1.4 The Internet Flashcards
What is the internet
A global network of interconnected networks
Characteristics of copper cables
Cheaper type of wired internet that are poorly insulated so susceptible to electromagnetic interference.
They are also more likely to suffer from attenuation (network distortion)
Malleable and less likely to to break
Have a lower bandwidth so cannot transmit as much data at once
Characteristics of fibre optic cables
Very fast but expensive type of wired connection
Signals are transmitted as waves of light through a glass tube. Because they are not affected by electromagnetic interference and suffer less attenuation
They have a higher bandwidth and can transfer more data at one time than copper cables but they are more fragile
Characteristics of Bluetooth wireless connection
Temporary short range communication between devices within a limit of about 10 metres
The close proximity is a disadvantage but no other hardware is required for a connection
Characteristics of microwave wireless connections
Use radio waves to send signals across a large area via microwave towers
Can transmit larger amounts of data but antennas must be in the line of sight of each other with no obstructions
Can be affected by bad weather leading to higher chances of attenuation ( network distortion )
Characteristics of satellite networks
Use point to multipoint communication by using satellites above the earths atmosphere that relieve a transmission and re broadcast them back to earth.
Because of distance between the communication devices, there is a delay between data being transmitted and received.
Characteristics of GSM / 5G
Global systems for mobile communication allows phones to connect to a network for calls and text messages
Advantages in mobile technology like 5G are classified as generations 3G 4G 5G. each generation is generally faster more secure and allows for new opportunities.
Characteristics of connections
Strength, range, latency(delay), bandwidth(max amount of data that can be sent at one time), storage capacity, contention ( whether a network is dedicated (uncontended) or shared between uses (contended))
