Communication device
A communication device is a hardware device capable of transmitting an analog or digital signal over the telephone, other communication wire, or wirelessly.
A classic example of a communication device is a computer modem, which converts a computer's digital information to an analog signal for transmission over a telephone line. Similarly, a modem receives analog signals, and converts them to digital, for processing by the computer. This process is called modulation/demodulation, from which the modem gets its name.
Other examples of communication devices include a NIC (network interface card), Wi-Fi devices, and access points.
Below is a full listing of all the different types of communications devices you may encounter when dealing with a computer.
· Bluetooth devices
· Infrared devices
· Modem (over phone line)
· Network card (using Ethernet)
· Smartphone
· Wi-Fi devices (using a Wi-Fi router); examples shown below.
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Any time a communication device encounters problems communicating with another device you may encounter a communication error. Below is a list of general steps that can be verified when this error is encountered.
· If your communication device is using a wire, make sure it is firmly connected.
· Make sure the proper drivers are installed and that no errors or conflicts are occurring with the driver and that the device is being detected.
· If your communication device requires settings, make sure they're correct. For example, a network card will require the proper IP, DNS, and Subnet settings to establish a connection with the network and be able to find its route to other network devices.
A computer can work fine without a communication device. However, for a computer to communicate with other computers they need a communication device. For example, for your computer to connect to the Internet to view this web page it needed a communication device. Without a communication device you'd have to use a sneaker net to transfer or share data between computers.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a computing and telecommunications industry specification that describes how devices can communicate with each other. Devices that use Bluetooth include computers, a computer keyboard and mouse, personal digital assistants, and smartphones.
Bluetooth is an RF technology that operates at 2.4 GHz, has an effective range of 32-feet (10 meters) (this range varies on the power class), and has a transfer rate of 1 Mbps and throughput of 721 Kbps.
A good example of how Bluetooth could be used is the ability to connect a computer to a cell phone without any wires or special connectors. The picture is an example of a USB Bluetooth adapter from SMC.
Below are some other examples of how Bluetooth can be used.
· Bluetooth headphones - Headphones that can connect to any Bluetooth device.
· Bluetooth keyboard and Bluetooth mouse - Wireless keyboards and mice.
· Bluetooth speaker - Speakers that can connect to any Bluetooth audio device.
· Bluetooth car - A car with Bluetooth can make hands-free calls in the car.
· Bluetooth watch or Bluetooth health monitor - Bluetooth wrists devices can transmit data over Bluetooth to other devices.
· Bluetooth lock - Door lock that can allow you to remotely lock and unlock a door.
The Bluetooth symbol resembles two and a half triangles pointing to the right. The symbol is a bind-rune representing "H" and "B," the initials for Harald Bluetooth, a Denmark Viking king (c. 958 - c. 970) that help unite Denmark and Norway. It is named after Harald Bluetooth because the Bluetooth technology was designed as a universal wireless technology that can be used by everyone.
Infrared
Method of transferring data without the use of wires. A common example of an infrared (Ir) device is a TV remote. However, infrared is also used with computers and devices like a cordless keyboard, cordless mouse, and infrared touch screen.
The picture is an example of the Nintendo Wii remote and an example of an infrared device.
Modem
A modem may refer to any of the following:
1. A modem or broadband modem is a hardware device that connects a computer or router to a broadband network. For example, a cable Modem and DSL modem are two examples of these types of Modems.
Tip
Today, a "modem" is most often used to describe a broadband modem. However, can also be used to describe what was initially considered a modem (described below) and is also used to connect to the Internet.
Note
A broadband modem is an external device that connects to your computers and other network devices using either a network cable or over a wireless connection.
2. Short for modulator/demodulator, a modem is a hardware device that allows a computer to send and receive information over telephone lines. When sending a signal, the device converts ("modulates") digital data to an analog audio signal, and transmits it over a telephone line. Similarly, when an analog signal is received, the modem converts it back ("demodulates" it) to a digital signal.
Tip
To help prevent confusion between a broadband modem, you can refer to this modem as a dial-up modem.
The picture below is an example of an internal expansion card dial-up modem. Click the image to get a description about each of the components found on the card.
Modems are referred to as an asynchronous device, meaning that the device transmits data in an intermittent stream of small packets. Once received, the receiving system then takes the data in the packets and reassembles it into a form the computer can use.
