Communication Technology: Media, Networks, and Data Transmission

What is communication media?

The range that a signal can be transmitted to send and receive data.

What are the two types of communication media?

Wired and Wireless.

What does a Network Interface Card (NIC) provide?

A port for a network cable to plug into.

What is Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cable commonly used for?

To connect devices in a LAN to the switch, also known as ethernet cables.

What are Fibre Optic cables used for?

To connect different segments of a network that are far apart and to connect LANs to form a WAN.

How does Wi-Fi transmit data?

Using radio waves to provide a wireless signal for devices to connect.

What is Bluetooth used for?

To connect devices over short distances, typically in a Personal Area Network (PAN).

What is the role of satellites in communication technology?

To provide broadband internet connections, especially in rural areas or where other infrastructure is damaged.

What is attenuation in communication media?

The loss of signal strength due to interference or distance.

What is eavesdropping in the context of communication?

The interception of data being transmitted between devices for dishonest purposes.

What does electromagnetic interference (EMI) refer to?

The disruption of a signal due to electromagnetic fields from electrical equipment.

What are the advantages of Wi-Fi?

Provides a longer range for communication and allows more devices to connect to a larger network.

What is a disadvantage of Bluetooth?

Lower bandwidth and limited to connecting up to 7 devices.

What is a key advantage of Fibre Optic cables?

Highest bandwidth and lower attenuation, allowing data transmission over long distances.

What is a disadvantage of Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cables?

Susceptible to attenuation and requires signal boosting after every 100m.

What is the difference between client-server and peer-to-peer networks?

Client-server has a central server for data storage, while peer-to-peer allows each peer to store their own data.

What is a disadvantage of a client-server network?

More expensive to set up due to the need for a server.

What is a disadvantage of a peer-to-peer network?

Limited to connecting up to 10 computers and no security for shared data.

What is the primary use of a server in a client-server network?

To manage access and resources, improving performance.

What happens if there is a fault on the file server in a client-server network?

No one on the network will be able to work on the clients.