UNIT 2: CONNECTIVITY

Introduction
 In this unit, you will learn about the ways in which digital devices
exchange data and communicate with each other and with larger
systems supporting online organizations.
 Understanding which technology to use in a particular context, and
knowing how to do so securely, are increasingly important because of
people’s growing need to connect from everywhere.
Chapter 4: Digital Communication
 Our world is connected by wireless digital communication systems.
Data flows around these systems, carrying information about our
personal and work lives and providing us with entertainment and news.
 Digital devices exchange data and communicate with each other and
with large systems.
 Understanding the way in which devices communicate will help you to
understand why things do not work as expected and will enable you to
stay connected to the streams of data that drive our world.
Learning Objectives
 Know the range of ways that digital devices communicate: satellite,
broadcast (TV, radio), wired (cable), and wireless.
 Know that digital devices can communicate device to device and by
using networks: local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN),
personal area network (PAN), tethering.
 Know the types of wireless communication: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, 3G,
4G, infra-red (IR), and near-field communication (NFC).
 Know the differences between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and when each is
best used.
Learning Objectives – Cont.…
 Understand factors influencing the speed and volume of data
transfer.
 Understand the benefits and drawbacks of wired versus wireless
communication in local networks.
 Understand the significance of bandwidth and latency, and their
impact on the ‘user experience.
 Understand the features of broadband, mobile broadband, and
cellular networks.
Speed and Volume of Data Transfer

 As we transfer more and more

data, it becomes more important
that we understand how to
increase the speed at which we
can transfer it.
 If we do not, transferring more
data will mean that transfer time
will increase.
 a) Bandwidth

The speed at which devices

can transfer data depends
on the bandwidth of the
connection.
Bandwidth - is the number
of bits that can be carried
by a connection in one
second.
Impact of bandwidth on user experience
1. A higher bandwidth means that more data can be transferred every
second. This makes uploads and downloads faster.
2. It makes it possible to do things that require a lot of data to be
transferred in short amounts of time, such as multiplayer online
gaming or high-definition video streaming.
Buffer - an area of memory used to temporarily store data, especially
when streaming video.
b) Latency
 Latency is the amount of time it takes to send data between
devices.
 You can identify latency by ‘pinging’ a domain. When you ping
a domain, you send a packet of data to a server and the packet
of data is immediately returned by the server to the
originating device. The ‘ping time’ is the amount of time it
takes for the packet of data to make the return trip.
 Domain - the name used to identify a web server.
Activity: Pinging Domains
Using a command line interface (Terminal in MacOS and
Linux or Command Prompt in Windows), type ‘ping
[domain]’ to ping the following domains:
 gov.au (by typing ‘ping gov.au’)
 newsfirst.lk
 gov.uk

Note the ping time for each domain. Why are they different?
Lag - move slowly or fail to keep up.
 In online gaming, the game will play smoothly if the
bandwidth is adequate. However, if the latency is
high, events in the game will lag and the game will
not seem responsive to the player’s commands.
 When watching live television, high latency will delay
the real-time events and the video being received for
playback.
 Factors that affect speed and volume of data transfer.
 When devices transfer data, they can be affected by many
factors that stop bits from reaching their destination.
 These bits then have to be sent again, which slows the overall
data transfer rate.
1. Transfer method
 Wireless methods have to work on a limited number of
frequencies. In comparison, copper cables can carry more
frequencies than wireless methods. This means that cabled
methods can have more bandwidth available to them than
wireless methods.

 Frequencies - the waveband at which a radio signal is transmitted.

 Hint: Some older wired methods have less bandwidth than newer
wireless methods.
 2. Interference
 Other electromagnetic signals disrupt or interfere with wired
and wireless signals.
 For example, interference can be caused by signals from
wireless devices, wireless routers, and appliances emitting
electromagnetic fields like fridges and microwave ovens.
 Cabled connections can be shielded from this interference by
having the wires wrapped in a thin layer of metal.
3. Blockages

 Walls and furniture

reduce the strength of
wireless signals. This
reduces the available
bandwidth.
4. Distance

 The strength of a wired or

wireless signal is reduced as
the distance that has to
travel increases.
Device-to-Device Communication

 Devices can connect directly to each other using wired or

wireless methods.
 Minijack - a plug and socket widely used for analogue
audio signals in portable devices.
 HDMI - (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) used to
transmit videos and audio data.
 Examples of device-to-device communication
Connection
Device 1 Device 2 Between 1 and 2 Use

Temperature • To turn on the air

Air conditioner Wired conditioning when the
sensor temperature is too high
• To play music from the
Smartphone Headphones Minijack smartphone on the
headphones
External hard
Laptop drive Use • To transfer files

