Group Assignment
1. What is the difference between undersea cable (fiber optic cable) and satellite in order
to allow communications? Which one is more popular and faster? How they can be
configured? Which one is transmits more data at a time?
Differences: Infrastructure: Undersea internet cables consist of physical cables
laid on the ocean floor, connecting continents and countries. In contrast,
satellites are positioned in geostationary or low-earth orbits above the Earth's
surface.
Undersea cable (Fiber Optic Cable):- are physical cables laid on the ocean floor
to connect different countries or regions. They transmit data using light signals
through fiber-optic strands. These cables are used for high-speed, high-capacity
data transmission between continents or across oceans.
Advantages :-
High data transmission speed (up to 100 Gbps or more).
Low latency (delay is minimal).
High reliability and security.
Long term stability and durability.
Satellite: - satellites are orbiting space-based platforms that transmit and
receive data via radio waves. They are used to provide communication
services in remote or underserved areas where terrestrial infrastructure is not
available.
Advantages:-
Wide coverage area.
Can provide connectivity in remote areas.
No need for physical infrastructure.
Differences:-
Transmission medium:-Fiber optic cables use light, while satellites use
radio waves.
Latency:- fiber optic cables have much lower latency compered to
satellites.
Speed:- fiber optic cables are faster and can transmit more data at a time.
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Coverage:- satellite provides broader coverage, but fiber optic cables are
more efficient for long distance, high –speed data transfer.
Fiber optic cables are more popular for high-speed, high capacity
communication.
Satellite is used for backup or in areas where fiber is not available.
Fiber optic cables are faster due to lower latency and high data
transmission rates.
Undersea cables are configured by laying them on the ocean floor,
connecting different countries or regions.
Satellites are configured by launching them into orbit and setting up
ground stations to communicate with them.
Undersea fiber optic cables can transmit more data at a time due to their
high bandwidth and low latency.
2. Is Ethiopia have their own backbone cable (undersea cable/fiber optic) to connect with
other country digitally? If yes; in which direction (from which sea)? Whereas If No
why and so how internet can be working in Ethiopia?
Ethiopia is a land locked country, and it does not have a direct undersea
cables connection to the ocean. Therefore, it does not have its own undersea
backbone cable. However, Ethiopia has been working on improving its
digital infrastructure and connectivity through various means.
How internet works in Ethiopia
Landline and fiber optic networks:- Ethiopia has been developing its
terrestrial fiber optic network, especially in urban areas.
Satellite internet:- Ethiopia uses satellite based internet services, such as
those provided by companies like Star-link or Airtel Africa, to provide
internet access to remote areas.
International partnerships:- Ethiopia has been connecting to international
networks through land-based fiber optic cables that connect to
neighboring countries like :-Eritrea, Sudan, and Kenya, which have
undersea cables.
International partnerships: - Ethiopia has been working with
international partnership to improve its digital infrastructure, including
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through the Ethiopia Internet Exchange (EIX), which allows for better
data exchange and connectivity.
Conclusion: - Ethiopia does not have its own undersea backbone cable,
but it has been working on improving its digital infrastructure through a
combination of terrestrial fiber, satellite, and cross-border connectivity.
3. Discuss the difference between mobile cellular network generations?
(0G, 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G. undersea )
Mobile cellular network generation refers to the different stages of wireless
communication technology that have been developed over time. Each
generation (1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G) has introduced new features, faster speeds,
and better connectivity. Here is a comparison of 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G
The Dawn of Mobile: 0G
Before the advent of cellular networks, there was 0G. These were analog systems with limited
channels, primarily used for car phones. While basic voice communication was possible,
coverage was scarce, and the technology was far from portable.
Digital Age Begins: 1G
The introduction of 1G marked a significant leap forward. By digitising voice signals, call
quality improved, and network capacity increased. However, data transmission was still non-
existent. Brick-sized phones were the norm, and battery life was a constant concern.
Texting Takes Off: 2G
2G ushered in the era of digital cellular networks. This generation brought about SMS (text
messaging), revolutionizing communication. Additionally, data services like GPRS emerged,
albeit at slow speeds. Mobile phones started becoming more compact and user-friendly.
The Multimedia Era: 3G
With 3G, mobile internet became a reality. Faster data speeds enabled mobile browsing, email,
and multimedia applications. This generation paved the way for smartphones and the app
economy. Video calls and mobile gaming also became feasible, albeit with limitations.
High-Speed Connectivity: 4G
With the advent of 4G, also known as LTE, data speeds were significantly increased, bringing
the experience of using mobile internet to parity with broadband. Cloud-based apps, social
networking, and streaming services all flourished thanks to this generation. Additionally, it
established the framework for the Internet of Things (IOT).
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A Glimpse into the Future: 6G
While 5G is still being fully rolled out, the tech world is already looking ahead to its successor:
6G. This next generation of mobile networks promises to be a quantum leap forward, offering
speeds and capabilities that were once the stuff of science fiction.
What can we expect from 6G?
Hyper-fast speeds: Imagine downloading an entire high-definition movie in
seconds. 6G is expected to deliver data transfer rates hundreds of times faster than
5G.
Ultra-low latency: This means near-instantaneous response times, essential for
applications like autonomous vehicles, remote surgery, and augmented reality.
Massive connectivity: 6G will be able to handle billions of connected devices
simultaneously, paving the way for a truly interconnected world.
Artificial intelligence integration: AI will be deeply embedded in 6G networks,
enabling intelligent decision-making and self-optimization.
New spectrum: To achieve these advancements, 6G will likely utilize higher
frequency bands, such as terahertz waves, which offer vast amounts of spectrum.