Difference between Analog Communication and Digital Communication

Technology in imparting the communication systems has moved a long way from analog to digital technology. It is important for students, engineers and everybody interested in digital communications to know the differences between analog and digital communications. In this article, authors are going to explain what are primary differences between informative and persuasive communication.

What is Analog Communication? 

In Analog communication the data is transferred with the help of analog signal in between transmitter and receiver. Any type of data is transferred in analog signal. Any data is converted into electric form first and after that it is passed through communication channel. Analog communication uses a continuous signal which varies in amplitude, phase, or some other property with time in proportion to that of a variable. 

Advantages of Analog Signals

• It is Easier in processing.
• Analog Signals are best fitted to audio and video transmission.
• It has a coffee cost and is portable.
• It posses higher density.

Disadvantages of Analog Signals

• Analog tends to possess a lower quality signal than digital.
• The cables are sensitive to external influences.
• Analog wire is expensive and not easily portable.

The below figure illustrates the Analog Communication System 

What is Digital Communication?

In Digital communication digital signal is used rather than analog signal for communication in between the source and destination. The digital signal consists of discrete values rather than continuous values. In digital communication physical transfer of data occurs in the form of digital bit stream i.e 0 or 1 over a point-to-point or point-to-multipoint transmission medium. In digital communication the digital transmission data can be broken into packets as discrete messages which is not allowed in analog communication. 

Advantages of Digital Communication

• The speed of data transmission is quite high therefore, message transfer occurs almost instantly.
• The process of digital communication is quite efficient because speed and accuracy are always maintained in this system.
• The wireless nature of digital communication can be used to establish connections globally without major geographical constraints.

Disadvantages of Digital Communication

• Digital Communication lacks a personal touch due to a lack of proper interaction between users at both the ends of channel.
• With an increase in network coverage, the complexity of digital communication systems increases and therefore, implementation of such circuits is difficult.

The below figure illustrates the Digital Communication System

Difference between Analog Communication and Digital Communication 

Conclusion

Both analog and digital communication has its strengths and weaknesses and will be suitable for different situations. Analog communication offers constant signal and is easier in terms of technology contrast, digital communication offers more efficiency, noise free environment and advance data storage. These differences have to be known so that the right system can be chosen based on how it has to be used.