BTEC 2012

Unit 1 The Online World

Name: .

Lesson 9 Data Exchange

(Student Book B Pg 11 - 14)

Starter What is the role of a CODEC? What is a CODEC another name for?
A codec is a device or computer program capable of encoding or decoding a digital data stream or
signal. The word codec is a portmanteau of "coder-decoder" or, less commonly, "compressordecompressor".
1. Explain what VoIP stands for and how it works.
Is a group of internet protocols which provide a means of sending voice over multimedia communication
over the internet.
2. There are three transmission modes used in communication, these are shown in the diagram below.
Explain what each is and how it operates.

Transmission Mode
Simplex

Half Duplex

Duplex (Full Duplex)

Description
Sends data in the one direction only. Radio broad cast

Allows two-way- transmissions but the devices dont transmit at the same
time

Allows-two-way- communication at the same time

A.Silver

BTEC 2012
Unit 1 The Online World

Name: .

3. The table below shows the main transmission methods that are used. Complete the table to find out
the key details, benefits and limitations of each.

Wired
Type
Cable used

UTP / STP
Unshielded twisted pair
Cables are basic pair
Of cables
Shielded twisted pair
cables are similar but
have a foil shielding

Max Speed
Max Distance
Benefits

250 Mbps
100m
Twisting cancels out
Some interference and
Very low cost and is
Adaptable
Slow and can only be
Used over short
distances
Analogue telephone
Network.

Limitations

Example of use

Coaxial
Solid wire core
separated from a
copper-braided outer
cable by a plastic
Insulation sheath. The
inner cable transmits
the data and the
outer cable connects to
earth
1000 Mbps
100m
Fast and reliable

Fibre Optic
Glass or plastic cables
which use total internal
reflection of light to
Transmit data. Normally
uses LED or laser visible
light, although infrared
Has also been used.

2.4 Gbps
50km
Fast.

Costs more than UTP/

Works over long
STP. Susceptible to noise.Distances. Little
Interference.
Connection to cable
Complex connection
TV networks.
and termination
Equipment.

Wireless
Type
Cable used

Max Speed
Max Distance
Benefits
Limitations

Example of use

Infrared
Short range data
transmissions using
infrared light (just beyond
Visible light). This is the
same technology as is
Used in TV handsets.
4 Mbps
100 m
Tends to be reliable

Microwave
Short wavelength radio
transmissions working at
Very high frequencies.

300 Gbps
100 m
Signals degrades very
Little over long distance
Short range.
Can be affected by rain,
Devices must be in a
pollen and sun spot
Direct line of sight.
Activity.
Can suffer from external Can suffer from external
Interference.
Interference.
Keyboard, printer, mouse Earth to satellite
To processor unit.
Communication.
Handsets.
Bluetooth.

Satellite
Data is transmitted from
Earth to a satellite, which
relays it to the relevant
receiving station back on
earth
huge
500km-36000km
Can increase the distance
A network can reach.
Expensive.

Global communication
Systems.

Plenary How many geostationary satellites are there in orbit and what do they provide?
2

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BTEC 2012
Unit 1 The Online World

Name: .

Geostationary orbit, geostationary Earth orbit or geosynchronous equatorial

orbit is an orbit whose position in the sky remains the same for a stationary
observer on earth
401

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