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 device or program used to encode or decode data. Also a software used in VoIP, it will digitise an
analogue voice signal and then compress it and split it into internet packets for transmission. Often
called a coder/decoder program.
1. Explain what VoIP stands for and how it works.
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. It 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 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
Sends data in one direction only. A radio broadcast is a good example of a
simplex transmission.
Allows two-way transmissions but the devices do not transmit at the same
time. A system being used to monitor and control manufacturing processes
can use half-duplex transmissions. It will send a message to the control
computer, which will respond with new settings, but they both cannot send
messages at the same time. Some networks systems use half-duplex to
maximise bandwidth.
Allows two-way communication at the same time. The telephone system,
land or mobile, is an example of a full duplex system.

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

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 (or more
for category 7 cable)

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 (higher has
been achieved in
laboratory testing.
50km

Max Speed

250 Mbps

Max Distance

100m

100m

Benefits

Twisting cancels out

some interference.
Very low cost and
adaptable.

Fast and reliable.

Fast.
Works over long
distances with little
interference.

Limitations

Slower and with less

capacity than other
cables, and can only be
used over short
distances.

Costs more than UTP

and STP.
Susceptible to noise.

Complex connection and

termination equipment.

Example of use

Analogue telephone
network.

Connection to cable TV
networks.
Aerial/dish connection
to TV.

The cable networks use

fibre from their source to
the distribution panels
in the street. From there
they use coaxial cable to
individual households.

Wireless
Type
Cable used

Infrared
Short range data
transmissions using
infrared light. This is the
same technology as is
used in TV handsets.

Microwave
Short wavelength radio
transmissions working
at very high frequencies.

Satellite
Data is transmitted from
Earth to a satellite, which
relays it to the relevant
receiving station back on
Earth.

Max Speed

4 Mbps

300 Gbps

Huge

Max Distance

100m

100m

Benefits

Tends to be reliable.

Between circa 500 km to

36,000km
Signal degrades very
Can increase the
little over long distances. distance a network can
reach.

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BTEC 2012
Unit 1 The Online World

Name: .

Limitations

Short range.
Devices must be in a
direct line of sight.

Devices must be in a
direct line of sight.
Can be affected by rain,
pollen and sun spot
activity.

Example of use

Keyboard, printer,
Earth to satellite
mouse to processor unit. communication.
Handsets.
Bluetooth.

Expensive

Global communication
systems.

Plenary How many geostationary satellites are there in orbit and what do they provide?
There are approximately 300 operational geostationary satellites in orbit. They provide a broad range
of functions including communications, weather forecasting, television broadcasting and defence and
intelligence gathering operations. Just three of these satellites could give coverage on a global scale.

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