Camcoder Monitor HDMI • To operate as a security

camera
Games controller Games console Bluetooth • To control a game
Network Communication
 When two or more computers are connected, a network is
created.
 There are four major types of networks.
1) Local Area Network (LAN)
2) Wide Area Network (WAN)
3) Personal Area Network (PAN)
4) Tethering
1. Local Area Network (LAN)
 A LAN is a network that
connects digital devices that
are in a small geographical
area, like a building or group
of buildings that are close to
each other.
2. Wide Area Network (WAN)
 A WAN is a network that is spread over a large geographical area.
 WAN is often used to connect different buildings owned by
national and international businesses, law enforcement agencies,
health and education organizations, and government
departments. Some organizations launch their own satellites to
provide connectivity for their own global WANs.
 WAN often uses connectivity provided by third-party
telecommunications companies, often linking LANs together
through the internet. Because of their wider reach, WANs often
have slower transfer speeds than LANs.
3. Personal Area Network (PAN)
 A PAN is a group of connected devices that are all near an
individual user.
 For example, a user could connect their smartwatch to their
smartphone, which is connected to their laptop and home cinema
speaker system. Devices in a PAN can either be connected to each
other directly or connected through access points.
 When a PAN only uses wireless connectivity, it can also be referred
to as a WPAN (Wireless Person Area Network). However, the
general term PAN is more commonly used to refer to all types of
PAN.
4. Tethering
 Is the process of connecting a host
device, such as a smartphone or a
tablet device, that uses a mobile
broadband connection with one or
more devices’ broadband
connection.
 Mobile phone network providers can
enable or disable tethering as part of
the service agreement. Some
network providers charge more for
this feature to be enabled.
The Ways in Which Digital Devices Communicate

Method Technology Use

a) Satellite Radio Waves GPS, television, military
b) Broadcast Radio Waves Television shows, radio
shows
c) Wired Electrical signal Networking,
peripherals
connecting

d) Wireless Radio waves Networking, connecting

peripherals
a) Satellite Communication

 Satellites transmit data to

and receive data from digital
devices.
 Digital devices use antennae
to receive the radio signals
that satellites transmit.
Benefits of satellite communication
a) The number of satellites means that the system is always
available.
b) It cannot be affected by power shortages.
Drawbacks of Satellite Communication
a) Satellite signals do not pass through solid objects. This means
that they will not work in areas with tall buildings or in
tunnels.
b) Signals can also be affected by atmospheric weather
conditions such as heavy snow or rain.
Uses of satellite communication
a) GPS - Satellite communications are used for GPS. Navigation aids make
use of GPS signals to calculate the exact location of a device. GPS signals are
sent from a network of 24 satellites orbiting the Earth. At any one time, a
device will be within a view of approximately 12 of these satellites. However,
a view of only four satellites is required to calculate an accurate location.
b) Television - Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) is the internationally
accepted standard method for broadcasting digital television.
DVB-S (Digital Video Broadcasting - Satellite) is one example of DVB.A video
signal from the broadcaster is transmitted using a large antenna on Earth to
one or more satellites, which then broadcast the signal back down to earth.
• A satellite television viewer will have an antenna installed, and this
receives the signal and sends it to a set top box. The set-top box
decodes the signal and converts it so that it is ready to be sent to a
television.
• DVB-S2 and DVB-S2X are new digital broadcasting standards. They
provide more functionality, such as High Definition Television (HDTV),
interactive services and internet access.

c) Telephone - satellite communication is also used to allow people in

remote areas to place voice calls using satellite telephones.
d) Military - the military in many countries use satellite for communication
systems, such as the Global Command and Control System.
b) Broadcast Communication
a) Analogues television and radio
Transmitters broadcast television and radio signals that are
received by a viewer’s antenna.
This antenna sends a signal through a wire to the television or
radio receiver, which converts it into images and audio.
b) Digital television
DVB-T (Digital Video Broadcasting - Terrestrial) is a method of
DVB where the transmitters are based on Earth, rather than in
orbit as they are in DVB-S.
• To receive digital television broadcasts transmitted by DVB-T, viewers
can use the same antenna that they use to receive analogue
broadcasts. They do not need a special antenna.
• DVB-T2 is a newer standard that provides more functionality, such as
high Definition Television (HDTV) and interactive services.
c) Digital radio
DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) is used in Europe and the Asia Pacific
region. It is broadcast in the same way as DVB.
DAB provides more radio stations and can also carry text data that DAB
receivers can display. The text data can include the time, name of the
station and details of the music being played.
b) Wired Communication
• Devices can use cables to communicate with each other via a
wired connection. There are many different types of wired
connection. Some are used for many different purposes, such
as USB. Others are used to meet only one particular need,
such as Ethernet.
• Ethernet - is a network connectivity standard that provides a
way for computers to communicate.
Types of wired connection and their uses

