What is the primary characteristic of a satellite's transponder?

What is the primary characteristic of a satellite's transponder?

• A. To send signals only in one direction
• B. To amplify and relay signals between the Earth and space
• C. To encrypt communications
• D. To change the frequency of all signals

Answer: (B)

A satellite's transponder is specifically designed to receive, amplify, and relay signals between the Earth and space, which is reflected in the correct choice. This vital function allows the transponder to facilitate communication by receiving incoming signals from one location, amplifying them to overcome any loss of signal strength, and then re-transmitting them back to Earth or to another satellite. This process is critical in various applications, including telephone communication, television broadcasting, and internet services. The transponder operates over different frequency bands, allowing it to receive signals from Earth while sending them back at a frequency that prevents interference, which enhances the reliability of the communication link. This characteristic distinguishes it from other functionalities, such as sending signals in only one direction, encrypting communications, or simply changing the frequency of all signals. These other processes may occur within a communication system, but they do not define the primary role of a satellite transponder.

A satellite's transponder is specifically designed to receive, amplify, and relay signals between the Earth and space, which is reflected in the correct choice. This vital function allows the transponder to facilitate communication by receiving incoming signals from one location, amplifying them to overcome any loss of signal strength, and then re-transmitting them back to Earth or to another satellite.

This process is critical in various applications, including telephone communication, television broadcasting, and internet services. The transponder operates over different frequency bands, allowing it to receive signals from Earth while sending them back at a frequency that prevents interference, which enhances the reliability of the communication link.

This characteristic distinguishes it from other functionalities, such as sending signals in only one direction, encrypting communications, or simply changing the frequency of all signals. These other processes may occur within a communication system, but they do not define the primary role of a satellite transponder.