8th Grade INFORMATION TRANSMISSION

Definition

Information transmission refers to the movement of data in form of bits between two or more digital
devices. This transfer of data takes place via some form of transmission media (for example, coaxial cable,
fiber optics etc.).

Information transmission can also be referred to as the various ways or more of spreading or passing
information from one place to another.

Methods of Transmitting Information

The way in which data is transmitted from one place to another is called data transmission mode. lt also
called the data communication mode. It indicates the direction of flow of information. Sometimes, data
transmission modes are also called directional modes.

The methods used in transmitting information are as following:

1. Simplex Mode: In simplex mode, data can flow in only one direction. In this mode, a sender can only
send data and cannot receive it. Similarly, a receiver can only receive data but cannot send it. Data sent
from computer to printer is an example of simplex mode. In simplex mode, it is not possible to confirm
successful transmission of data. The other examples of simplex communication modes are Radio and T.V
transmissions.
2. Half-Duplex Mode: In half-duplex mode, data can flow in both directions but only in one direction at
a time. In this mode, data is sent and received alternatively. The Internet browsing is an example of half
duplex mode. The user sends a request to a Web server for a web page. It means that information flows
from user's computer to the web server. Web server receives the request and sends - data of the
requested page. The data flows the Web server to the user's computer.

3. Full-Duplex Mode: In full duplex-mode, data can flow in both directions at the same time. It is the
fastest directional mode of data communication. The telephone communication system is an example of
full-duplex communication mode. Two persons can talk at the same time. Another example of full-duplex
mode in daily life is automobile traffic on a two-lane road. The traffic can move in both directions at the
same time.

TYPES OF INFORMATION TRANSMISSION

A. Wireless Transmission:

1. Satellite Transmission: Satellite transmission is a non-terrestrial microwave transmission system

utilizing a space relay station. Satellites have proved invaluable in extending the reach of voice, data, and
video communications around the globe and into the most remote regions of the world. Exotic
applications such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) would have been unthinkable without the benefit
of satellites.
2. Wireless Transmission: Wireless transmission systems carry invisible electromagnetic waves to
transmit data over long distances within a short amount of time. There are multiple types of wireless data
transmission systems which enable information signals to be quickly sent and received by other units.
Examples of wireless transmission are: Radio, microwave and Infrared.

B. Networking Cables:

Networking cables are used to connect one network device to other network devices or to connect two
or more computers to share printer, scanner etc. Different types of network cables like Coaxial cable,
Optical fiber cable, Twisted Pair cables are used depending on the network's topology, protocol and size.

The devices can be separated by a few meters (e.g. via Ethernet) or nearly unlimited distances '(e.g. .via
the interconnections of the Internet).

Classification of Means of Transmitting Electronic and Non-electronic

1. Electronic Classification

Electronic communication has become almost an essential part of people's lives. The Internet has been
the channel for electronic communication, and rarely in human history has anything risen to such
prominence in such a short period of time.

There are now many ways to communicate electronically, with, no doubt, more variety to come in the
near future. Examples are E-mail, Newsgroups; Chartrooms; Video; Conferencing; Social Media and
Instant Messaging.

2. Non-electronic Classification

Since the advent of communication, data and information have been transmitted via non-electronic
devices. Non electronic methods of transmitting information are ways of communicating through non-
electronic sources such as letters, reports, memoranda, etc.

Before the invention of electricity, communication was slow and difficult. Some messages took days,
weeks and even months to arrive at destinations. It was also not as effective and less people were able to
receive these messages at once.