10.6 The Role of Communication Systems

If you wanted to send the entire Encyclopedia Britanica to your Aunty in Australia, you wouldn't send it by SMS (text message). You probably wouldn't email it either. These communications systems are useful for specific reasons but are limited.

In this particular instance you would probably blow it onto a DVD and send it by snail mail.

The choice of communication system is dependent upon several things:

• (S) The required speed of delivery
• (A) Availibility of technology
  
• (S) The size of message
• (S) Security of transmission
• (E) Ease of use of technology
• (C) The cost of sending

When deciding upon what communication device is best for a particular scenerio, think about these 6 areas.

Important links:

• BBC Click on-line archive
• TeachICT Comms links