BTEC 2012

Unit 1 The Online World

Name: Adam Maj

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 device or program used to encode or decode data.
1.

Explain what VoIP stands for and how it works.

VoIP is a group of internet protocols which provide a means of sending voice and multimedia communication
over the internet rather than by public telephone networks. Real-time communication has become more and
more common, with communication by Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) growing in popularity.

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

composed of or characterized by a single part or structure

a communications system or computer circuit allowing the transmission of signals in
both directions but not simultaneously
In a full duplex system, both parties can communicate to the other simultaneously.

A.Silver

BTEC 2012
Unit 1 The Online World

Name: Adam Maj

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
(UTP) cables are a pair
of cables twisted
together. Shielded
twisted pair (STP) cables
are similar but have a
foil shielding.

Max Speed
Max Distance
Benefits

250 Mbps
100m
Very low cost and
adaptable

Limitations

Slower and with less

capacity than other
cables
Analogue telephone
network

Costs more than

UTP/STP
Connection to cable TV
networks

The cable networks use

fibre from their source to
the distribution panels in
the street

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
100m
Tends to be reliable

Microwave
It uses a coaxial cable

Satellite
Fibre optic

Short range.
Devices must be in a
direct line of sight.
Can suffer from
external
interference.
Keyboard, printer,
mouse
to processor unit.
Handsets.

Can be affected by rain,

pollen and sun spot
activity.
Can suffer from

Expensive.

Earth to satellite
communication.
Bluetooth.

Global communication
systems.

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.
1,000 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 and Works over
long distances, little
interference
Complex connection and
termination equipment

Wireless
Type
Cable used

Max Speed
Max Distance
Benefits

Limitations

Example of use

300 Mbps
Huge
100m
50km
Signal degrades very little Can increase the
Over long distances
distance
a network can reach.

A.Silver

BTEC 2012
Unit 1 The Online World

Name: Adam Maj

Plenary How many geostationary satellites are there in orbit and what do they
provide?
There are approximately 300 operational geostationary satellites in orbit.

A.Silver