Unit 1 - LO1 Understanding Computer Hardware

Question 1

Copper cable

Answer 1

. Limited bandwidth (about 100 metres)
. Less expensive when used to connect network devices
. Already available in rural areas
. More secure and faster than wireless
. Loses signal strength and slower than fibre

Question 2

Fibre Cable

Answer 2

. Increased bandwidth
. Long- distance capabilities
. Provides phone and internet services on one cable
. Impervious to electro-magnetic interference
. Not a fire hazard (they don’t conduct electricity)
. Do not easily break
. Expensive

Question 3

Wireless

Answer 3

. Uses radio waves
. Infrastructure does not yet cover all remote areas
. Signals degrade with distance

Question 4

Wireless technologies

Answer 4

Wireless technologies do not use cables but instead use radio frequency to transmit data between devices.

Question 5

Bluetooth

Answer 5

. Links nearby devices

. About 10 metres

Question 6

Wi-Fi

Answer 6

. Connects devices via a network hub

. Up to 92 metres but can be compromised

Question 7

Laser networks

Answer 7

. Sends large quantities of data using a light beam to device within line of sight
. Up to 10KM but can be blocked by fog or haze as droplets refract light

Question 8

Infrared technology

Answer 8

. Uses infrared LED emitting light received by a photo diode

. Device must be in line of sight and only a few metres apart

Question 9

Microwave communicaion

Answer 9

. Uses radio wave to send signals via microwave towers

. Devices must be in line of sight without obstructions