3.1.10 - Outline the characteristics of different transmission media. Flashcards
1
Q
What are the 4 ways to compare transmission media?
A
1) Security
2) Reliability
3) Cost
4) Speed
2
Q
What are UTP cables made of?
A
UTP (Unshielded twisted pair) cables are made of copper.
2
Q
Describe UTP cables.
A
Security - decent, if encrypted.
Reliability - susceptible to EMI (electromagnetic interference).
Cost - less than £1 per metre.
Speed - between 100Mbps and 1Gbps.
3
Q
Describe fibre-optic cable.
A
Security - very secure, difficult to break in.
Reliability - generally quite fragile.
Cost - between £2 and £8 per metre.
Speed - between 5Gbps and 100Gbps.
4
Q
Describe wireless radio waves as a transmission medium.
A
Security - very insecure, unless encrypted.
Reliability - susceptible to interference.
Cost - technically free.
Speed - between 70Mbps and 700Mbps.