Connection Type Use

a) HDMI Digital video connections
b) S/PDIF Digital audio connections
c) Minijack Personal headphones
d) USB Storage transfer
e) Ethernet Networking
a) USB
• USB is a very common connection type.
• USB has been through a number of revisions, and
each revision allows faster data transfer speeds.
This progress is made necessary as digital devices
become more complex in their features and
functionality.
b) Ethernet
• Ethernet allows a user to connect to wired networks.
As ethernet technology develops, the speed at which
data can be transferred between devices is improved,
Ethernet cables can be 100 metres long before the
signals they carry start to lose quality.
d) Wireless Communication
 Devices can also use wireless connectivity to communicate
with each other. Just as with wired communication, there
are many different types of wireless connection.
i) WI-FI
• WI-FI is used in home and office networks.
• WI-FI is a wireless technology used to connect devices to a
network. That network can itself then connected to the internet,
so that devices connected to the WI-FI network can connect to
the internet.
• WI-FI uses the IEEE 802.11 specification standards for wireless
communication. The specification is revised regularly to take
account of improvements in technology. Each revision to the
specification is given a different letter or pair of letter at the end.
• The first revision was IEEE 802.11a.
• Each revision of the technology improves the
speed at which data can be transferred and
increases the distance over which devices can
connect.
Activity/HW
 Do some research to compare the different revisions
of WI-FI. How do their speeds and range differ?
ii) Bluetooth
• Bluetooth is a type of wireless connectivity that lets devices connect
over short distances.
• It cannot carry as much data as Wi-Fi.
• Bluetooth devices need to be paired with each other before they
communicate.
• Bluetooth can be used to transfer small files between devices. It is used
to connect devices such as smartphones and laptops to peripherals
such as portable speakers, headphones, earphones, keyboards, and
mice.
Pair - connect two devices (usually only with each other).
Comparing Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Type of Comparison Wi-Fi Bluetooth
Range Long Short
Bandwidth High Low
Power High Low
Security High Low
Can connect multiple Yes Limited
devices simultaneously (usually have to be paired)
iii) 3G and 4G
• 3G and 4G are sometimes referred to as mobile broadband.
• They are used to provide internet access to mobile devices
such as smartphones and tablet devices when a Wi-Fi signal
is not available.
• The G stands for ‘generation’, meaning that 4G is the fourth
generation of mobile broadband technology.
• Future generations of technology are planned to improve
the speed and availability of the signal.
Activity: 3G and 4G
1. Compare the speeds, costs and availability of 3G and
4G in your location.
2. Research the next generation of this technology.
iv) Infra-red (IR)
• Infra-red signals cannot carry much data and only have a short range.
• Transmitters must have a clear line of sight to receivers, because this
allows the signal to travel in a straight line between them without being
blocked by solid objects like walls.
• The signal is also affected by sunlight.
• It is often used in remote-control devices such as television remote
controls.
v) Near-Field Communication (NFC)
• NFC uses close proximity RFID (Radio Frequency
Identification) Chips.
• NFC is used in smartphones, payment cards and
travel cards.
Activity: Comparing wireless connections
• Complete the table below by identifying the technology used by each type
of wireless connection and some common uses for that type of connection.
Method Technology Use
Wi-Fi Radio waves Home and office networks
Bluetooth
3G and 4G
Infra-red
NFC
Benefits and Drawbacks of Wired vs. Wireless Communication

• Exposure to wireless signals does not cause health

issues. However, the effects on children using mobile
phones for more than 10 years is necessary. This is
because symptoms may take a long time to appear
and young people are most vulnerable to radiation.
 Comparing wired and wireless connectivity
Wired Wireless
Cost Cables are cheap if purchasing for a small • No need to buy cables
numbers of devices. • May need a wireless access point for multiple
connections.
Safety Risk of tripping over cables. None (though some people are worried about the
effect of radiation).
Speed Faster than wireless Slower than wired
Stability Less affected by interference than wireless Affected by interference and obstacles.
Portability Not portable as limited by connecting cables. Portable within signal range
May need signal booster if connection is more
than 100 metres long.
Mess Can look untidy if lots of cables are used. Tidy
Security Most secure Less secure than wired connection because it is
easier to intercept a wireless signal
Maintenance Using cables and ports continuously over a None.
long period of time may change them.
Broadband, Mobile Broadband and Cellular Networks.

• Broadband networks provide fast access to the internet

through a connection to an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
They use the fibre optic cable or copper cable network.
• Mobile broadband provides high-speed wireless connectivity
using 3G or 4G technology to connect to the mobile phone
network, which acts as the user’s ISP.
Subject vocabulary
• Internet Service Provider (ISP) - a Company that provides
customers with access to the internet.
• Fibre optic cable - a cable that sends data using light
signals.
• Copper cable - a cable that sends data using electrical
signals, which are conducted through copper wires.
Cat I: Questions
1 a) Explain one reason why some games console
controllers use Bluetooth rather than infra-red to connect
the console. (1 mark)
b) State one way in which using infra-red in games console
controllers could affect the experience of the person
playing the game. (1 mark)
2. Explain how video streaming works. (2 marks)
3. Explain why streaming is more convenient for the user
than downloading.(3 marks)
4. State three types of wired connection. (3 marks)
5. Which one of these best describes the internet? (1 mark)
A. LAN
B. WAN
C. PAN
D. VLAN
6. Explain why goal games companies use games servers in
multiple countries to ensure that the experience of users is not
negatively affected them playing online games. (3 marks)