Communication System

Topic: Communication System

Class: SSS One

Meaning of ICT

ICT is an acronym that stands for Information and Communication Technology.
Information: refers 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:

• Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) – landline.
• Mobile phone (GSM)
• Circuit Switched Packet Telephone (CSPT)
• Satellite Telephone
• 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): Interconnection of devices within the environment of an individual user (typically within 10 meters).
• Local Area Network (LAN): A computer network covering a small local area, like a home, office, or school.
• Campus Area Network (CAN): Spans a limited geographical locality like university campus or military bases.
• Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): Large networks usually spanning a large city, connecting multiple LANs.
• Wide Area Network (WAN): Covers a broad geographical area comprising a region, state, country, or continent.
• Internet: A worldwide network of computers that share information.
• Virtual Private Network (VPN): A network that hides your online identity, allowing anonymous browsing.

Information Systems

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

Satellite communication

A satellite is an object that moves around a larger object. Satellite communication is the use of artificial satellites to provide communication links between various points on Earth.

Test Your Knowledge

1. Which of the following is an example of Synchronous communication?

Email
Video Conferencing
Blog

2. A network that typically covers a whole city is called ___?

LAN
MAN
PAN

3. Information can be defined as ___?

Raw facts
Processed data
Unorganized numbers

4. Which network type is usually restricted to within 10 meters?

PAN
WAN
CAN

5. GPS is an example of an ___?

Operating System
Information System
Hardware component

6. The three primary units of a telecommunication system are transmitter, receiver and ___?

Transmitting medium
Software
Battery

7. Which of these allows you to browse the internet anonymously?

GSM
VPN
PSTN