1.4 - Internet Connections

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What is the internet?

Back

The internet is a global network of interconnected networks.

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What are copper cables?

Back

Copper cables are a cheaper type of wired internet connection that may be poorly insulated and susceptible to electromagnetic interference. They are malleable and less likely to break but have lower bandwidth than fibre optic cables.

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What are fibre optic cables?

Back

Fibre optic cables are a fast but expensive type of wired internet connection. They transmit signals as waves of light through a glass tube, are not affected by electromagnetic interference, and have higher bandwidth than copper cables but are more fragile.

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What is Bluetooth?

Back

Bluetooth is a temporary short-range communication between devices within about 10 meters. It doesn't require additional hardware but has a limited range.

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What are microwave connections?

Back

Microwave connections use radio waves to send signals across a large area via microwave towers. They require line of sight and are affected by bad weather, leading to higher chances of attenuation.

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What are satellite networks?

Back

Satellite networks use point-to-multipoint communication with satellites above the Earth's atmosphere. They have a delay due to the distance between the device and the satellite.

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What is GSM/5G?

Back

GSM is a technology for mobile phones to connect for calls and texts. 5G is the current generation, offering faster and more secure connections.

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What is latency in network connections?

Back

Latency is the delay when sending data across a network.

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What is bandwidth in network connections?

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Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data that can be sent across a network at once.

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What is contention in network connections?

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Contention refers to whether a network is dedicated (uncontended) or shared between users (contended).