1.4 Connectivity
For computers to communicate with other devices and share data a form of connection is
required:
Wired connections:
Copper cables
Copper cables are a cheaper type of wired internet connection that may be poorly insulated
therefore susceptible to electromagnetic interference.
Copper cables are more likely to suffer from attenuation (network distortion).
However, they are malleable (easier to bend) and less likely to break than other cables such
as fibre optic.
They have a lower bandwidth- cannot transmit as much data at once- than fibre optic
cables.
Fibre Optics
Fibre optic cables are a very fast but expensive type of wired internet connection. Signals
are transmitted as waves of light through a glass tube. Because of this fibre optic cables are
not affected by electromagnetic interference and suffer less from attenuation.
Fibre optic cables have a higher bandwidth- can transfer more data at one time- than
copper cables but they are more fragile.
Wireless connections:
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a temporary short-range communication between devices within a limit of
about 10 metres.
For example, Bluetooth can be used to transfer audio files from one smartphone to another.
The close proximity is a disadvantage, but no other hardware is required.
Infrared
Infrared networks have been replaced by Bluetooth or WiFi connections because infrared
requires devices to be in direct line of sight.
Infrared is still used by some devices such as remote controls to transmit signals to a TV but
it only works across a short distance.
Microwave
Microwave connections use radio waves to send signals across a large area via microwave
towers. It can transmit a large amount of data but antennas must be in the line of sight of
each other with no other obstructions.
Microwave connections are affected by bad weather, leading to high chances of attenuation
(network distortion)
Laser
Although not common, laser connections can send data between devices that are in line of
sight of each other as long as there are no barriers. Laser connections can transmit up to
2km, but bad weather severely affects the transmission rate. Laser connections can be used
in space as there are fewer barriers between the satelites
For computers to communicate with other devices and share data a form of connection is
required:
Wired connections:
Copper cables
Copper cables are a cheaper type of wired internet connection that may be poorly insulated
therefore susceptible to electromagnetic interference.
Copper cables are more likely to suffer from attenuation (network distortion).
However, they are malleable (easier to bend) and less likely to break than other cables such
as fibre optic.
They have a lower bandwidth- cannot transmit as much data at once- than fibre optic
cables.
Fibre Optics
Fibre optic cables are a very fast but expensive type of wired internet connection. Signals
are transmitted as waves of light through a glass tube. Because of this fibre optic cables are
not affected by electromagnetic interference and suffer less from attenuation.
Fibre optic cables have a higher bandwidth- can transfer more data at one time- than
copper cables but they are more fragile.
Wireless connections:
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a temporary short-range communication between devices within a limit of
about 10 metres.
For example, Bluetooth can be used to transfer audio files from one smartphone to another.
The close proximity is a disadvantage, but no other hardware is required.
Infrared
Infrared networks have been replaced by Bluetooth or WiFi connections because infrared
requires devices to be in direct line of sight.
Infrared is still used by some devices such as remote controls to transmit signals to a TV but
it only works across a short distance.
Microwave
Microwave connections use radio waves to send signals across a large area via microwave
towers. It can transmit a large amount of data but antennas must be in the line of sight of
each other with no other obstructions.
Microwave connections are affected by bad weather, leading to high chances of attenuation
(network distortion)
Laser
Although not common, laser connections can send data between devices that are in line of
sight of each other as long as there are no barriers. Laser connections can transmit up to
2km, but bad weather severely affects the transmission rate. Laser connections can be used
in space as there are fewer barriers between the satelites
