Communication System Chapter 3

Questions and Answers

What is the origin of the word 'communication'?

The word 'communication' originates from the Latin word 'commūnicāre', which means 'to share'.

Identify and describe the three essential parts of a communication system.

The three essential parts of a communication system are the sender, channel, and receiver.

Differentiate between analog and digital signals.

Analog signals consist of continuous electrical signals, while digital signals contain discrete electrical signals.

What characterizes a periodic signal?

A periodic signal is characterized by a fixed pattern that repeats at regular intervals. Signup and view all the answers

Name one type of network communication model and explain its significance.

One type of network communication model is the client-server model, which facilitates efficient communication and resource sharing between clients and servers. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary example of point-to-point communication?

A telephone is a primary example of point-to-point communication. Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of the point-to-point model when addressing multiple users?

The limitation is that it does not effectively support communication with multiple users at once. Signup and view all the answers

How does the client-server model improve upon the point-to-point model?

It designates a special server node that connects to multiple client nodes simultaneously. Signup and view all the answers

In the publish-subscribe model, what role do nodes play?

Nodes either 'publish' data they want to share or 'subscribe' to data they need. Signup and view all the answers

What are common daily life examples of the publish-subscribe model?

Television, magazines, and newspapers are common examples. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Communication System: Overview

Communication originates from the Latin word "commūnicāre", meaning "to share".
It serves as a fundamental step for the exchange of information, such as a baby crying for its mother or a cow mooing in distress.
Defined as the process of sharing information between two or more individuals through words, actions, and symbols.

Components of Communication System

Sender: The individual transmitting the message; analogous to a transmitting station.
Channel: The medium through which the message travels to reach its destination.
Receiver: The individual receiving the message, comparable to a receiving station.

Signals in Communication

Definition: Electric impulses or electromagnetic waves used to convey messages across distances.
Types:
- Analog Signals: Continuous electric signals.
- Digital Signals: Discrete electric signals.
Periodic vs. Aperiodic Signals:
- Periodic signals have a fixed pattern and recur at regular intervals.
- Aperiodic signals do not follow a regular time interval.

Network Communication Models

Models affect efficiency, error detection, and robustness in communication.
Types of Network Models:
- Point-to-Point Model: Simplest form of communication; an example includes a telephone. Requires knowledge of the other party's address (e.g., phone number).
- Client-Server Model: Designed to overcome scalability issues. A designated server node connects multiple client nodes.
- Publish-Subscribe Model: Involves nodes subscribing to needed data and publishers sharing information directly with subscribers, bypassing centralized servers.

Types of Transmission Media

Defined as the physical path between transmitter and receiver, critical for data transmission.
Guided Media: Also known as wired or bounded media, directs signals through physical links.
- Types:
  - Twisted Pair Cable: Comprises two insulated conductor wires twisted together. Common in telephone and LAN connections.
    - Advantages: Cost-effective, easy installation, high-speed capability.
    - Disadvantages: Sensitive to external interference and limited transmission distance due to attenuation.
  - Coaxial Cable: Features an outer plastic casing with insulating layers and parallel conductors, transmitting information in baseband and broadband modes.
    - Applications: Widely used in cable TV and radio frequency signal transmission.

Summary of Cable Types

Twisted Pair: Most common, low cost, and suitable for telecommunication.
Coaxial: Offers better performance for certain applications but is more expensive and complex to install; used for radio signals and computer networking.

Description

This quiz explores the basic principles of communication as introduced in Chapter 3. Learn about the origins of the word, its significance in information exchange, and various methods of communication. Understanding these fundamental concepts will enhance your knowledge of how communication functions in different contexts.