In chapter 5 we take a look at how fiber-optic systems have aided in new communication technologies. In an FO transmission, it is the optical signal that serves as a vehicle that carries the information. The light is able to travel down a fiber through a series of reflections. At the end, a light sensitive receiver is able to pick up the original signal. An FO line is a useful medium for the video production industry, all-digital television studios, LANs, telephone and cable industries. Fiber can provide us with high-speed data highways. There are even underwater lines. FO systems have also been used in medical and science fields.
One of the advantages of an FO line is that it is capable of carrying huge amounts of information. In addition, the FO lines are immune to electromagnetic and radio interference, and are very secure. The information can be relayed great distances, and the FO system does not take up much space. When compared to satellites, FO systems have an extended lifetime and can be cost effective for long-distance applications. FO systems are not affected by atmospheric conditions, are more secure, and there is no time delay. FO systems and satellites supplement one another.
Some disadvantages, however, are loss of signal strength, and dispersion that can affect the volume of information. Another disadvantage is that the fibers are hard to splice. Also, in the current state of the communications industry, copper is still a standard. FO technology can also be expensive.
The current systems we use will not immediately be abandoned. Instead, FO lines will be integrated in with the old. Newer systems will complement and supplement the FO system as well. FO capabilities will improve. Optical networking can lead to the creation of faster networks with increased capacity. Optical computing can make it possible to enhance capabilities. We are only just beginning to discover the potential that FO systems have.
In chapter 9 we take a look at the Optical Disk and Holography. Information can be stored on an optical disk. They are fairly rugged and durable, but not indestructible. Some systems use error-detecting to ensure the information’s integrity. In addition, it provides almost immediate access to the stored information. The optical storage field is expanding.
Some examples are a CD, a high-fidelity audio storage medium.
A CD-Rom is a high-capacity data storage medium, which have been used for information pools, software packages, various libraries, and interactive games. Hypertext is often used to help manage and retrieve information.
A CD-I is could have audio, as well as graphics when used on a television.
A Digital Versatile Disk has a greater storage capacity than CD-Roms and CDs. Users can easily enjoy high quality video and audio. The DVD family supports recordable options.
CD-Rs enable people to store their own information on a disk, but it cannot be erased. CD-RWs are similar, but rewritable.
Each of the mediums has benefits. There are growing convergences between different technologies. But privacy issues have been raised.
This chapter also discussed holography. A hologram is a product of holography that can be considered a record of the optical information that composes a scene. It can store information about a three-dimensional object.
In chapter 15 we take a look at the cable and telephone industries in the home. With video-on-demand, viewers are provided with more control over the programming choices. Individual needs are now satisfied.
Originally, the main connection between a home user and an information/communication service was the telephone line. Competing communications channels, with a range of new services, have entered the picture. There was support for the proliferation of set-top boxes, cable companies could enter the telephony business, existing VDT policies and rules were repealed, and rules for an open video system were outlined.
A single company may provide you with entertainment and information services. Digital technology and the convergence factor will play a significant role in this endeavor. There are several issues and questions that are raised concerning how things would be handled in this manner. We are dealing with a complex mix of current and potential services. There are new developments that will have great impact of this field.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment