# Communications system > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Communications_system > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Communications_system.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communications_system > Source revision: 1327476618 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) Assembled components serving a common purpose for communications This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Communications system" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (August 2008) (Learn how and when to remove this message) Communication system An electronic communications system using [electronic signals](/source/Signal_(electronics)) A **communications system** is a collection of individual telecommunications networks systems, relay stations, tributary stations, and [terminal equipment](/source/Terminal_equipment) usually capable of [interconnection](/source/Interconnection) and [interoperation](/source/Interoperation) to form an integrated whole. Communication systems allow the transfer of information from one place to another or from one device to another through a specified channel or medium. The components of a communications system serve a common purpose, are technically compatible, use common procedures, respond to controls, and operate in union. In the structure of a communication system, the transmitter first converts the data received from the source into a light signal and transmits it through the medium to the destination of the receiver. The receiver connected at the receiving end converts it to digital data, maintaining certain protocols e.g. FTP, ISP assigned protocols etc. [Telecommunications](/source/Telecommunications) is a method of [communication](/source/Communication) (e.g., for sports [broadcasting](/source/Broadcasting), [mass media](/source/Mass_media), [journalism](/source/Journalism), etc.). Communication is the act of conveying intended meanings from one entity or group to another through the use of mutually understood signs and [semiotic](/source/Semiotics) rules. ## Types ### By media An [optical communication](/source/Optical_communication) system is any form of communications system that uses [light](/source/Light) as the transmission medium. Equipment consists of a [transmitter](/source/Transmitter), which encodes a *[message](/source/Message)* into an optical *[signal](/source/Signal)*, a *[communication channel](/source/Communication_channel)*, which carries the signal to its destination, and a [receiver](/source/Radio_receiver), which reproduces the message from the received optical signal. [Fiber-optic communication](/source/Fiber-optic_communication) systems transmit information from one place to another by sending light through an [optical fiber](/source/Optical_fiber). The light forms a [carrier signal](/source/Carrier_signal) that is [modulated](/source/Modulation) to carry information. A [radio communication system](/source/Radio_communication_system) is composed of several communications [subsystems](/source/Subsystem) that give exterior communications capabilities.[1][*[page needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citing_sources)*][2][*[page needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citing_sources)*][3] A radio communication system comprises a transmitting [conductor](/source/Electrical_conductor)[4] in which electrical [oscillations](/source/Oscillation)[5][6][7] or [currents](/source/Electric_current) are produced and which is arranged to cause such currents or oscillations to be propagated through the [free space](/source/Free_space) medium from one point to another remote therefrom and a receiving conductor[4] at such distant point adapted to be excited by the oscillations or currents propagated from the transmitter.[8][9][10][11] [Power-line communication](/source/Power-line_communication) systems operate by impressing a modulated carrier signal on power wires. Different types of power-line communications use different frequency bands, depending on the signal transmission characteristics of the power wiring used. Since the power wiring system was originally intended for transmission of [AC power](/source/AC_power), the power wire circuits have only a limited ability to carry higher frequencies. The propagation problem is a limiting factor for each type of power line communications. ### By technology A [duplex communication system](/source/Duplex_(telecommunications)) is a system composed of two connected parties or devices which can communicate with one another in both directions. The term *duplex* is used when describing communication between two parties or devices. Duplex systems are employed in nearly all communications networks, either to allow for a communication "two-way street" between two connected parties or to provide a "reverse path" for the monitoring and remote adjustment of equipment in the field. An [antenna](/source/Antenna_(radio)) is basically a small length of a conductor that is used to radiate or receive electromagnetic waves. It acts as a conversion device. At the transmitting end it converts high frequency current into electromagnetic waves. At the receiving end it transforms [electromagnetic waves](/source/Electromagnetic_waves) into electrical signals that is fed into the input of the receiver. several types of antenna are used in communication. Examples of communications subsystems include the [Defense Communications System](/source/Defense_Information_Systems_Agency) (DCS). ### Examples: by technology - [Telephone](/source/Telephone) - [Mobile phone](/source/Mobile_phone) - [Tablet computer](/source/Tablet_computer) - [Television](/source/Television) - [Telegraph](/source/Telegraphy) - Edison Telegraph - [TV cable](/source/TV_cable) - [Computer](/source/Computer) ### By application area The term [transmission system](/source/Transmission_system) is used in the telecommunications industry to emphasize the intermediate [media](/source/Transmission_media), [protocols](/source/Communication_protocol), and [equipment](/source/Telecommunications_equipment) in the [circuit](/source/Telecommunication_circuit), rather than particular end-user applications. A [tactical communications system](/source/Tactical_communications_system) is a communications system that (a) is used within, or in direct support of [tactical forces](/source/Military_tactics) (b) is designed to meet the requirements of changing tactical situations and varying environmental conditions, (c) provides securable communications, such as voice, [data](/source/Data), and [video](/source/Video), among mobile users to facilitate [command and control](/source/Command_and_Control_(Military)) within, and in support of, tactical forces, and (d) usually requires extremely short installation times, usually on the order of hours, in order to meet the requirements of frequent relocation. An [Emergency communication system](/source/Emergency_communication_system) is any system (typically computer based) that is organized for the primary purpose of supporting the two way communication of emergency messages between both individuals and groups of individuals. These systems are commonly designed to integrate the cross-communication of messages between are variety of communication technologies. An [Automatic call distributor](/source/Automatic_call_distributor) (ACD) is a communication system that automatically queues, assigns and connects callers to handlers. This is used often in customer service (such as for product or service complaints), ordering by telephone (such as in a ticket office), or coordination services (such as in [air traffic control](/source/Air_traffic_control)). A [Voice Communication Control System](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Voice_Communication_Control_System&action=edit&redlink=1) (VCCS) is essentially an ACD with characteristics that make it more adapted to use in critical situations (no waiting for [dial tone](/source/Dial_tone), or lengthy recorded announcements, radio and telephone lines equally easily connected to, individual lines immediately accessible etc..) ## Key components ### Sources Sources can be classified as **electric** or **non-electric**; they are the origins of a message or input signal. Examples of sources include but are not limited to the following: - [Audio files](/source/Audio_files) (MP3, WAV, etc...) - [Graphic Image Files](/source/GIF) (GIFs) - [Email Messages](/source/Email) - [Human voice](/source/Human_voice) - [Television Picture](/source/Cathode-ray_tube) - [Electromagnetic radiation](/source/Electromagnetic_radiation) ### Input transducers (sensors) Sensors, like microphones and cameras, capture non-electric sources, like sound and light (respectively), and convert them into electrical signals. These types of sensors are called **input transducers** in modern analog and digital communication systems. Without input transducers there would not be an effective way to transport non-electric sources or signals over great distances, i.e. humans would have to rely solely on our eyes and ears to see and hear things despite the distances. Other examples of input transducers include: - [Microphones](/source/Microphone) - [Cameras](/source/Camera) - [Keyboards](/source/Computer_Keyboard) - [Mouse](/source/Computer_mouse) - Force sensors - [Accelerometers](/source/Accelerometer) ### Transmitter Once the source signal has been converted into an electric signal, the transmitter will modify this signal for efficient transmission. In order to do this, the signal must pass through an electronic circuit containing the following components: 1. [Noise filter](/source/Noise_filter) 1. [Analog-to-digital converter](/source/Analog-to-digital_converter) 1. Encoder 1. [Modulator](/source/Modulation) 1. [Signal amplifier](/source/Signal_amplifier) After the signal has been amplified, it is ready for transmission. At the end of the circuit is an antenna, the point at which the signal is released as electromagnetic waves (or electromagnetic radiation). ### Communication channel A communication channel is simply referring to the medium by which a signal travels. There are two types of media by which electrical signals travel, i.e. **guided** and **unguided**. Guided media refers to any medium that can be directed from transmitter to receiver by means of connecting cables. In optical fiber communication, the medium is an optical (glass-like) fiber. Other guided media might include coaxial cables, telephone wire, twisted-pairs, etc... The other type of media, unguided media, refers to any communication channel that creates space between the transmitter and receiver. For radio or RF communication, the medium is air. Air is the only thing between the transmitter and receiver for RF communication while in other cases, like sonar, the medium is usually water because sound waves travel efficiently through certain liquid media. Both types of media are considered unguided because there are no connecting cables between the transmitter and receiver. Communication channels include almost everything from the vacuum of space to solid pieces of metal; however, some mediums are preferred more than others. That is because differing sources travel through subjective mediums with fluctuating efficiencies. ### Receiver Once the signal has passed through the communication channel, it must be effectively captured by a receiver. The goal of the receiver is to capture and reconstruct the signal before it passed through the transmitter (i.e. the A/D converter, modulator and encoder). This is done by passing the "received" signal through another circuit containing the following components: 1. Noise Filter 1. [Digital-to-analog converter](/source/Digital-to-analog_converter) 1. Decoder 1. Demodulator 1. Signal Amplifier Most likely the signal will have lost some of its energy after having passed through the communication channel or medium. The signal can be boosted by passing it through a signal amplifier. When the analog signal converted into digital signal. ### Output transducer The output transducer simply converts the electric signal (created by the input transducer) back into its original form. Examples of output transducers include but are not limited to the following: - Speakers (Audio) - Monitors (See Computer Peripherals) - Motors (Movement) - Lighting (Visual) ### Other Some common pairs of input and output transducers include: 1. Microphones and speakers (audio signals) 1. Keyboards and computer monitors 1. Cameras and liquid crystal displays (LCDs) 1. Force sensors (buttons) and lights or motors Again, input transducers convert non-electric signals like voice into electric signals that can be transmitted over great distances very quickly. Output transducers convert the electric signal back into sound or picture, etc... There are many different types of transducers and the combinations are limitless. ## See also - [Automatic call distributor](/source/Automatic_call_distributor) ## References 1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** Schwartz, M., Bennett, W. R., & Stein, S. (1996). *Communication systems and techniques*. New York: IEEE Press. