Final answer:
Communication system malfunctions can include signal interference, network outages, hardware failure, and software glitches. Signal interference, like that caused by a leaky microwave oven affecting WiFi, occurs when unwanted signals overlap or disrupt the transmission of the intended signal. Delays, such as those observed in live news reporting over long distances, are typically due to latency.
Step-by-step explanation:
Types of communication systems malfunctions can include several categories:
- Signal interference occurs when unwanted signals disrupt the original signal being transmitted. For example, a leaky microwave oven can cause interference with a homeowner's WiFi system because microwaves operate on a frequency that is very close to that used by WiFi, potentially causing disruption if the microwave is not properly shielded.
- Network outage is when there is a loss of network connectivity due to various reasons such as natural disasters, maintenance, or technical faults, affecting the transmission of data across the network.
- Hardware failure involves physical malfunctions in devices that are crucial for communication, such as routers, switches, or cables.
- Software glitch refers to errors or bugs within the software systems responsible for managing communication processes, leading to potential loss of data or halted communications.
When discussing delays in communication, like the lag observed between a television news anchor and a reporter in a distant country, this is often due to latency. Latency is the time it takes for a signal to travel from the source to the destination and can be affected by various factors such as the distance the signal has to travel and the number of intermediate devices it passes through.