Computer Networks, unit: The Physical Layer. Core concepts, terminology, and worked-example cues a college student meets for this unit, building on prior units without repeating them. Front: a term, concept, or short problem cue. Back: the definition, explanation, or answer.
20 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.
- What is the Physical layer responsible for transmitting?
- Raw bits as electrical, optical, or radio signals
- What is a transmission medium?
- The physical path data travels through, such as cable or air
- What is twisted pair cable?
- A common wired transmission medium using pairs of twisted copper wires to reduce interference
- What is coaxial cable?
- A cable with a central conductor and shielding, historically used for cable TV and early networks
- What is fiber optic cable?
- A transmission medium using light pulses through glass or plastic fibers for high-speed data transfer
- What is a key advantage of fiber optic cable over copper?
- Much higher bandwidth and immunity to electromagnetic interference
- What is bandwidth, at the Physical layer?
- The range of frequencies (or maximum data rate) a medium can carry
- What is analog signaling?
- Representing data as continuously varying wave signals
- What is digital signaling?
- Representing data as discrete binary values (0s and 1s)
- What is modulation?
- Encoding digital data onto an analog carrier signal for transmission
- What is attenuation?
- The weakening of a signal as it travels over distance
- What is a repeater?
- A device that regenerates a weakened signal to extend transmission distance
- What is a hub, as a Physical layer device?
- A simple device that broadcasts incoming data to all connected devices
- What is electromagnetic interference (EMI)?
- Unwanted electrical noise that can disrupt signal transmission
- What is full-duplex communication?
- Data can be transmitted and received simultaneously in both directions
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