Data Transmission, Signals and Modulation

What this page covers

This unit sits in the strand Physical Layer and Data Communications, within Networks and telecommunications. The resources follow how data moves: how bits become electrical, radio or optical signals, how signals are shaped, and how several streams share one channel.

Mind maps make up the largest share. Basics of Serial Communication compares parallel and serial transfer. DATA AND SIGNALS covers analog signals, periodic and non-periodic patterns, and sine waves. TRANSMISSION MEDIA looks at twisted-pair cable and how its categories differ in quality and performance.

Where to start

If the vocabulary is new, begin with the maps on signals and media, then move on to the notes on bits and electricity. Several maps on transmitting bits follow the same chapter, so you can compare how different contributors organized it.

1. Open Basics of Serial Communication for the idea of sending data over a wire.
2. Read DATA AND SIGNALS for amplitude, frequency and phase.
3. Move to TRANSMISSION MEDIA for cables and what they can carry.
4. Look at Lesson 9 - Data Exchange for the CODEC and how voice is digitized for VoIP.

Using quizzes and maps together

Read a map first, then test yourself. Analog vs Digital signals & Imparements fits after the signal maps. Amplitude Modulation and Demodulation is a quiz for the modulation topics. IS 302 - Business Data Communications Module 7 asks about LANs, WANs and why companies use carriers.

When a question goes wrong, go back to the matching map and find the branch you skipped. Then try a flashcard deck to lock in the terms.

Modulation and multiplexing

For the more technical side, there are flashcard decks on Frequency Modulation, On off keying, Minimum Shift Keying (MSK) and Multi-level frequency shift keying (MFSK). The ECE 521 Quiz 3 REVIEWER deck touches on multiplexing types. Pair these with the maps on multiplexing.

Some resources are short or rough, since members wrote them for their own courses. Treat them as a starting point, then open a few that suit your course and make a map or deck of your own.