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** Rappaport, T. S. (1996). *Wireless communications: principles and practice*. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Prentice Hall PTR. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-:0_3-0)** ["Radio Communications System"](http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ship/weaps/radio.htm). Retrieved February 9, 2021. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-JSS717512_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-JSS717512_4-1) John Stone Stone, [U.S. patent 717,512](https://patents.google.com/patent/US717512) 1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** [John Stone Stone](/source/John_Stone_Stone), [U.S. patent 726,476](https://patents.google.com/patent/US726476) 1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** John Stone Stone, [U.S. patent 726,368](https://patents.google.com/patent/US726368) 1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** John Stone Stone, [U.S. patent 577,214](https://patents.google.com/patent/US577214) 1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** [Nikola Tesla](/source/Nikola_Tesla), [U.S. patent 649,621](https://patents.google.com/patent/US649621) 1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** Nikola Tesla, [U.S. patent 787,412](https://patents.google.com/patent/US787412) 1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** John Stone Stone, [U.S. patent 714,756](https://patents.google.com/patent/US714756) 1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** John Stone Stone, [U.S. patent 716,955](https://patents.google.com/patent/US716955) ## Further reading - Hansell, Clarence W., *[U.S. patent 2,389,432](https://patents.google.com/patent/US2389432)*, "*Communication system by pulses through the Earth*". - This article incorporates [public domain material](/source/Copyright_status_of_works_by_the_federal_government_of_the_United_States) from [*Federal Standard 1037C*](https://web.archive.org/web/20220122224547/https://www.its.bldrdoc.gov/fs-1037/fs-1037c.htm). [General Services Administration](/source/General_Services_Administration). Archived from [the original](https://www.its.bldrdoc.gov/fs-1037/fs-1037c.htm) on January 22, 2022. (in support of [MIL-STD-188](/source/MIL-STD-188)). v t e Telecommunications History Beacon Broadcasting Cable protection system Cable TV Communications satellite Computer network Data compression audio DCT image video Digital media Internet video online video platform social media streaming Drums Edholm's law Electrical telegraph Fax Heliographs Hydraulic telegraph Information Age Information revolution Internet Mass media Mobile phone Smartphone Optical telecommunication Optical telegraphy Pager Photophone Prepaid mobile phone Radio Radiotelephone Satellite communications Semaphore Phryctoria Semiconductor device MOSFET transistor Smoke signals Telecommunications history Telautograph Telegraphy Teleprinter (teletype) Telephone history The Telephone Cases Television digital streaming Undersea telegraph line Videotelephony Whistled language Wireless revolution Pioneers Nasir Ahmed Edwin Howard Armstrong Mohamed M. Atalla John Logie Baird Paul Baran John Bardeen Alexander Graham Bell Emile Berliner Tim Berners-Lee Francis Blake Jagadish Chandra Bose Charles Bourseul Walter Houser Brattain Vint Cerf Claude Chappe Yogen Dalal Donald Davies Daniel Davis Jr. Amos Dolbear Thomas Edison Philo Farnsworth Reginald Fessenden Lee de Forest Elisha Gray Oliver Heaviside Robert Hooke Erna Schneider Hoover Harold Hopkins Gardiner Greene Hubbard Bob Kahn Dawon Kahng Charles K. Kao Narinder Singh Kapany Hedy Lamarr Roberto Landell Innocenzo Manzetti Guglielmo Marconi Robert Metcalfe Antonio Meucci Samuel Morse Jun-ichi Nishizawa Charles Grafton Page Radia Perlman Alexander Stepanovich Popov Tivadar Puskás Johann Philipp Reis Claude Shannon Almon Brown Strowger Henry Sutton Charles Sumner Tainter Nikola Tesla Camille Tissot Alfred Vail Thomas A. Watson Charles Wheatstone Vladimir K. Zworykin Internet pioneers Transmission media Coaxial cable Fiber-optic communication optical fiber Free-space optical communication Molecular communication Radio waves wireless Transmission line telecommunication circuit Network topology and switching Bandwidth Links Network switching circuit packet Nodes terminal Telephone exchange Multiplexing Space-division Frequency-division Time-division Polarization-division Orbital angular-momentum Code-division Concepts Communication protocol Computer network Data transmission Store and forward Telecommunications equipment Types of network Cellular network Ethernet ISDN LAN Mobile NGN Public Switched Telephone Radio Television Telex UUCP WAN Wireless network Notable networks ARPANET BITNET CYCLADES FidoNet Internet Internet2 JANET NPL network TANet Toasternet Usenet Locations Africa Americas North South Antarctica Asia Europe Oceania Global telecommunications regulation bodies Telecommunication portal Category Outline Commons Authority control databases International GND National United States Israel Other Yale LUX --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Communications system](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communications_system) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communications_system?action=history)). 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