Which type of satellite is positioned farther from Earth and covers a wide area?

Prepare for the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) Exam. Engage with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, with hints and explanations for each. Ace your exam!

A geosynchronous satellite is placed in an orbit approximately 22,236 miles (35,786 kilometers) above the Earth's equator. This specific positioning allows the satellite to match the Earth’s rotation period, resulting in it remaining fixed over one point on the Earth’s surface. This unique characteristic provides extensive coverage of a wide area, making it particularly useful for applications such as weather monitoring, television broadcasting, and communications, where consistent coverage in a specific location is essential.

Low Earth orbit satellites, while closer to the Earth, typically occupy altitudes ranging from about 100 to 1,200 miles (160 to 2,000 kilometers). Although they can provide lower latency and are commonly used for imaging and smaller regional coverage, they do not cover as wide an area as geosynchronous satellites due to their proximity to Earth.

Near Field Communication (NFC) and Bluetooth are wireless communication technologies that operate over short distances and do not involve satellite deployment. NFC is primarily used for contactless transactions over very short ranges, while Bluetooth connects devices typically within 30 feet. These technologies do not cover wide areas or operate at the distances associated with satellites.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy