The Architecture of Computer Hardware, Systems Software, & Networking: An Information Technology Approach, 5th Edition

CHAPTER 14

COMMUNICATION CHANNEL TECHNOLOGY

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14.0 INTRODUCTION

In Chapter 12, we introduced the concept of a communication channel. We noted that communication channels are fundamental to modern technology, whether we are discussing wired networks, wireless networks, a backbone of the Internet, cell phones, satellite television, or even your TV remote control. The discussion of channels in Chapter 12 presents features of the channel, introduces channel media and shows how communication channels and channel segments—or links—are interconnected to build networks. Chapter 14 extends the discussion by introducing the fundamental technology of communication channels.

First, in Section 14.1, we review some of the characteristics and features of the channel that are governed most directly by the technology. We have carefully differentiated between end-to-end channels and channels that are links. Since the technology can differ from link to link, we note that the emphasis in this chapter is almost entirely on channels that are individual links. The major topics of interest include the signaling methods used to represent data, the relationships between the signaling methods and the choice of media, and the characteristics of channels.

Fundamental signaling techniques and the general characteristics of channels ...