Here are Cisco's definitions.
Signaling
The physical layer must generate the electrical, optical, or wireless
signals that represent the "1" and "0" on the media. The method of
representing the bits is called the signaling method.
Encoding
Encoding or line encoding is a method of converting a stream of data
bits into a predefined "code”. Codes are groupings of bits used to
provide a predictable pattern that can be recognized by both the
sender and the received. In the case of networking, encoding is a
pattern of voltage or current used to represent bits; the 0s and 1s.
I don't understand the difference between these two. When I describe line encoding in my own words, I would say encoding means putting the 1's and 0's in a certain pattern, so both nodes can understand that pattern. The encoding-protocol used defines that pattern. Is this correct?
I do not understand the definition of signaling… These two terms are explained on the same page in my cisco book, but to me signaling seems very similar to encoding. I can't differentiate the two.
Best Answer
Click here to view Ron's comment. Here is what he said:
Just posting it as an answer since Ron didn't.