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| Signals |
Signals
A signal is a means of conveying any kind of information or data from one place to another. This information can be in different types such as voice, video, temperature, or any other data.
Signals are generally divided into two types
Analog signal
Digital signal
In a telecommunications network system, “analog” refers to a system in which voice, video, and other data can be transmitted as continuous signals. Analog signals transmit information in the form of varying voltages or currents. Which are constantly changing over time.
The definition of analog in telecommunication network system is as follows.
Sound Transmission
Traditional telephone systems transmit voice using analog signals. Your voice is converted into an electrical signal by the microphone and transmitted over the telephone line as an analog signal.
Radio and Television signals
The Broadcasting of Radio and television also use analog signals. Radio stations transmit signals using frequency modulation (FM)
or amplitude modulation (AM), which both are in analog format.
Fax machines transmission
The Fax machines used analog signals to transmit documents etc.The document image was converted into analog signals and then sent over the telephone line.
Distance and noise
Analog signals can suffer from noise and interference effects. Due to which the signal quality may deteriorate. This can be a problem especially in long distance transmissions.
Fundamentals of Analog Signals
Advantages of analog transmission
Analog transmission has several following advantages
Simplicity
Disadvantages of Analog Transmission
The Analog transmission also has several disadvantages that limit its use. Noise and interference Analog signals are more prone to noise and interference effects. These signals can be weakened while being transmitted over long distances. Due to which the quality may decrease.
Signal failure
Signal degradation is a major problem in the transmission of analog signals. Analog signals can degrade over long distances.
Low efficiency
The Data transmission efficiency is very low in analog systems. Especially compared to modern digital systems. The transition from analog to digital is more common in modern times.
Analog telecommunication networks have migrated to digital telecommunications. In digital transmission, information is transmitted in binary format (0 and 1).
Digital transmission has several advantages as follows.
Providing better quality Digital signals are more resistant to noise and interference, resulting in better transmission quality.
Better storage and processing
The Digital data is easy to store and process, which is useful in modern technologies.
Long distance shipping
Digital signals are easier to transmit over long distances and have less quality degradation.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ANALOG AND DIGITAL
There are several important differences between analog and digital transmission
Nature of signals
The Analog signals are continuous but while the digital signals are used binary codes in the form of 0 or 1.
Noise resistance
Digital signals are more resistant to noise while analog signals are noisy and are more prone to interference.
Transmission distance
The Digital signals can be transmitted more efficiently over longer distances such as analog signals can be weaker over longer distances.
Analog transmission has played an important role in the history of telecommunication networks. it is still used in certain situations today.
Although digital transmission has largely replaced analog systems, it is important to understand the basics of analog transmission and know their advantages and disadvantages.
In the future, new technologies and hybrid systems will seek to further improve analog and digital transmission, making information transmission more efficient and reliable.
Types of Signals
Analog Signal
A continuous wave that changes smoothly over time to represent information is called analog signals. The Light waves, sound waves and radio waves is example of analog signals.
Digital Signal:
A signal that uses distinct values, typically 0s and 1s, for communication.
Which is the example of digital signals such as Computer data, digital music and digital music etc.
Periodic Signal:
A signal that repeats its original pattern regularly such as wave that goes up and down in a fixed way.
For examples the tone of a musical note, the alternating current (AC) power in your home, the ticking of a clock.
Aperiodic Signal:
A signal that does not repeat its pattern that is called random or unpredictable signals.
These are best examples of aperiodic signals are given below The static noise on a radio, earthquake vibrations and brain wave patterns.
Continuous-time Signal:
A signal that exists at every moment in time without any breaks.
The sound of a song and video streams are the best examples.
Discrete-time Signal:
A signal that exists only at specific moments in time, not continuously.
For examples Digital sound recordings, digital photos, sampled data points.
Deterministic Signal
A signal with a predictable, fixed pattern. The steady beat of a metronome, a continuous beeps and the regular ticking of a clock is the example of deterministic signals.
Random Signal:
A signal with an unpredictable, random pattern.
For examples the Background noise, radio interference, random thermal noise in electronics.
Energy Signal:
A signal with a limited amount of energy, often short in duration.
A single clap, a quick flash of light and a radar pulse.
Power Signal:
A signal with consistent power over time. Examples: The electricity powering your home, a continuous radio broadcast, a steady laser beam.
Both analog and digital signals have their importance and specific uses in telecom network systems
Analog Signals
These signals are continuous in nature and change over time. Information is transmitted in analog signals, such as voice, video, etc.
Significance
In the early days of telecom systems, analog signals were widely used, as they corresponded directly to microphones and speakers. These signals accurately transmit the human voice and other natural sound waves.
Quality of analog signals
Analog signals are affected by noise and interference, which degrades signal quality.
Digital Signals
These signals are discrete and transmit information in the form of binary data (0s and 1s).
Significance
Digital signals are very important in modern telecom networks. Data transmission through them is more efficient, faster and reliable. Digital signals are less affected by noise and interference. Advantages:
Quality
Digital signals have better voice and data quality. Compression: Digital signals can be easily compressed, saving bandwidth. Encryption: Digital signals are easier to encrypt, increasing information security. Multiplexing: Multiple calls or data streams can be transmitted simultaneously over the same network.
Analog signals are still important in telecom networks in some older systems, but are used more in modern networks due to the efficiency and superiority of digital signals.
