Revision of HSC topic three

HSC Topic 3 - Communication Systems
When participants within the information system have a need to transmit and receive data or information, the type of system required is a communication system. Communication systems support people who are working together, by enabling the exchange of data and information electronically. The information processes of transmitting and receiving are of primary importance but the other processes must also be considered when relevant because all of the information processes play a role in communication systems.

characteristics of communication systems
• communication systems as being those systems which enable users to send and receive data and information
• the framework in which communication systems function *
• the functions performed within the communication systems in passing messages between source and destination
• the roles of protocols in communication
• the client–server model

examples of communication systems
• teleconferencing systems
• messaging systems **
• other systems dependent on communication technology such as:
– e-commerce
– EFTPOS
– electronic banking

transmitting and receiving in communication systems
• transmission media (wired ** and wireless **)
• characteristics of media in terms of speed, capacity, cost and security
• communication protocols
• strategies for error detection and error correction
• network topologies
• the functions performed by hardware components ** used in communication systems
• characteristics of network operating software
• similarities and differences between the Internet, intranets and extranets

other information processes in communication systems
• collecting
• processing *
• displaying

managing communication systems
• network administration tasks *

issues related to communication systems
• security
• globalisation
• changing nature of work
• interpersonal relationships
• e-crime
• legal
• virtual communities
• current and emerging trends in communications **

Notes:
* See the BOS HSC syllabus for IPT - pages 36 -39
** See IPT Course Specifications Document - page 8