adminCOMMUNICATION MODELS
Communication models refer to the tools, systems and processes used to transmit information. The process of communication involves hardware, (such as phones, routers, satellites, cables, antennas, servers etc.) software (such as apps, protocols, operating systems managing data transfer etc.), networks ( such as infrastructure connecting devices for example internet, cellular towers, fiber lines etc.) and standards and protocols ( such as agreed rules that make devices talk to each other for example wi-fi, TCP/IP, Bluetooth etc.).
There are several types of communication models and they are; wired, wireless, satellite, internet and networks, broadcasting, IoT and machine communication.
Wired communication is the transmission of data voice or video signals through a physical medium such as cable or conductor connecting two or more devices. Examples include the internet, telephone systems, television networks and industrial control systems.
Wireless communication is the transmission of information between two or more points without the use of any physical conductor or cable. Instead it uses electromagnetic waves such as radio waves, microwaves, infrared or visible light to carry signals through the air, space and water. Example of wireless communication includes; mobile, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, satellite and remote control communications.
Satellite communication is the use of artificial satellites orbiting the earth to receive, amplify and retransmit signals between ground based stations. A satellite acts as a relay station in space thus a signal is transmitted from a ground station up to the satellite ( the uplink), processed on board and retransmitted back down to one or more receiving stations on earth ( the downlink).
Internet and network communication refers to the systems, protocols, infrastructure and technologies that enable devices to exchange data with each other. The internet network allows two or more devices to be connected in a way that allows them to share information. Example includes; web pages, email, video calls etc.
Broadcasting communications is the transmission of audio, video or data signals from a single source to a large geographically dispersed audience simultaneously. Example includes; radio and TV stations etc.
Internet of things (IoT) and machine communications describes internet of things (IoT) communication as the network of physical objects and devices, machine appliances, vehicles and sensors that are connected to the internet and can collect, send and receive data automatically without direct human involvement. Example of IoT communication technologies includes ; Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and BLE (Bluetooth low energy), Zigbee and Z-wave, LoRaWan, NB-IoT and LTE-M, 5G, MQTT and COAP etc.
While machine to machine (M2M) communication is the direct exchange of data between machines, devices or systems that are completely automatically with no human in the loop, machines read each other’s data, trigger actions and coordinate workflows on their own. While IoT and M2M are closely related, the key difference is that M2M traditionally describes direct device to device communication, often on private networks while IoT connects devices through the broader internet and cloud platforms at much larger scale. Example of M2M communication protocol includes Modbus, OPC-UA, CANBUS, DDS, AMQP etc.
The advantages of communication are; it enhances and fosters gobal connectivity, speed of communication across boundaries, enhances economic growth and development, access information and knowledge, enhanced collaboration between diverse people in real time, enhance education and learning through online education platforms such as courser, edX, Khan academy etc. also communication has revolutionized healthcare delivery as telemedicine allows patients to consult doctors remotely. It provides a forum for cultural exchange and social connection and so on.
The disadvantages of communication are; communication allows for cyber security threats, privacy erosion and creates an unequal digital divide between the have-nots and the haves. Communication fosters disinformation by bad actors and users are prone to mental health and social well-being issues caused by extended use of this technology. Dependence on communication can create potential vulnerabilities issues such as disruption of service on a wide scale such as aviation, shipping, financial transaction, emergency services and supply chains. This concentration of dependency on communication creates potential systemic risk that may result in catastrophic consequences.
The application of communication are as follows; communication find widespread use in radio and television ,commerce and finance, telemedicine and healthcare, online education, streaming services for entertainment, government services and agencies and other sectors of human life too numerous to mention.
The future of communication is based on the advances and development of the following technologies; artificial intelligence integration in communication networks, development and deployment of 6G and beyond networks, quantum communication and satellite mega-constellation and global coverage, internet of things, edge and fog computing, immersive communications, energy harvesting and zero power communication as well as sustainable communication services.
SOURCES:
- Data communications and networking by Behrouz A. Forouzan.
- Computer networks by Andrew S, Tanenbaum and David J. Wetherall.
- Communication systems by Simon Haykin.
- Introduction to telecommunication Anu A. Gokhale.
- Telecommunications essential by Lillian Goleniewski and Kitty Wilson Jarret.
