Question

Discuss the tradeoffs between fiber-optic and satellite communication in terms of costs, signal capacity, signaling method, interference, likelihood of failure and repair issues, multipoint capability, reconfiguration capability and noise.

Answer 1

Answer:

Explanation:

I will split this answer into two options...

Fiber Optic communications work by sending data through beams of light through a series of fiber cables. This allows for data transfer at incredibly high speeds and with an almost non-existent probability of data loss. Since cables need to be connected from one end-point to another this form of communication becomes more expensive and the capability of reconfiguration becomes incredibly difficult. The likelihood of failure is also very low due to the nature of the technology.

Satellite communication sends data wirelessly by beaming the data to satellites and then back down to the destination. This allows for data to be transferred worldwide but runs into the risk of interference, data loss, signal loss etc. Costs are much cheaper than Fiber Optics due to the lack of wiring. Multipoint capabilities are high since endpoints can be placed anywhere with a clear line of sight to the sky, which also means that reconfiguration capabilities are high as well.