FUNCTION LIMITATIONS
SATELLITE
ANTENNA		 Sends and receives data, voice, or video signals from a source, through the air to a satellite in space, and then back down to Earth to a receiver antenna.
  1. Expensive to launch satellite.
  2. Must install antenna dish at both ends to receive or send signals.
MICROWAVE
ANTENNA		 Sends voice or data signals through the air using a cellular network that picks up the signals and transfers them to adjacent cells until they reach their destination.
  1. Requires line of sight, so not good for areas with tall buildings or hills.
  2. May need to construct a tower to mount equipment that receives and sends signals.
CABLE OR
PHONE LINES		 Sends data, voice, and video signals over copper, coaxial, or fiber optic lines to and from a source on the ground.
  1. Expensive to lay the lines to cover the area, on telephone poles or in the ground.
  2. Not practical for remote areas.

2 Minutes

Pete is trying to figure out which equipment is used with which transmission medium. We know that an antenna can send and receive information. There are three different types of communication equipment on the roof, marked above by A, B, and C. Based upon the information in the table, identify the distribution technology related to each type of equipment. Click on the number that reflects the right answer.

HINT: Use the Pythagorean Theorem to compute the remaining side, b. Each space equals 2 feet.

A) A = microwave antenna, B = cable or phone lines, C = satellite antenna

B) A = microwave antenna, B = satellite antenna, C = cable or phone lines

C) A = satellite antenna, B = microwave antenna, C = cable or phone lines
HELP

Please send any comments to:
Curator: Tom.Benson@grc.nasa.gov
Responsible Official: Kathy.Zona@grc.nasa.gov