Frequency division multiplexing (FDM) is a technique of multiplexing, where the users are allowed the total available bandwidth on time sharing basis. Here the time domain is divided into several recurrent slots of fixed length, and each signal is allotted a time slot on a round-robin basis.Concept and ProcessIn TDM, the data flow of each input stream is divided into units. One unit may be 1 bit, 1 byte, or a block of few bytes. Each input unit is allotted an input time slot. One input unit corresponds to one output unit and is allotted an output time slot. During ... Read More

Frequency division multiplexing (FDM) is a technique of multiplexing which means combining more than one signal over a shared medium. In FDM, signals of different frequencies are combined for concurrent transmission. Concept and Process In FDM, the total bandwidth is divided to a set of frequency bands that do not overlap. Each of these bands is a carrier of a different signal that is generated and modulated by one of the sending devices. The frequency bands are separated from one another by strips of unused frequencies called the guard bands, to prevent overlapping of signals. The modulated ... Read More

A computer system is basically a machine that simplifies complicated tasks. It should maximize performance and reduce costs as well as power consumption. The different components in the Computer System Architecture are Input Unit, Output Unit, Storage Unit, Arithmetic Logic Unit, Control Unit etc.A diagram that shows the flow of data between these units is as follows −The input data travels from input unit to ALU. Similarly, the computed data travels from ALU to output unit. The data constantly moves from storage unit to ALU and back again. This is because stored data is computed on before being stored again. ... Read More

Clustering systems are similar to parallel systems as they both have multiple CPUs. However a major difference is that clustered systems are created by two or more individual computer systems merged together. There are two types of Clustering systems i.e. asymmetric and symmetric clustering systems. Details about these are given as follows −Asymmetric Clustering SystemIn this system, one of the nodes in the clustered system is in hot standby mode and all the others run the required applications. The hot standby mode is a failsafe in which a hot standby node is part of the system . The hot standby ... Read More

A bitmap is a mapping from one system such as integers to bits. It is also known as bitmap index or a bit array.The memory is divided into units for bitmap. These units may range from a few bytes to several kilobytes. Each memory unit is associated with a bit in the bitmap. If the unit is occupied, the bit is 1 and if it is empty, the bit is zero.The bitmap provides a relatively easy way to keep track of memory as the size of the bitmap is only dependent on the size of the memory and the size ... Read More

The kernel data structures are very important as they store data about the current state of the system. For example, if a new process is created in the system, a kernel data structure is created that contains the details about the process.Most of the kernel data structures are only accessible by the kernel and its subsystems. They may contain data as well as pointers to other data structures.Kernel ComponentsThe kernel stores and organizes a lot of information. So it has data about which processes are running in the system, their memory requirements, files in use etc. To handle all this, ... Read More

A communication satellite is an artificial satellite that acts as a large repeater in the sky. It receives signals from the source transmitter, amplifies using transponders, and relays them to the receiver. Thus, it creates a communication channel between locations of the earth that would not have been able to communicate due to long distance or obstruction by earth’s curvature.Communication satellites may be owned by government or private organizations. Presently, there are more than 2000 communication satellites in the sky. Some of its uses are −InternetMilitary operationsTelevisionTelephoneRadioCommunication satellites are broadly categorized into three types depending upon the orbit in which ... Read More

Electromagnetic waves within the frequency range of 400 THz – 790 THz are detected by the human eye. Light transmission is line of sight propagation and is blocked by obstacles. Laser Signals Optical signalling can be obtained by laser signals. For example, the LANs in two buildings can be connected by installing laser signalling system on the rooftops. Laser rays are unidirectional. So both the transmitter and the receiver need perfectly aligned photo-emitter and photo-detector. Visual Light Communication A more used variant of light transmission is visual light communication (VLC). VLC refers to data communication using visible ... Read More

Infrared waves are those between the frequencies 300GHz and 400THz in the electromagnetic spectrum. Their wavelengths are shorter than microwaves but longer than visible light. Infrared propagation is line of sight. They cannot penetrate walls and sun’s infrared rays interfere with these rays. So cannot be used for long – range communication. As their usage is confined within closed space, they do not need any government permissions for their applications. Applications of Infrared Waves in Communications Remote controls for television, stereos and other home appliances. Wireless LANs Wireless modem, keyboard, mouse, printer etc Fire detectors Night vision ... Read More

In the electromagnetic spectrum, waves within the frequencies 1GHz to 300GHz are called microwaves.Features of MicrowavesMicrowaves travel in straight lines, and so the transmitter and receiver stations should be accurately aligned to each other.Microwave propagation is line – of – sight propagation. So, towers hoisting the stations should be placed so that the curvature of the earth or any other obstacle does not interfere with the communication.Since it is unidirectional, it allows multiple receivers in a row to receive the signals without interference.Microwaves do not pass through buildings. So, indoor receivers cannot be used effectively.Microwaves are often refracted by the ... Read More