Communication is a core of humanity; without it, nothing can be conveyed. Apart from the traditional method of communication, the internet has helped people communicate efficiently.
Electronic communication has its benefits and side effects. Numerous issues exist regarding computer networks, which allow us to connect to other computers and, essentially, the Internet.
If there is a noise on the computer network, the communication can be interrupted. But what exactly is this noise on a computer network? What are the common types of noises on a computer network?
Well, every IT engineer or computer engineer should know about these types of computer network noises. Let’s check out a few common types of network noise and how they affect communication over the network.
Types of Computer Network Noise
Noise in the computer network is quite different from the audible noise. Let’s check out various noises in networks.
#1 - Thermal Noise
Thermal Noise is one of the most common types of noise in computer networks. This happens due to the movement of electrons in the electronic devices. As the communication devices are being used, they get warm and hot over time.
The higher temperature of the devices causes a reduction in signal delivery and reception. Be it a wired connection or a wireless connection, both of them will have thermal noise. The best way to reduce Thermal Noise is to keep electronic devices in the computer cool.
#2 - Intermodulation Noise
The intermodulation noise is quite a technical term. In this noise, the sender and receiver frequencies collide with similar frequencies, which may cause an interruption in the communications.
This usually happens in wireless communication in computer networks, as the two similar devices may communicate over the same frequencies to different computers or networks. The best way to avoid intermodulation noise is to reduce the number of active communication devices and use filters to block the interfering signals.
#3 - Cross-talk Noise
Cross-talk noise is common in the old systems that used the wired communication form. When two wires that transmit the signals get tangled and cause an interruption in the signal. The two wires can interchange the signals and cause issues with communication. This happens with wireless devices too.
Cross-talk noise is pretty common in old systems like dial-up communications devices, wired routers, and Wi-Fi routers. This type of noise can seriously reduce the network speed and even cause interruptions. It’s better to detangle the cables and separate the Wireless devices.
#4 - EMP Noise
EMP noise or Electromagnetic pulse noise is common in wireless networks. It is caused by a strong EMP source near the wireless network. There can be numerous electronic devices that emit EMP due to activity. This EMP can interfere with the computer network signals and interrupt the same.
EMP noise can be triggered due to the switching of the electrical circuits near fuse boxes or electricity sources, open copper wires carrying electricity, or nearby electronic equipment. It’s important to shield the computer network devices and get rid of the EMP sources to avoid the EMP noise in computer networks.
#5 - RFI Noise
RFI noise or Radio Frequency Interference noise can cause slow network speeds, packet loss, and even network instability. This type of computer network noise can be triggered due to the radio frequencies from all types of wireless devices.
Be it smartphones, Wifi routers, tablets, wireless phones, Bluetooth devices, or other devices, everything can cause Radio frequency interference in the network systems.
What are the Effects of Noise on Computer Networks?
The network noise can cause serious issues with online communication. Let’s check out the issues caused due to the network noise.
#1 - Reduced Network Speed
The network speeds can take a toll when there is noise in the computer networks. Any kind of noise can impact the network speeds to a greater extent.
#2 - Weak Signal Strength
Network noise can reduce the signal strength. This can make your connection weaker, reducing reliability. Additionally, it can cause the connection to drop frequently.
#3 - Packet Loss
If any of the above issues do not cause network interruptions, then it might cause packet loss. This can cause the data packets to be lost between the transmission. This can cause data loss of the video, images, or other files.
Final Words
The computer network noise is nothing but an interruption to the network system. Be it the internet, intranet, or other communication methods, everything is susceptible to these common types of noises.
It’s important to shield the computer and the network hardware to avoid any kind of interference that can cause issues with the network's stability.