Modern means and channels of communication serve us not only as intermediaries for the transfer of information. They are able to provide and maintain the operation of mechanisms and devices, supervise the work of employees, and remotely control complex equipment.
A lot has been said about the types of communication. We will just list them. So, telegraph, telephone, radio communication, sound broadcasting systems, television, satellite or mobile communications, new formats (3G, 4G, etc.), computer wired and wireless networks can be used for data transmission. At the same time, thanks to the development of technologies in the field of communication and switching, the quality and speed of transmission is constantly growing. Communication channels play a significant role in this. They will be discussed.
Types and classification of communication channels
Before talking about types, it makes sense to define the essence of the concept of "communication channels". It means a system consisting of an environment in which the signal propagates, as well as a complex of technical devices and means that provide and maintain the propagation of a signal of a certain frequency at a certain speed.
As for classification or typology, thenat present, communication channels can be divided as follows:
- By type of conductive medium (cable or RF).
- By frequency band (HF, VHF, UHF, microwave, millimeter wave, infrared).
- By signal type (analogue or digital).
Many people have probably heard such expressions as digital communication channels or optical communication channels. What are their distinguishing features or benefits?
Digital communication channels transmit information in the form of a binary code, which
consists only of 0 and 1. Thanks to this technology, it was possible to achieve minimal data loss or distortion, unlike the analog method. For example, when talking on the phone, it is the analog signal that is most often used, the principle of which is to transmit continuous electrical oscillations. That is why analog communication systems are very susceptible to interference and can significantly distort information or lose data.
Optical communication channels differ from others by the material from which the cable is made. The optical fiber used in their production allows for high channel bandwidth, minimal distortion or signal reduction even over long distances, and immunity to interference. In addition, optical fiber is economical to manufacture, much smaller and lighter in overall dimensions. According to some sources, the weight of conventional cables can be 10 times that of an optical wire.similar size. Optical communication channels are also digital, since they transmit information in this form.
One cannot but say about wireless communication channels. We use some of them without even thinking about it. An example of this would be an infrared (laser) communication channel. It is he who allows us to control a TV or other device using a remote control that supplies a directional beam of light. Wireless channels include:
- Infrared or laser.
- Microwave channels (used for satellite or long-distance communications).
- Networks of free radio frequencies (the ability to transmit a signal in several bands at once).