Stop | Data | Start | Stop | Data | Start |
Packet | Packet | ||||
The above chart represents how an asynchronous transmission would be transmitted over a phone line. In asynchronous communication, one byte (eight bits) is transferred within one packet, which is equivalent to one character. However, for the computer to receive this information, each packet must contain a Start and a Stop bit; therefore, the complete packet would be ten bits. In the above chart is a transmission of the word HI, which is equivalent to two bytes (16 bits).
The first modem, known as the Dataphone, was released by AT&T in 1960. It later became more common for home users when Dennis Hayes and Dale Heatherington released the 80-103A modem in 1977.
Dial-up modems were commonly used by computers to connect to the Internet through the early 2000s until broadband Internet started to be more widely available. As broadband Internet became more popular and available, dial-up modems were used by fewer computer users. Today, computers no longer come with a dial-up modem, requiring users who need one to purchase and install it.
If you did not grow up on a dial-up modem or you're nostalgic, you can listen to a modem connecting to the Internet in the below sound file. Each time someone wanted to con
In this audio file, you hear the modem dialing a phone number and then communicating with the other modem over the phone line. The squealing noise heard after the phone number is the modem establishing a connection (handshaking). When the connection is established, the modem goes silent.
Below are the four versions of a computer modem found in computers.
Onboard modem - Modem built onto the computer motherboard. These modems cannot be removed but can be disabled through a jumper or CMOS setup.
Internal modem - Modem that connects to a PCI slot inside a newer desktop computer or ISA slot on an older computer. The internal modem shown at the beginning of this document is an example of a PCI modem.
External modem - Modem within a box that connects to the computer externally, usually the serial ports or USB port. The picture is an example of an external USRobotics modem.
Removable modem - Modem used with older laptops PCMCIA slot and can be added or removed as needed.
Modem speed is measured in bps and Kbps, which is the speed the modem can send and receive data. Today, a 56 K (56,000 bps) modem is the fastest solution and is the only likely speed you will find with a dial-up modem.
Note
Keep in mind that the line quality that the phone communicates over, and how many collocations it must use, also affects the speed of a modem. Although a modem may be rated as a 56 K, if the line quality and collocations are not optimal you'll not achieve the maximum speed. Also, when a Modem establishes a connection to another Modem not using the same standard or a lower speed, the lowest speed is used.
Earlier speeds of modems included 110 baud, 300 baud, 1200 baud, 2400 baud, 4800 baud, 9600 baud, 14.4k, 28.8k, and 33.6k.
A modem may also include some or all of the features and specifications listed below.
· Auto-answer - A modems ability to automatically answer the phone after the phone rings a set amount of times.
· Data/Voice - Modems with voice capability that can switch between a voice and data communication.
· Fax - Fax modems can send and receive a fax with the proper software.
· V.90 - The standard that the modem uses also allows it to communicate at an optimal speed. When first introduced there were multiple standards, but today all 56 K modems should be using the V.90 standard.
NIC
Short for network interface card, the NIC is also referred to as an Ethernet card and network adapter. A NIC is a computer expansion card for connecting to a network (e.g., home network or Internet) using an Ethernet cable with an RJ-45 connector.
Due to the popularity and low cost of the Ethernet standard, nearly all new computers have a network interface build directly into the motherboard. The top image shows the SMC EZ Card 10/100 PCI network card, one of the more common examples.
The bottom picture shows a PC Card. More specifically, the SMC EZ Card 10/100 wireless network card, which is found in laptop computers that do not have onboard wireless capabilities.
Network cards can communicate with each other over the same network using a network switch, or if two computers are directly connected. When computers need to connect to a different network (e.g., the Internet), they must be use a router to route the network packets to the correct network.
In a desktop computer, the network card is most often located near the USB ports on the back if it is an onboard version. If it is a separate network card (not onboard), it usually is located at the back of the computer, near the bottom, taking up a PCI slot.
In a laptop, the network card is integrated into the motherboard. The network port where you plug in a network cable is often located on the side on the laptop, or it may be located on the back. If you cannot find a network port on your laptop, it may only have a wireless network. You can purchase a network card for laptops, which is installed into a PC card slot on the side of the laptop, if available.
Smartphone
A smartphone is a cell phone that allows you to do more than make phone calls and send text messages. Smartphones can browse the Internet and run software programs like a computer. Smartphones use a touch screen to allow users to interact with them. There are thousands of smartphone apps including games, personal-use, and business-use programs that all run on the phone. The picture is an example of the Apple iPhone, one of the most popular smartphones available today.
Smartphones are loaded with features and capabilities that make them more than a phone. Below is a listing of the most popular features of a smartphone.
· Make and receive phone calls text messages.
· Take, show, and store pictures and video.
· Browse the Internet, as well as send and receive e-mail.
· GPS capability for location and navigation.
· Record and play audio and music.
· Display time and date and other functions such as alarm clock, stopwatch, and timer.
· Display weather and temperature information.
· Voice dictation and take notes.
· Virtual assistant using Siri, Google Assistant, or Cortana.
· Access utilities, such as a flashlight, e-book reader, and calculator.
More advanced smartphones are now foldable, which enables them to change between that standard smartphone and tablet screen sizes. For example, the Huawei Mate X can unfold to provide an 8-inch screen.
Yes. Similar to a desktop or laptop computer, a smartphone has an operating system on it, like Windows or macOS. The four most common are iOS (created by Apple), Android (created by Google), BlackBerry (created by Research In Motion), and Windows Phone (created by Microsoft).
Smartphones use flash memory to store apps and data. The flash memory is usually built into the phone and non-removable. Some smartphones may also have a flash memory card slot, often designed for an SD card, allowing users to utilize external storage.
The first unofficial smartphone was developed by IBM in 1992. It was a prototype device, with PDA-like features, including maps, news feeds, and stock quotes. The prototype resulted in an improved version being released to the market in 1994, called the Simon Personal Communicator. This device was the first official smartphone, with capabilities to send and receive e-mails, and included apps like an address book, calculator, calendar, and a notepad.
Ethernet
Originally known as Alto Aloha Network, Ethernet is a widely used LAN (local-area network) protocol created at Xerox PARC in 1973 by Robert Metcalfe and others (U.S. patent # 4,063,220). Being the first network to provide Carrier Sense Multiple Access / Collision Detection (CSMA/CD), Ethernet is a fast and reliable network solution that is still widely used today.
An Ethernet adapter or Ethernet controller is a term used to describe an Ethernet network card used to connect a desktop computer to a network. If you are looking for network adapter drivers, you can find them through our network drivers page.
Whether you're setting up your home network or connecting an Ethernet cable to your computer, the process is the same. Look for what appears to be a large telephone cord jack, similar to the image on the right. Once you've located it, push the cable connector into the port until you hear a click. If connected properly with a connection on the other end, a green light should appear to indicate a signal is found.
To disconnect the Ethernet cable, press down on the top tab and pull back gently on the connector.
Below is a listing of different standards of Ethernet and additional information about each of them.
Ethernet II is a revised version of Ethernet rewritten by with Digital Equipment Corp, Intel, and Xerox. Ethernet II, also known as DIX, (Digital, Intel, and Xerox) and 802.3.
Fast Ethernet (100BASE-T or 802.3u) is a communications protocol for sharing data at rates of 100 million bits per second instead of the standard 10 million bps. Fast Ethernet works over category 5 twisted-pair wiring.
There are two available 100BASE-T standards. The first standard known as 100BASE-T utilizes CSMA/CD. The second standard, known as 100VG-AnyLAN or 802.12, is similar to the other standard; however, it utilizes a different Ethernet frame to send its data.
100BASE-T is available with three different cable technologies
1. 100BASE-T4 = Utilizes four pairs of telephone-grade twisted-pair wire and is used for networks that need a low-quality twisted-pair on a 100-Mbps Ethernet.
2. 100BASE-TX = Developed by ANSI 100BASE-TX is also known as 100BASE-X, 100BASE-TX uses two wire data grade twisted-pair wire.
3. 100BASE-FX = Developed by ANSI, 100BASE-FX utilizes 2 stands of fiber cable.
Ethernet SNAP is short for Ethernet SubNetwork Access Protocol and is an Ethernet protocol that enabled old and new protocols to be encapsulated in a type 1 LLC.
Gigabit Ethernet is also known as 1000BASE-T or 802.3z / 802.3ab. It is a later Ethernet technology that utilizes all four copper wires in a category 5 (Cat 5 & Cat 5e) cable capable of transferring 1 Gbps.
