Transmission Media Flashcards
all about Transmission Media
What is transmission Media
Transmission media refer to the various physical pathways through which data is transmitted from one device to another in a network.
Twisted Pair Cable
Insulated copper wires twisted together
Types:
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP): Commonly used in telephone systems and Ethernet networks.
Shielded Twisted Pair (STP): Has additional shielding to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Advantages : Inexpensive, easy to install and maintain
Disadvantages : Susceptible to EMI and crosstalk, limited bandwidth
Coaxial Cable
Description: Consists of a central conductor surrounded by an insulating layer, a metallic shield, and an outer insulating layer.
Characteristics:
Transmission Speed: Up to 10 Gbps.
Distance: Several kilometers without signal repeaters.
Advantages:
Better shielding and less interference than twisted pair cables.
Higher bandwidth and data rates.
Disadvantages:
More expensive and bulky than twisted pair cables.
More difficult to install and maintain.
Fiber Optic Cable
Description: Uses light to transmit data through a core of glass or plastic fibers, surrounded by cladding and protective layers
Advantages:
Extremely high bandwidth and data rates.
Immune to electromagnetic interference.
Long-distance capabilities.
Disadvantages:
Expensive to install and maintain.
Requires specialized equipment and skills.
Types:
Single-mode Fiber: For long-distance communication, uses a single light path.
Multi-mode Fiber: For shorter distances, uses multiple light paths.
Radio Waves
Description: Electromagnetic waves with frequencies from 3 kHz to 300 GHz.
Usage: Broadcasting, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular networks.
Characteristics:
Transmission Speed: Varies by application (e.g., Wi-Fi up to 10 Gbps, cellular up to 1 Gbps).
Distance: Varies (Wi-Fi up to 100 meters, cellular networks several kilometers).
Advantages:
Wireless and mobile communication.
Easy to install and extend coverage.
Disadvantages:
Susceptible to interference and eavesdropping.
Limited bandwidth compared to wired media.
Microwaves
Description: Electromagnetic waves with frequencies from 1 GHz to 300 GHz.
Usage: Point-to-point communication, satellite communication, radar.
Characteristics:
Advantages:
High bandwidth and data rates.
Long-distance communication with satellites.
Disadvantages:
Line-of-sight communication required.
Affected by weather conditions like rain and fog.