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Transmission Media Overview
Definition:
Transmission media refers to the physical pathways that connect computers, other devices, and people on a network. It is the channel through which data is sent from one place to another.
Types:
There are two main categories of transmission media: guided (wired) and unguided (wireless).
Guided Media
Twisted Pair Cable:
This is the most common form of wiring in data communication. It consists of pairs of wires twisted to reduce electromagnetic interference.
Coaxial Cable:
Coaxial cable is used for cable television systems, office buildings, and other work-sites for local area networks.
Fiber Optic Cable:
Fiber optic cables transmit data as light pulses along a glass or plastic fiber. They are known for high bandwidth and long-distance transmission capabilities.
Unguided Media
Radio Waves:
Radio waves are used for multicast communications, such as radio and television, and paging systems.
Microwaves:
Microwaves are used for unicast communication such as cellular telephones, satellite networks, and wireless LANs.
Infrared:
Infrared signals are used for short-range communication in a closed area using line-of-sight propagation.
Factors Affecting Transmission Media
Bandwidth:
The capacity of a medium to carry data, which affects the speed and volume of data transmission.
Delay:
Time taken for data to travel from the source to the destination, influenced by the medium and distance.
Cost:
The expense associated with installing and maintaining the transmission medium.
Advantages of Fiber Optic Cables
High Bandwidth:
Fiber optic cables offer extremely high bandwidth, allowing for high-speed data transmission.
Long Distance:
They can transmit data over long distances without significant loss.
Security:
Fiber optics provide better security against data interception and eavesdropping.
Disadvantages of Twisted Pair Cables
Limited Distance:
Twisted pair cables are limited in terms of distance they can cover without amplification.
Interference:
They are more susceptible to electromagnetic interference compared to coaxial or fiber optic cables.
Applications of Coaxial Cables
Cable Television:
Coaxial cables are widely used for cable television systems due to their high bandwidth capabilities.
Internet Access:
They are also used to provide broadband internet access in some areas.
Comparison of Transmission Media
Guided vs Unguided:
Guided media involves the use of physical cables, whereas unguided media relies on wireless methods for data transmission.
Cost Considerations:
Fiber optics tend to be more expensive than twisted pair cables but offer superior performance and reliability.
