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2.2 – Factors Influencing the Choice of Digital communication in a Network

Speed & Volume of Data Transfer

To begin with, we must understand a few important definitions:

1. Bandwidth

Amount of data transferred per second.

2. Latency

Time it takes data to travel between two devices.

3. Buffer

Area of storage used to temporarily store data, specifically when streaming. Typically, users want a high bandwidth and low latency. Impact on User Experience:

Good (High) Bandwidth means very rapid uploads and downloads, as well as complex tasks happening much quicker. Good (Low) Latency prevents lag from occurring, and in times of watching live events online, there would be no delay between real-time content and presented content.

Streaming

Remember that when streaming the content being streamed is not fully downloaded. Rather, as you keep watching, the buffer fills up with more and more data being added. If the buffer has no data in it, the video being watched will stop until the buffer plays again.

Example: If you’re watching Loki as soon as you open it content will begin to fill up in the buffer. If you reach the 7th minute and eventually it stops, that means the buffer is empty (there is no content to play) and hence you have to wait till the buffer refills with enough data to present.

Data transfer is also affected by: