (in data transmission)

Unwanted electrical or electromagnetic energy that interferes with the desired signal, degrading data quality.

Noise Permeation

The characteristic of noise to spread out and affect the surrounding environment or communication channels.

Data Transmission Shielding

Techniques or physical barriers used to protect data signals from external electromagnetic interference or noise.

Shielded Twisted Pair (STP)

A type of twisted pair cable that includes an additional metallic shield to reduce electromagnetic interference.

Coaxial Cable Shielding

The protective layer of braided wire or metallic foil in a coaxial cable designed to block external interference.

Single-Mode Fiber

An optical fiber that allows only a single path for light to travel, suitable for long-distance, high-bandwidth communication.

Multi-Mode Fiber

An optical fiber that allows multiple paths for light to travel, typically used for shorter distances and lower bandwidth applications.

Total Internal Reflection

The optical phenomenon where light, traveling in a denser medium, strikes a boundary with a less dense medium at an angle greater than the critical angle, causing it to reflect back into the denser medium, keeping light within an optical fiber and allowing it to go around corners.

Infra-red Point-to-Point Communication

A method of data transmission using focused infrared light beams between two fixed points, commonly used for short-range wireless links.

Laser Point-to-Point Communication

A method of data transmission using highly coherent and focused laser beams between two fixed points, often for high-speed, line-of-sight data links.

Signal Propagation

The movement of an electromagnetic wave or signal through a transmission medium or space.

Low Earth Orbit (LEO)

An orbit for satellites located relatively close to Earth's surface, characterized by low latency but requiring many satellites for continuous global coverage.

Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)

An orbit for satellites located at an intermediate altitude between LEO and GEO, offering a balance of coverage, latency, and orbital period.

Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO)

An orbit for satellites located at a very high altitude (approximately 35,786 km), appearing stationary from Earth's surface and providing wide coverage but with higher latency.