Question 1 Report
(a) The table below lists three types of network transmission media. Complete the table by stating one advantage and one disadvantage of each. [6]
| Transmission medium | Advantage | Disadvantage |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre optic cable | ||
| Copper cable (UTP) | ||
| Wireless (Wi-Fi) |
(b) State what is meant by bandwidth. [1]
(a)
| Transmission medium | Advantage | Disadvantage |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre optic cable | Provides very high data transfer rates, capable of transmitting large volumes of data quickly. [1] | Expensive to install and repair because the cable is fragile and requires specialist equipment and expertise. [1] |
| Copper cable (UTP) | Inexpensive and easy to install, making it a cost-effective choice for most local networks. [1] | Offers lower bandwidth compared to fibre optic, limiting data transfer speeds over longer distances. [1] |
| Wireless (Wi-Fi) | No physical cables are needed, allowing devices to connect from anywhere within range and giving users mobility. [1] | The signal can be affected by interference from other electronic devices or weakened by physical barriers such as walls and floors. [1] |
(b) Bandwidth is the maximum rate at which data can be transferred across a network connection, usually measured in bits per second (bps). A higher bandwidth means more data can flow through the connection in a given time. [1]
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