Telecommunication is the process of sending and receiving information over a distance using electronic devices and communication technologies. Telecommunication is the electronic transmission of information over long distances using communication networks.
Examples:
When you call your friend using a mobile phone, you are using telecommunication.
Broadband is a high-speed Internet connection that allows users to send and receive large amounts of data quickly. Broadband is a fast and always-on Internet connection used for browsing, streaming, downloading, online gaming, and video conferencing.
Broadband allows users to watch HD videos, attend online classes, and download files quickly without significant delays.
Throughput is the actual amount of data that is successfully transmitted from one place to another in a given period of time. Throughput is the rate at which data is successfully transferred over a network.
Throughput is the actual rate at which data is successfully transmitted over a communication network, usually measured in bits per second (bps).
Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted through a communication channel or network in a given amount of time. Bandwidth is the maximum data transfer capacity of a network or communication link.
Bandwidth indicates how much data a network can carry, not how much it actually carries. It is usually measured in:
| Bandwidth | Throughput |
|---|---|
| Maximum capacity of a network | Actual data transferred |
| Theoretical value | Practical value |
| Usually higher | Usually lower than bandwidth |
| Measured in bps, Mbps, Gbps | Measured in bps, Mbps, Gbps |
A network with 200 Mbps bandwidth may achieve only 150 Mbps throughput due to network congestion.
| 3G | 4G | 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Basic mobile internet | High-speed mobile internet | Ultra-high-speed mobile internet |
| Supports voice calls and video calls | Supports HD video calls and streaming | Supports 4K/8K streaming and immersive experiences |
| Slower data transfer | Faster data transfer | Fastest data transfer |
| Higher network delay | Lower network delay | Very low network delay |
| Suitable for web browsing and email | Suitable for online gaming and video conferencing | Suitable for AI, IoT, smart cities, and autonomous vehicles |
| Connects fewer devices | Connects more devices | Connects a massive number of devices simultaneously |
| Lower network efficiency | Better network efficiency | Highest network efficiency and reliability |
| Older mobile communication technology | Widely used modern mobile technology | Latest generation mobile communication technology |
Communication mode is the method used to transfer data between two devices in a network.
It tells:
There are 3 main types:
Data flows in only one direction. One device sends data and the other only receives.
TV station sends signals to viewers.
Radio station broadcasts sound only.
Keyboard sends data to computer.
Speaker only gives sound output.
Both devices can send and receive data, but not at the same time.
One person talks while the other listens.
Both devices can send and receive data at the same time.
Both people can talk together.
Audio and video work both ways simultaneously.
Communication media is the path or channel used to transfer data from one device to another.
It helps data travel between computers and devices.
There are 2 main types:
Data travels through physical cables or wires.
Two copper wires twisted together.
Cable with copper wire and protective covering.
Cable that uses light signals to transfer data.
Data travels through air without wires.
| Guided Media | Unguided Media |
|---|---|
| Uses wires | Wireless |
| More secure | Less secure |
| Faster and stable | May face signal problems |
| Example: Fiber cable | Example: Wi-Fi |
Networking devices are hardware devices used to connect computers and other devices in a network and help them communicate and share data with each other.
Example: Like making an announcement to the whole class.
Example: Like giving a letter directly to the correct person.
Example: Like repeating a message loudly so everyone can hear it.
Example: Like a bridge connecting two villages.
Example: Like a traffic police officer directing vehicles to the right road.
Network topology is the physical or logical arrangement of computers and network devices in a network. Network topology means the way computers and devices are connected to each other in a network.
1. Bus Topology
All computers are connected to a single main cable called the backbone cable. Transfers data through one common cable. Connects multiple computers using a single communication line.
2. Star Topology
All computers are connected to a central device such as a hub or switch. Sends and receives data through the central device. Manages communication between all connected computers.
3. Ring Topology
Computers are connected in a circular path, forming a ring. Data travels from one computer to another around the ring. Each computer helps pass data forward
4. Mesh Topology
Every computer is connected to every other computer. Provides multiple paths for data transmission. Ensures reliable communication.
5. Tree Topology
A combination of star topologies arranged in a hierarchical structure. Organizes large networks into branches. Allows easy network expansion.
An IP Address (Internet Protocol Address) is a unique numerical identifier assigned to every device connected to a computer network or the Internet. It works like a home address for a device, allowing data to be sent to the correct destination.
Think of the Internet as a city:
Without a house address, the postman cannot deliver a letter. Similarly, without an IP address, data cannot reach the correct device on a network.
An IP address is a logical address assigned to a network device. It works at the Network Layer (Layer 3) of the OSI model and is used to identify devices and route data packets between networks.
Based on the version of the Internet Protocol, IP addresses are of two types:
.).Example:
192.168.1.10172.16.0.18.8.8.8:).Example:
2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334fe80::1Difference Between IPv4 and IPV6
| IPv4 | IPv6 |
|---|---|
| Uses a 32-bit address. | Uses a 128-bit address. |
| Written in decimal numbers. | Written in hexadecimal numbers. |
| Uses dots (.) to separate numbers. | Uses colons (:) to separate numbers. |
| Supports about 4.3 billion addresses. | Supports 3.4 × 10³⁸ addresses. |
| Example: 192.168.1.10 | Example: 2001:db8::1 |
| Older version of IP. | Newer version of IP. |