Noise – Fluke DSP-2000 User Manual
Page 118
DSP-100/2000
Users Manual
7-6
Noise
Electrical noise is unwanted electrical signals that alter the shape of the signals
transmitted on a LAN cable. Figure 7-5 shows an example of how noise affects
the shape of an electrical signal known as a sine wave. Signals that are severely
distorted by noise can cause communication errors in a LAN.
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Figure 7-5. Sources of Electrical Noise
Electrical noise is generated by any device that uses or generates voltages that
vary over time. Varying voltage generates a varying electromagnetic field, which
transmits noise to nearby devices in the same way that a radio transmitter
transmits signals to your radio. For example, fluorescent lights, which use 50 or
60 Hz ac (alternating current) power, continuously radiate a 50 or 60 Hz signal
that can be received by nearby devices as electrical noise.