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Communication
Aspects of a communication system
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Handshaking | An agreement about which protocol to use to accomplish the exchange of information. |
Bits per second | The maximum number of bits that can be transmitted in one second. |
Baud rate | The maximum number of data symbols or electrical signals that can be transmitted in one second. |
Parity checking | A method of checking for errors in data transmission using an additional bit called a parity bit. |
Checksum | a method of checking for errors in data transmission by counting the number of bits in a data packet. |
Cyclic redundancy check | A method of checking for errors in data transmission using a division process. The data is divided into predetermined lengths and divided by a fixed divisor. |
Protocols | A set of rules that governs the transfer of data between computers. |
TCP/IP | A common set of rules for data transmission and error detection across the Internet. It works by breaking information into smaller packets of data |
Handshaking | Involves sending signals to indicate the type of protocol to be used for an agreement to be reached. |
HTTP | A protocol that enables the user to send and retrieve files using the Internet. HTTP allows access to Web pages that are based on hypertext. |
FTP | A protocol used to enable the client computer (user) to log on to the server. FTP is the oldest form of remote file access for the Internet. |
POP | A protocol that specifies how email messages may be exchanged between a computer and the ISP. |
Local area networks | Connect computers within a building or group of buildings on one site.(LAN) |
Wide area networks | Connect computers over hundreds or thousands of kilometres. |
Star topology | Has a central computer with each device connected directly to it. |
Ethernet | Ethernet allows data to be transmitted simultaneously to all nodes on the network in both directions. |
CSMA/CD | all nodes have the ability to sense signals on the network. When a node wishes to transmit, it ‘listens’ to the bus for signals. |
A file server | A controlling computer in a network that stores the programs and data shared by users. |
A mail server | A computer in a network that provides email facilities. It stores incoming mail for distribution to users and forwards outgoing mail to appropriate devices. |
A Web server | A computer in a network that provides a connection to the Internet. All the Internet traffic is directed through this server. |
Router | A device that determines where to send a data packet between at least two networks. |
Switch | A device that directs data packets along a path. It may include the function of a router. |
Twisted-pair | Consists of two thin insulated copper wires, twisted to form a spiral. Twisting reduces the amount of interference from other cabling. |
Coaxial cable | Consists of a single copper wire surrounded by an insulator, grounded shielding and an outer insulator. |
Fibre-optic | Uses a laser of light to carry data in small glass fibres about the diameter of a human hair. It is free from electromagnetic and radio interference, is very secure and can transmit data at high speeds without errors. |
microwave | A high-frequency radio signal sent through space in a straight line from one antenna to anothe |
Satellite | A specialised receiver and transmitter that is launched by a rocket and placed in orbit around the earth. |