The diagram shows two methods of data transmission. (a) Using the diagram, describe two methods of data transmission used in networks. [2] (b) Explain the a...

(a) Two methods of data transmission shown in the diagram:

• Serial transmission sends data one bit at a time along a single channel. The bits travel sequentially one after another. This method is used for long-distance communication because it is simpler and cheaper to implement over long cables. [1]
• Parallel transmission sends multiple bits simultaneously along multiple channels (for example, 8 bits at once using 8 separate wires). This is faster but is used for short-distance communication within a device, because over longer distances the signals on different wires can arrive at slightly different times, causing errors. [1]

(b) Advantages of fibre optic cable compared to copper cable:

• Fibre optic cables transmit data using light signals at much higher speeds than the electrical signals used in copper cables, supporting greater bandwidth. [1]
• Fibre optic cables are not affected by electromagnetic interference and can carry data over longer distances without signal degradation, making them more reliable. [1]

(c) Two reasons a business might choose a client-server network over peer-to-peer:

• A client-server network has centralised file storage and management on a dedicated server, making it easier to perform backups and enforce security policies across the entire network. [1]
• User access rights and permissions can be managed centrally by the network administrator, ensuring consistent security rather than relying on each individual user to manage their own machine. [1]