Introduction
Channels are crucial pathways through which information flows in the vast field of communication. Communication channels are essential in enabling the transfer of messages, whether it's a basic chat or a system sending data worldwide. Let's explore communication channels further, including their various types, functions, and the importance they hold in today's interconnected society.
What is a Communication Channel?
The communication channel is the medium by which the electronic signal is sent from one place to another. Many different types of media are used in communication systems,including wire conductors, fiber-optic cable, and free space.
Types of Communication Channels
1.Electrical Conductors
In its simplest form the medium may simply be a pair of wires that carry a voice signal from a microphone to a headset.It may be a coaxial cable such as that used to carry cable TV signals Or it may be a twisted-pair cable used in a local-area network (LAN).
2.Optical Media
The communication medium may also be a fiber-optic cable or “light pipe” that carries the message on a light wave.These are widely used today to carry long-distance calls and all Internet communications.The information is converted to digital form that can be used to turn a laser diode off and on at high speeds.Alternatively, audio or video analog signals can be used to vary the amplitude of the light.
3.Free Space
When free space is the medium, the resulting system is known as radio.Also known as wireless, radio is the broad general term applied to any form of wireless communication from one point to another. Radio makes use of the electromagnetic spectrum. Intelligence signals are converted to electric and magnetic fields that propagate nearly instantaneously through space over long distances. Communication by visible or infrared light also occurs in free space.
4.Other Types of Media
Although the most widely used media are conducting cables and free space (radio), other types of media are used in special communication systems.For example, in sonar, water is used as the medium. Passive sonar “listens” for underwater sounds with sensitive hydrophones. Active sonar uses an echo-reflecting technique similar to that used in radar for determining how far away objects under water are and in what direction they are moving.
The earth itself can be used as a communication medium, because it conducts electricity and can also carry low-frequency sound waves.
Alternating-current (ac) power lines, the electrical conductors that carry the power to operate virtually all our electrical and electronic devices, can also be used as communication channels. The signals to be transmitted are simply superimposed on or added to the power line voltage. This is known as carrier current transmission or power line communications (PLC). It is used for some types of remote control of electrical equipment and in some LANs.
Function of communication channel
1.Transmission
The main role of communication channels is to send the messages of senders to their receivers correctly and quickly.
2.Encoding and Decoding
Channels are responsible for transforming information into a form that can be successfully sent and decoded after it is received.
3.Feedback
Useful channels of communication help create feedback systems, which enable receivers to reply, ask questions or offer comments, which are classic features of two-way communication.
4.Noise Reduction
Channels may apply solutions to block the noise interferences that allow messages to be sent in a clear and undistorted way.
5.Accessibility
Communication channels should be open and accessible for everybody, taking into account language, technology, and physical barriers into account.
Importance of Communication Channels
1.Facilitates Collaboration
Communication channels support communication among people, teams, and businesses and hence, lead to more creativity, innovation and synergy.
2.Enhances Relationships
Efficient strategic communication ensures stronger relationships by developing mutual understanding, trust, openness, and respect.
3.Supports Decision Making
Diverse channels of communication generally provide useful information and viewpoints that are essential for a decision-making process that is based on reality.
4.Increases Productivity
Efficient communication channels make the workflows more streamlined, deprived of errors, misunderstandings, and boosted productivity, generally.
5.Drives Organizational Success
Companies that invest in good communication channels get better performance, customer satisfaction and competitive advantage in the market than the enterprises that do not.
Components of communication channel
1.Receivers
A receiver is a collection of electronic components and circuits that accepts the transmitted message from the channel and converts it back to a form understandable by humans. Receivers contain amplifi ers, oscillators, mixers, tuned circuits and Filters, and a demodulator or detector that recovers the original intelligence signal from the modulated carrier. The output is the original signal, which is then read out or displayed. It may be a voice signal sent to a speaker, a video signal that is fed to an LCD screen for display, or binary data that is received by a computer and then printed out or displayed on a video monitor.
2.Transceivers
Most electronic communication is two-way, and so both parties must have both a transmitter and a receiver. As a result, most communication equipment incorporates circuits that both send and receive. These units are commonly referred to as transceivers.All the transmitter and receiver circuits are packaged within a single housing and usually share some common circuits such as the power supply. Telephones, handheld radios, cellular telephones, and computer modems are examples of transceivers.
3.Attenuation
Signal attenuation, or degradation, is inevitable no matter what the medium of transmission. Attenuation is proportional to the square of the distance between the transmitter and receiver. Media are also frequency-selective, in that a given medium will act as a low-pass Filter to a transmitted signal, distorting digital pulses in addition to greatly reducing signal amplitude over long distances. Thus, considerable signal amplification, in both the transmitter and the receiver, is required for successful transmission. Any medium also slows signal propagation to a speed slower than the speed of light.
4.Noise
Noise is mentioned here because it is the bane of all electronic communications. Its effect is experienced in the receiver part of any communications system. While some noise can be Filtered out, the general way to minimize noise is to use components that contribute less noise and to lower their temperatures. The measure of noise is usually expressed in terms of the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio (SNR), which is the signal power divided by the noise power and can be stated numerically or in terms of decibels (dB). Obviously, a very high SNR is preferred for best performance.
Conclusion
In short, communication channels are crucial for successful communication in personal, professional, and societal settings. Recognizing the different types, roles, and significance of communication is essential for utilizing it effectively to build relationships, work together, and succeed in the interconnected modern society.
Guru