Xyryz O.
Patagnan Assignment on Networks & Communications
One of the biggest advantages of digital signals is noise and interference immunity. Analog
signals being continuous are susceptible to even minor disturbances which can corrupt the
information they carry. Digital signals are represented by discrete values (0 and 1) so are far less
prone to noise. This means information is transmitted and received more accurately even in
noisy environments.
And digital signals offer more flexibility in signal processing. Digital signal processing (DSP)
allows for complex digital data manipulation – filtering, compression, error correction – which
can’t be done with analog signals. This flexibility has led to development of advanced
applications like digital audio processing, image enhancement and advanced communication
systems.
Data storage and retrieval are also much better with digital signals. Digital data can be stored
on various media – magnetic disks, optical discs, semiconductor chips. And digital data can be
compressed so much that lots of information can be stored in a very small space. The ease of
storage and retrieval has contributed to growth of digital libraries, online databases and cloud
storage.
Security is another area where digital signals win. Digital info can be encrypted easily so it’s
super secure from unauthorized access and tampering. Encryption techniques turn digital data
into a format that’s unreadable unless you have the decryption key. This is becoming more and
more important for sensitive info in many applications from online banking to secure
messaging.
Cost is another reason why digital signals are everywhere. Integrated circuits and
microprocessors have made digital hardware so cheap to produce. This has led to the
multiplication of digital devices from smartphones and laptops to digital cameras and TVs
making digital technology available to many users.
In summary digital signals have many advantages over analog signals. Their noise immunity,
signal processing flexibility, storage and retrieval ease, security and cost effectiveness have
made them the norm in modern technology. As we continue to generate more and more data
the role of digital signals will only get more important in shaping the future of IT
References:
Monolithic Power Systems. (n.d.). Analog vs. Digital Signals: Uses, Advantages and
Disadvantages. Retrieved from
https://www.monolithicpower.com/en/learning/resources/analog-vs-digital-signal
Testbook. (n.d.). Difference Between Analog And Digital Signal: Definition, Example.
Retrieved from https://testbook.com/physics/difference-between-analog-and-digital-
signal
CK-12 Foundation. (n.d.). What advantages do digital signals have over analog signals?.
Retrieved from https://www.ck12.org/flexi/physical-science/electronic-signal/what-
advantages-do-digital-signals-have-over-analog-signals/
QuarkTwin. (n.d.). Understanding Analog and Digital Signal: Definition,Types,
Advantages and Disadvantages. Retrieved from
https://www.quarktwin.com/blogs/other/understanding-analog-and-digital-signal-
definition-types-advantages-and-disadvantages/509
Turito. (n.d.). Analog Vs Digital Signals - Advantages and Disadvantages. Retrieved from
https://www.turito.com/blog/general/analog-vs-digital-signals-advantages-and-disadvantages
