What Are Communication Systems and Their Types?

Communication is an essential process that involves the handling of verbal or written messages. Often overlooked, communication can be as straightforward as writing a letter or speaking to someone. On the other hand, it can also be as complex as utilizing advanced computer systems or even satellites. This is why communication networks or channels are crucial in ensuring effective communication.

Communication systems involve the transfer of information or ideas between two entities, which can take the form of formal or informal exchanges. This can occur between colleagues or with external parties, and can be conveyed through written, visual, verbal, or non-verbal means. The primary goal of communication is to facilitate the exchange of ideas, convey information, and promote understanding between parties, with information flowing from the receiver to the sender.

Effective communication systems play a vital role in the transfer of information and ideas. To ensure successful transmission, it is essential to maintain the integrity of all elements involved in the process and avoid any disruptions in the chain.

A crucial component in a communication system is the transmitter, responsible for transmitting the message from the sender to the receiver. Any malfunction in the transmitter can cause the entire communication process to fail. It's important to note that every element of the communication system is equally important for its smooth functioning.

Types of Communication System

1. Optical Communication System

Optical communication systems use light to transmit messages between different mediums. The message is converted into signals and sent from the sender to the receiver.

After decoding the signal, the receiver comprehends its meaning and responds accordingly, making the entire optical and communication system reliant on light. This principle is present in various transportation systems, such as helicopters and airplanes that utilize optical communication for landings. Additionally, railways and roads also depend on optical and wireless communication, with traffic signals using green lights to indicate go and red lights to signal a stop.

SOS signals also use optical communication systems.

2. Radio communication system

The radio communication system utilizes radio waves to transmit messages from the sender to the receiver. An antenna receiver is required at both ends for the transmission of electrical signals. These signals are generated through the use of an antenna and transmitted to the receiver end. The communication message is then conveyed through waves.

Radios are equipped with a signal filter that effectively sifts through various signals, separating wanted information from unwanted noise. To achieve this, a tuning facility enables the receiver to hone into a specific frequency, allowing for the reception of the intended message of the sender. Once decoded, the signals are easily comprehensible to the listeners.

3. Duplex Communication systems

Duplex communication systems utilize two different pieces of equipment to facilitate communication between them. These two pieces of equipment are used simultaneously to ensure seamless communication.

During a video call, both participants can see and hear each other in real time, allowing for simultaneous conversation. This level of communication is more advanced than traditional radio or light-based systems, which do not allow for simultaneous communication channels.

4. Half-duplex communication systems

In contrast to the duplex communication system, this particular communication system only allows for one party to transmit at a time. The sender must cease transmission and wait for a response from the receiver before sending any further signals.

A half-duplex communication system is utilized in a walkie-talkie, requiring the sender to signal the end of their message by saying ‘over’ before the receiver can provide feedback based on the message received.

5. Tactical communication system

In a tactical communication system, the communication varies as the environmental condition varies in them.

Elements of Communication systems

Following the common elements of communication systems

1. Information

Information is the conduit through which messages are transferred from the sender to the receiver, or vice versa in the form of feedback. The mode of information can take on various formats, ranging from written text to video or a blend of multiple formats.

2. Signal

The signal is the carrier of the information. The message is converted into a signal for transmission from one end of electronic circuit to the other.

3. Transducer

The transducer serves as a means of converting energy from one form to another, hence it can be referred to as a converter. It is capable of converting various physical quantities such as temperature, pressure, and force into corresponding electrical signals. An instance of this is when a phone call is made, the transducer converts the voice into audio signals which are then transmitted to the recipient.

4. Amplifier

An Amplifier is a device used to boost the strength of a transmitted signal by increasing the frequency of the message being sent. This is crucial in ensuring that the message is clear and can be received correctly.

5. Modulator

The transmission of messages over long distances often requires low frequency and amplitude, which can limit their reach. To overcome this, carrier waves with high amplitude and frequency are utilized to amplify the message signal. This technique is known as modulation, where the high-frequency waves capture and carry the message to its intended destination. The resulting waveform that is transmitted is known as the modulation wave and contains the message information.

Modulations can be categorized into three types, depending on the changes made: amplitude modulation is when the amplitude is modified and overlaid onto a high-frequency carrier wave.

Rewritten fragment:

Frequency modulation involves modifying the frequency of a signal by using a carrier wave. This method is more effective than amplitude modulation as it eliminates noise from various sources.

Phase modulation, on the other hand, adjusts the phase of the signal wave based on the phase of the carrier wave.

6. Transmitter

To transmit a message, a transmitter is used to convert it into a signal. This equipment is typically located on the sender's end, while the recipient may have a receiver on their end to receive the signal.

7. Antenna

An essential component in receiving electromagnetic waves from the air is the antenna. This device not only receives the waves but also has the capability to convert messages into waves for further transmission. Therefore, an antenna plays a crucial role in the transmission and reception of signals.

The antenna is metallic and requires multiple wires to function.

8. Channel

When the antenna converts the message, it is transferred by wire or cable or space, called a channel.

9. Noise

Noise is a significant obstacle that can impede successful communication between a sender and a receiver. It can disrupt or interrupt the message being transmitted, resulting in a less effective exchange. Noise can manifest in various forms, such as physical disturbances, lightning, solar radiation, or other similar distractions. To reduce external distractions, channels are designed with measures to eliminate or minimize noise as much as possible. However, noise can also occur due to the random collision of electrons in conductors, which is why digital technology is often utilized internally to reduce or eliminate noise.

10. Attenuation

Attenuation occurs when a signal travels long distances through a medium, and is caused by the loss of initial power. The length of the medium directly affects the range and degree of attenuation.

Digital signals are less prone to attenuation as compared to analog signals.

11. Distortion

It is one of the problems of the channel. The transmitted message is at a specific bandwidth and frequency. However, when distortion of this, the frequency and bandwidth.

12. Receiver

At the end of the communication system lies the receiver which is responsible for receiving the message sent by the sender. This device is specifically designed to provide an output for the receiving signal.

The message is decoded by the receiver and conveyed to the intended recipient. In a two-way communication, the receiver not only receives but also responds by transmitting a message back to the sender.

13. Demodulator

Demodulation is the process of extracting the original message signal from the modulated carrier wave. It is the inverse of modulation, which combines the message signal with the carrier wave.

Conclusion

In order to maintain the integrity of the signal over long distances, repeaters are strategically placed throughout the transmission path. These devices serve to boost the strength of the signal, allowing it to travel further without degradation or distortion. As the signal passes through each repeater, it is amplified and retransmitted to the next device in the chain. This process continues until the signal reaches its final destination, ensuring that the message is received loud and clear.

Communication systems are crucial for the transmission of information and ideas across distances. Although they can be complex with various components, the underlying process of communication remains consistent across different types of systems.

NEXT

Communication Techniques

PREV

Communication Theory

START

What is Communication