3.1.9 - Explain why compression of data is often necessary when transmitting across a network.

Question 1

What is data compression?

Answer 1

Encoding information to use fewer bits than the original data entity.

Question 2

Explain 4 benefits of data compression.

Answer 2

1) Bandwidth - compressing data reduces the size of the data being transmitted, allowing it to be sent over a network using less bandwidth. This is particularly important when transmitting large files or data sets, as it can help avoid network congestion and delays.
2) Storage - compressed data requires less storage space than uncompressed data, which can be useful when storing large volumes of data on servers or other storage devices. This can help reduce the cost and complexity of storage solutions, particularly for businesses and organisations that deal with large amounts of data.
3) Cost savings - compressing data can help reduce the cost of transmitting data over a network, particularly for businesses and organisations that rely on expensive leased lines or other high-speed connections. By reducing the amount of data that needs to be transmitted, organisations can save money on network infrastructure and connectivity costs.
4) User experience - compressing data can improve the user experience for individuals and organisations by reducing the time it takes to transmit data, particularly over slow or congested networks. This can help improve productivity and reduce frustration for users who rely on network-based applications and services.