Society Exam with Detailed Answers
2026-2027 Updated.
Telecommunications - Answer The transmittal of data and information from one point to
another. Allows communication over large distances.
Telecommunications Benefits - Answer Greater efficiency, better distribution of data, instant
transactions, and flexible and mobile workforce.
Telecommunications Applications - Answer Business communication; including e-mail, voice
mail, instant messaging, faxing, file transfer, mobile telephoning, teleconferencing, wireless
payments, and warehousing.
Tangible Media - Answer Includes twisted pair cable, coaxial cable, optical fiber.
Twisted Pair Cable - Answer Pairs of insulated copper wires twisted together. Flexible, reliable,
and low cost. Connects devices with RJ-45 plug-in connector.
Coaxial Cable - Answer For cable television transmission. Used for internet connections via
cable.
Optical Fiber - Answer Uses light to represent bits. Not susceptible to EMI (electromagnetic
interference). Can carry signals for long distances.
Radio Frequency (RF) Technologies - Answer Uses radio waves to carry bits. Electromagnetic
waves between 30 KHz and 300 GHz (or 300 billion waves that pass a given point in a second).
Usually a foot long to several miles long.
Microwaves - Answer High-frequency radio waves (a type of radio wave) that can carry signals
over long distances with high accuracy (such as for radio and TV). Electromagnetic waves are
between 300 MHz and 300 GHz. For outside transmission, weather conditions such as rain,
pollen count, etc. may degrade the quality. Signals can be transmitted by satellite links. Used in
cell phones, Bluetooth, etc.
WiFi - Answer Same as a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), where radio waves are used to
connect devices to each other and to the internet. Advantages: easier installation, more
scalable, more flexible (equipment is easily moved). Drawback: are less secure than wired LANs.
, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) - Answer Uses radio waves to transmit data. Enables
rapid transactions and payments. Used at gas stations for payment at pump, in vehicles for
automatic road toll payment, and to track and locate items in warehouses.
Near-Field Communication (NFC) - Answer A standard communication protocol to create a
radio connection between two devices (used by Apple Pay, Android Pay, etc.) that is built off of
RFID technology. Takes place within four centimeters. Today is found in most phones and smart
watches. Is revolutionizing business today, through applications such as mobile payment,
electronic wallets, opening lockers, getting information.
Network - Answer Combination of devices (or nodes) connected through a communication
media. Any compatible device that can transmit and receive on it can be part of it. Are classified
by reach and complexity. Basic types: PANs, LANs, MANs, and WANs.
Local Area Network (LAN) - Answer Established by a single organization and shared among
employees. Server-based: central server controls communications. Peer-to-peer: no central
device. Reaches 5-6 km.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) - Answer Links multiple LANs within a large city. Uses fiber
optic or wireless broadband connections between LANs. Up to 50 km (31 miles). Often used by
cities, hospitals within a city, etc.
Wide Area Network (WAN) - Answer Far-reaching system of networks composed of LANs or
MANs. May be public or private (DSL, etc.). More than 48 km (30 miles).
Personal Area Network (PAN) - Answer Wireless network designed for handheld and portable
devices. Used by one or two people. Transmission speed is slower. Maximum distance is about
ten meters.
Virtual Private Network (VPN) - Answer A public network connection that creates the illusion
of a private network connection. Does not require leasing of lines. Utilizes the internet to
simulate a private network that only authorized users can access. Enables the use of intranets
and extranets. Gives greater security and privacy for companies. Helps people who want to
protect their search history, or not face censorship of any sort.
Switch - Answer A common device often used as a central location to connect computers or
devices to a local network.
Bridge - Answer Connects two networks.
Router - Answer Directs data packets to the next node on the path to the final destination.