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

Question 1

What is data compression?

Answer 1

Data compression is the process of encoding information to use fewer bits than the original data entity, reducing its size for transmission or storage.

Question 2

Why is data compression important for bandwidth usage?

Answer 2

Compressing data reduces its size, allowing it to be transmitted using less bandwidth, which helps avoid network congestion and delays, especially when transmitting large files.

Question 3

How does data compression impact storage requirements?

Answer 3

Compressed data requires less storage space, reducing the cost and complexity of storage solutions, which is especially useful for businesses managing large volumes of data.

Question 4

How does data compression lead to cost savings for organisations?

Answer 4

By reducing the amount of data transmitted, organisations can save on network infrastructure and connectivity costs, particularly for expensive high-speed connections.

Question 5

How does data compression improve user experience?

Answer 5

Compressing data reduces the time needed to transmit data, improving productivity and reducing frustration for users, especially on slow or congested networks.