Communication System

Topic: Communication System

Class: SSS One

Meaning of ICT

ICT is an acronym that stands for Information and Communication Technology.
Information is referred to knowledge obtained from reading, investigating, studying and researching. It can also be defined as processed data.
Communication is an act of transmitting messages.
Technology is the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry.

Definition of ICT

ICT can therefore be defined as technologies that provide access to information through telecommunication.
It is also defined as the use of a diverse set of technological tools and resources to communicate, create, disseminate, store and manage information.

Communication strategies in ICT

There are two types of communication strategies in ICT:
1. Synchronous communication
This is a communication strategy where all parties involved in the communication need to be present and available at the same time. E.g. online chat, video conferencing, etc.
2. Asynchronous communication
Asynchronous communication does not require that all parties involved need to be present and available at the same time. E.g. Discussion forum, Blogs e-group, etc.

Types of ICT

The following are types of ICT:
1. Broadcasting
2. Telecommunication
3. Data network
4. Information system
5. Satellite communication

Broadcasting
Broadcasting is the distribution of audio and video content to a dispersed audience via any electronic mass communication medium. Types of broadcasting include Radio broadcasting, Television broadcasting, Satellite TV system broadcasting and Webcasting.

Telecommunication
Telecommunication is the transmission of information over a significant distance, for communication. A basic telecommunication system consists of three primary units; a transmitter, a transmitting medium and the receiver. Types of telecommunication systems include:
o Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) – landline.
o Mobile phone (GSM)
o Circuit Switched Packet Telephone (CSPT)
o Satellite Telephone
o Fixed Wireless Telephone

Data Network
Data network is an electronic communication process that allows for orderly transmission and receptivity of data only.
Types of Data Networks
• Personal Area Network (PAN): It refers to the interconnection of information technology devices or gadgets within the environment of an individual user (typically within 10 meters). PAN may be wired with the computer such as USB and Firewire. A wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) can be made possible with network technology such as infrared Data Association (irDA) and Bluetooth.
• Local Area Network (LAN): A local area network is a computer network covering a small local area, like a home, office, or school.
• Campus Area Network (CAN): CAN is a network that spans a limited geographical locality like university campus, military bases.
• Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): MANs are large computer networks usually spanning a large city. It is connects multiple LANs to form larger network, so that the computer resources can be shared.
• Wide Area Network (WAN): WAN is a computer network covering a broad geographical area comprising a region, a state, a country and a continent.
•Internet: The internet is a worldwide network of computers that share information
• Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN is network that hides your online identity, allowing you to browse the internet anonymously.

Information Systems
Information system is an integrated set of components for collecting, storing, processing and communicating information.
Types of the informative system include:
i. Data processing system
ii. A global positioning system (GPS). GPS is a satellite-based navigating system.

Satellite communication
A satellite is an object that moves around a larger object. Satellite communication, in telecommunication, is the use of artificial satellites to provide communication links between various points on Earth. Approximately 2,000 artificial satellites orbiting Earth relay analogue and digital signals carrying voice, video and data from one or many locations worldwide.