Assign #2 3/17/25
Haya Almegren - 202201327
Computer Networks
Sec. 203
DR. Wesal Ali
PART I :
Q1/ Differentiate between guided media and unguided media.
Guided Media Unguided Media
1. The energy of the signal travels 1. in unguided media, signal energy
through conductors in guided media. moves through the air.
2. Guided media is utilized for direct 2. Unguided media is typically used for
point-to-point communication. omnidirectional radio broadcasting.
3. Guided media helps create discrete 3. Unguided media leads to the
network topologies. formation of continuous network
topologies.
4. In guided media, signals are 4. In unguided media, signals are
transmitted as voltage, current, or transmitted as electromagnetic waves.
photons.
5. Examples of guided media include 5. Examples of unguided media include
twisted pair cables, coaxial cables, and microwave links, radio links, and infrared
optical ber cables. signals.
Q2/ Differentiate between an analog and a digital electromagnetic signal.
Analog signals Digital signals
1. Analog signals are initially 1. are easy to interpret.
challenging to analyze.
2. provide higher accuracy compared to 2. are less precise than analog signals.
digital signals.
3. require more time for storage and 3. can be stored quickly and e ciently.
have theoretically in nite memory.
4. have a continuous representation. 4. represent data in discrete steps.
5. are highly susceptible to noise. 5. are resistant to noise interference.
6. Examples of analog signals include 6. Examples of digital signals include
human voice, thermometers, and analog computers, digital phones, and digital
telephones. pens.
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Q3/ What are three important characteristics of a periodic signal.
A periodic signal has three important characteristics:
1. Amplitude – The amplitude represents the instantaneous value of the signal at any given
point and is measured in volts.
2. Frequency – Frequency refers to the number of times the signal repeats within a specific
time period and is measured in Hertz (Hz).
3. Phase – Phase indicates the position of the signal within its cycle at a particular moment in
time.
Q4/ What is the relationship between a signal's spectrum and its bandwidth.
The spectrum of a signal represents its frequency range, while bandwidth is the difference between
its highest and lowest frequencies. A wider bandwidth allows higher data transmission, while a
narrower bandwidth improves signal stability.
Q5/ What is attenuation?
Attenuation is the reduction in signal strength or intensity as it travels through a medium or over a
distance. It can occur with sound, light, or radio waves and is usually measured in decibels (dB).
Q6/ Define channel capacity.
Channel capacity is the maximum data transmission rate over a communication channel, measured
in bits per second (bps). It depends on the channel's bandwidth and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
Q7/ What key factors affect channel capacity?
1. Bandwidth: The range of frequencies the channel can carry; higher bandwidth allows for
more data transmission.
2. Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): The ratio of the signal strength to the noise level; a higher
SNR improves capacity.
3. Noise: Interference that distorts the signal and reduces the clarity of data transmission.
4. Modulation Scheme: The method used to encode data onto the carrier signal; more efficient
schemes can increase capacity.
5. Error Rates: Higher error rates reduce the effective data transmission rate.
PART II:
1. A digital signaling system is required to operate at 9600bps.
A) ) If a signal element encodes a 4-bit word, what is the minimum required bandwidth of the
channel? Using Nyquist's equation
B) Repeat part (a.) for the case of 8-bit words.