Signals and Transmission Media

Distinguish analog signals from digital signals using continuity, waveform, and value representation.

Identify amplitude, period, frequency, and phase on a labelled sinusoidal waveform.

Calculate frequency from period and period from frequency.

Explain wavelength and calculate it from propagation speed and frequency.

Draw and label a sinusoidal waveform showing amplitude, period, and phase.

Explain bit rate as the number of transmitted bits per second.

Explain bit length as the physical distance occupied by one bit in a transmission medium.

Calculate bit length from propagation speed and bit rate.

Explain how bit length affects the number of bits simultaneously present in a transmission link.

Classify transmission media as guided or unguided in a hierarchical diagram.

Describe the structure and transmission method of twisted-pair cable.

Describe the structure and transmission method of coaxial cable.

Describe how optical fibre transmits data using light.

Distinguish radio waves, microwaves, and infrared by directionality, range, and typical uses.

Compare twisted-pair, coaxial, and optical-fibre media by bandwidth, attenuation, interference resistance, cost, and security.

Select an appropriate guided medium for a stated communication scenario and justify the choice.