Analog Network Signaling
An analog signal is best compared to a wave. It has similar properties to an ocean wave, and can be described using three specific characteristics: amplitude, frequency, and wavelength.
To use the ocean wave analogy an analog signal's amplitude is like the height of a wave rolling in onto the beach. The frequency of an analog signal can be compared to how fast the waves roll in. Wavelength can be compared to the distance between one wave and the next wave. Wavelength is measured as the distance between the peak of one wave and the next.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Analog Signals
Analog signals are variable and can convey more subtly than a digital signal. For example the human voice is analog, and has more tone than a digital representation of the same voice. However, analog signals are very vulnerable to interference from outside forces and other waves which can cancel them out.
Digital Network Signaling
A digital signal is made up of on/off states. Unlike the smooth curve of an analog wave, the digital signal cuts on and off, like morse code. This happens to perfectly fit the type of communication inside a computer, which is made up of on/off states as well.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Digital Signals
Digital signals are much more reliable than analog signals because they are less vulnerable to interference and errors. However, digital equipment costs more and is much more complex.
No comments:
Post a Comment