What is Digital Communication?
Digital communication is the electronic transmission and reception of information or data. This form of communication has become a mainstay. Sending an email, an SMS, or a WhatsApp message are all examples of digital communication.
Digital communication is typically more versatile, efficient, and accurate than analog. digital, data can be compressed and can handle various information formats, including text, audio, video, and images.
A Brief History of Digital Communication
The earliest form of digital communication emerged in the 1840s with the invention of the Morse telegraph. This innovation allowed users to transmit information using electrical pulses to represent letters and numbers.
In the 20th Century, Claude Shannon pioneered new methods of digital communication. His information theory established the mathematical framework for modern digital communication systems, which included concepts like data compression and error correction.
With the advent of computers and the internet age, digital communication is now among the most common forms of human communication.
Key Elements of Digital Communication
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Sender:
This is the source that generates the information to be transmitted. This could be a computer, phone, or any device capable of converting information into digital signals.
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Encoder:
This converts the original information (text, audio, video) into digital bits.
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Channel:
This refers to the medium through which the digital signals are transmitted. Examples include cables, fiber optic lines, and wireless networks.
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Decoder:
The decoder converts the received digital signal back into its original format (text, audio, video) at the receiver’s end.
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Receiver:
The device that receives the transmitted digital signal and performs decryption using the decoder.
This may sound complicated, but this is the basic outline of what happens when you send a message from one mobile phone to another.
Applications and Examples of Digital Communication
Digital communication has permeated nearly every aspect of modern life. Most people are rarely more than a few feet away from a digital communication device, such as a phone or laptop. Here are some prominent applications:
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Internet:
The Internet serves as the backbone of global digital communication. It’s used to power email, instant messaging, video conferencing, and social media.
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Telecommunication:
Digital technologies have transformed traditional phone services with features like VoIP and video calls.
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Mobile Communication:
Cellular networks enable text messaging, and internet access on the go.
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Entertainment and Media:
Streaming services deliver music, movies, and TV shows directly to consumers via digital channels.