10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GE or 10 GbE or 10 GigE) is also known as 802.3ae is a new standard that was published in 2002 and supports up to 10 Gb/s transmissions. 10 gigabit Ethernet defines only full duplex point to point links that are connected by network switches, unlike previous Ethernet standards. The half-duplex operation, CSMA/CD (carrier sense multiple access with collision detection) and hubs do not exist in 10 GbE.
The 1000BASE-CX is a copper cable gigabit Ethernet standard that is no longer used. This standard was replaced by 1000BASE-T.
The 1000BASE-LX is a fiber optic gigabit Ethernet standard that operates over single-mode fiber.
The 1000BASE-SX is a fiber optic gigabit Ethernet standard that operates over multi-mode fiber with typical distances of up to 550 meters (1804 feet).
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is a wireless network that utilizes one of the IEEE 802.11 wireless standards to achieve a wireless connection to a network. A home wireless network uses a wireless access point or router to broadcast a signal using WAP or WEP encryption to send and receive signals from wireless devices on the network. The picture shows a wireless access point with two antennas and an example of how most home users connect to the Internet using a wireless device.
If the desktop computer or laptop does not have wireless, it requires a wireless adapter to connect to the wireless network. Below are examples of the different Wi-Fi adapters that can be used with a computer to connect to a wireless network.
In the picture above, the first image is a Linksys desktop Wi-Fi card that connects to a PCI slot on the motherboard. Next, the SMC wireless PC Card is used with older laptops that do not have a wireless option. Finally, the far right image is of Cisco USB Wi-Fi adapter that can be used on any computer with a USB port to connect to a Wireless network.
The drivers for Wi-Fi devices can be found either from the website of the manufacturer of your computer or the network adapter manufacturer. If you're using a laptop, we suggest getting the latest drivers from the computer manufacturer.
Tip
Some laptop manufacturers may include the Wi-Fi drivers in the chipset driver download and not as a separate Wi-Fi adapter driver.
Note
If Wi-Fi is not working on your device, it may not be possible to download the drivers for your device with no working Internet. Download the drivers on another computer, copy the install files onto a USB thumb drive, and then install them onto your computer from the thumb drive.
Without Wi-Fi, every network device would need to connect to the network with a network cable (e.g., Cat 5). Having a cable for every computer and network device makes installation and deployment much more difficult, especially for a home without the proper wiring. It also makes mobility (e.g., moving around the home or office) impossible. With Wi-Fi, any compatible device with the proper reception and access rights can connect to the network without having to drag a cable to that device.
Today, there are many devices (IoT) that connect to the Internet using Wi-Fi. Below is a short list of some of the more modern Wi-Fi devices you may find in a home or office. Also, see our wireless definition for a list of other wireless devices that use a different spectrum to communicate wirelessly.
· Chromecast, Roku, and other streaming devices.
· Computers.
· Consoles (e.g., PlayStation, Wii, and Xbox).
· Digital photo frames.
· DVD and Blu-ray players.
· DVR and set-top box.
· eBook readers.
· Home automation devices (e.g., Nest Thermostat).
· Printer.
· Scales.
· Smart TV.
· Smartphone.
· Speakers and stereo systems.
· Security cameras.
· Tablet.
To get Wi-Fi in your home or office, you must have a wireless router. Your ISP may provide this router, or you may need to purchase the router from a local retail store or online and connect it to your existing network. Once the network is connected to your Internet, you can use any device that has Wi-Fi capabilities to connect to the Internet.
Wi-Fi consists of multiple different technologies that use many different patents held by various companies, so there is no one inventor or developer. In 1971, a UHF wireless packet network was used in Hawaii, called ALOHAnet, to connect the islands. While not being Wi-Fi as we know it today, it helped lay the beginning foundation to wireless networking, and later the birth of Wi-Fi.
The actual precursor to 802.11 and Wi-Fi was developed by AT&T Corporation and NCR Corporation. Called WaveLAN, it was designed for use with cash register systems for wireless communication.
In 1997, the first version of 802.11 was developed and released for use, providing 2 Megabit per second (Mbit/s) speeds. It would later be updated to 802.11b in 1999, increasing the speed to 11 Mbit/s.
The term "Wi-Fi" was coined by the Interbrand Corporation at the request of the Wi-Fi Alliance. It is not known exactly when 802.11b became known as Wi-Fi, but the term was being used in August 1999, if not earlier.
No. Wi-Fi is a brand name that is not short for anything including "wireless fidelity," which could be considered a backronym for Wi-Fi.