U1Ch1L3b: Internet Routes
Purpose: Students will have a better understanding as to how the Internet works.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhEf7e4kopM
As you watch the video, define the following:
Internet: A tangible physical system made to move information.
Bandwith: The maximum transmission capacity of a device.
Bitrate: The number of Bits per second that a system can transmit.
Latency: The amount of time it takes 1 Bit to travel from sender to receiver.
What are the three mediums by which we physically send Bits of information today?
What types cables do we send Bits over and what are the pros and cons for each
|
pro |
con |
Copper wires |
inexpensive |
Loss of signal the greater the distance. But today, most Bits are transferred via copper wire. |
Fiber optic cable (thread of glass used to reflect light) |
Fast (speed of light). Signal doesn’t degrade over long distances. |
Expensive. |
Radio Waves |
Wireless |
Tremendous signal loss. |