More Wireless Basics
This article explains the types of wireless signal. What makes these signals different? What is the difference between a transmitter and a receiver? What do you call a device that both transmits and receives? Make sure you can name two types of antennas and the reason for choosing each type.
Receivers and Transmitters
When a device sends out a wireless signal, it is called a transmitter. When another device picks up that wireless signal and understands the information, it is called a receiver. In the case of FM radio, there is one transmitter - owned and operated by the radio station - and many receivers that people listen to the station with. When a device has both a transmitter and a receiver, it is sometimes called a transceiver. Devices such as routers can both transmit and receive, which is what makes them useful for building networks - you probably want to be able to send messages to your neighbors and out to the world, as well as receive messages!
Quick Activity: What devices do you own or use frequently that are transmitters, receivers or transceivers? Fill in some examples below each type:
| Transmitter | Receiver | Transceiver |
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| Examples: |
Examples: |
Examples: |
Do you use more transmitters, receivers, or transceivers throughout the day? What is different about the way you use each of these?