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Introduction of Computer Network Types of Computer Network Network Topology Computer Networking Architecture Transmission Modes (Data Flow) Basic Networking Devices Integrate Services Digital Network (ISDN)

Model

OSI Model TCP/IP Model

Physical Layer

Digital Transmission Analog Transmission Transmission Media Switching

Data Link Layer

Error detection and Error correction Data Link Control Multiple Access Aloha

Network Layer

Network Layer - Logical Address Address Mapping Unicast Routing Protocol

Transport Layer

Process to Process Delivery User Datagram Protocol Transmission Control Protocol Stream Control Transmission Protocol Session Layer and Presentation Layer

Application Layer

Domain Name System Application Protocol E-mail Cryptography

Misc

Classes of Routing Protocols Classification of Routing Algorithms Controlled Access Protocols in Computer Networks Differences between IPv4 and IPv6 Fixed and Flooding Routing Algorithms Advantages and Disadvantages of Fibre Optics Cable APIPA Difference between Active and Passive FTP Fiber Optics and its Types Method of Joining and Fusion of Fiber Optic Cable Define Framing in Computer Network Disadvantages of Computer Network Mesh Topology Diagram in Computer Network Ring Topology in Computer Network Star Topology in Computer Networks 4G Mobile Communication Technology Advantages and Disadvantages of LAN Advantages and Disadvantages of MAN Advantages and Disadvantages of WAN Application Layer in OSI Model Cyclic Redundancy Check Example Data link layer in OSI model Difference between Transport and Network Layer Hamming Code Example Network Layer in OSI Model Session Layer in OSI Model Transport Layer in OSI Model Two Port Network in Computer Networks Uses of Computer Networks What is Computer Network What is Framing in a Computer Network Advantages and Disadvantages of Bus Topology Difference between Star Topology and Bus Topology Subnetting in Computer Network Subnetting Questions and Answers What is Bus Topology What is Network Topology and Types in Computer Networks Access Control in Networking Basic Characteristics of Computer Network Benefits of SOCKS5 Proxy in Computer Networks Computer Network viva Questions Difference between BOOTP and RARP Difference Between Network Topologies and Network Protocols Difference between NFC and RFID Difference Between Point-to-Point Link and star Topology Network Differences Between MSS and MTU Differences Between Trunk Port and Access Port Different Modes of Communication in Computer Networks MIME Protocol in Computer Networks Modes of Communication in Computer Networks Network Attack in Computer Network Port Address in Networking Simplest Protocol in Computer Network Sliding Window Protocol in Computer Network Stop And Wait Protocol in Computer Networks TCP 3-Way Handshake Process in Computer Networks What is a Proxy Server What is APPN What is ICMP Protocol What is Point-to-Point Protocol What is Port Address in Networking What is the HDLC Protocol What is VRRP Protocol Difference Between Analog and Digital Signals Difference Between Hub and Repeater Difference between Repeater and Switch Difference Between Transparent Bridge and Source Routing Bridge Source Routing Bridge in Computer Networks Transparent Bridge in Computer Networks Transport Protocol in Computer Networks Types of CSMA in Computer Networks What is Wired and Wireless Networking Network Security in Computer Network Disadvantages of Extranet Difference Between TELNET and FTP Define Protocol in Computer Networks Guided Transmission Media in Computer Network What is a Gateway in a Computer Network IGMP in Computer Networks LAN Protocols in Computer Networks MAN Meaning in Computer Modulation Techniques in Computer Networks Switching in DCN TCP/IP Applications What is IGMP? What is Modem in Networking What is Non-Persistent CSMA Difference between Cell Splitting and Cell Sectoring Forouzen Computer Network Open Loop and Closed Loop Congestion Control Types of Cluster Computing WAP-Wireless Access Point What are the elements of the Transport Protocol Difference between Gateway and Switch Flow Control in Data Link Layer Body Area Network Flooding in Computer Network Token Ring in Computer Networks VoIP in Computer Networks What is Infrared Transmission Congestion Control Techniques Forward Error Correction (FEC) Switching Techniques What is Telnet in Computer Network

Difference Between Analog and Digital Signals

The term "signal" refers to an electrical or electromagnetic quantity (such as current, voltage, radio wave, microwave, etc.) that transports data or information from one system (or network) to another. Analog and digital transmissions are the two fundamental signal kinds that are utilized to transport data.

There are several ways in which analog and digital signals vary from one another. An important distinction between these two signals is that a digital signal is a discrete function of time, an analog signal is a continuous function of time.

In addition to providing a brief overview of each signal type, this page discusses all the key distinctions between analog and digital signals.

What is an Analog Signal?

An analog signal is one that is used to transmit information and is a constant function of time. In the case of an analog audio signal, the instantaneous value of the signal voltage indicates the pressure of the sound wave. Analog signals describe quantities that are comparable to other quantities.

Analog signals transmit information using the characteristics of the medium. Analog signals include all of the signals produced by nature. Nevertheless, electronic noise and distortion are more likely to affect analog signals, which can lower their signal quality.

What are digital Signals?

A digital signal is a signal that has a discrete function of time, meaning it is not a continuous signal. Digital signals are represented in binary form and are made up of various voltage values recorded at certain points in time.

In essence, a digital signal represents data and information at any given time as a series of distinct numbers.

Following are the two steps involved in the transformation of analog to digital signal:

1. Sampling

2. Quantization

Analog vs Digital Signal in tabular Form

The following chart lists every key distinction between analog and digital signals.

ParametersAnalog SignalDigital Signal
DefinitionAnalog signals are used to transmit information and are continuous functions of time.Digital signals, or non-continuous signals, are defined as discrete functions of time.
Signal valuesAnalog signals represent the data and information using a continuous range of values.Discrete 0 and 1 are the two values which are used to represent the data and information in digital signals, (0 and 1 also known as discontinuous values)
Signal bandwidthA low-bandwidth analog signal is one.A digital transmission has a rather large bandwidth.
Typical representationA sine wave function is often used to represent an analog signal. There are also other more representations for analog signals.A square wave function provides the standard signal representation.
SuitabilityFor transmitting music, video, and other types of information across communication channels, analog signals are more suited.The digital signals can be used for digital electronic processes including data storage and computation.
AccuracyAnalog signals are less accurate because they are more susceptible to noise.As we know digital signals are noise-free so they are highly accurate.
Effect of noiseAnalog signals are easily impacted by electrical noise.Compared to analog signals, digital signals are more reliable and noise-resistant.
Power consumptionMore power is required to transmit data via analog signals.For the same amount of information, digital transmissions use less power than analog ones.
Observational errorsObservational mistakes are produced by analog signals.Observational mistakes are not present in digital signals.
Circuit componentsAnalog circuits that primarily consist of resistors, capacitors, inductors, etc. process analog signals.The processing of digital signals requires digital circuits, which mostly consist of transistors.