Guided and unguided media are the two categories of transmission media. Waves are directed along a solid medium in guided transmission media like a transmission line. In unguided transmission media, the antenna is used for transmission and reception. This article will discuss everything about transmission media in computer networks.
What Is Transmission Media in Computer Network?
The medium used to transfer data from one device to another is called transmission media. It is a physical channel that facilitates data transmission between the transmitter and the one who receives it. Data is conveyed over this physical channel, which could be either wired or wireless, using electromagnetic signals.
A communication channel known as “transmission media” is used to send information from a source or transmitter to a recipient. It is a physical channel that electromagnetic impulses use to transport data. Through LAN, data is sent in the form of bits. It can moderate signal transmission for communication purposes. Waves that are appropriate for the selected medium are enforced using signals. The physical layer that governs these media is below it.
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What Are the Characteristics of Transmission Media?
The characteristics of transmission media are as follows:
Bandwidth: The quantity of data that may be sent in a particular amount of time is known as bandwidth. A higher data transfer rate is shown by increased bandwidth.
Transmission Distance: The maximum distance that data can travel is referred to as the transmission distance. Since different media have different transmission ranges, this is an important consideration when trying to avoid data loss.
Interference: Interference is the existence of unwanted signals. The degree to which different mediums can tolerate undesired signals varies.
Cost: The type of media used also affects the cost.
Guided Media And Its Types
Guided media is a type of communication where signals are sent from source to recipient through a physical medium. Another name for it is wired media.
The different types of guided media are as follows:
Twisted Pair Cable
It lowers electromagnetic interference by combining two copper wires into a single cable through twisting. Because copper wires are isolated, crosstalk is eliminated and both can send data at the same time.
Twisting helps reduce noise and interference. Let’s say that at some point, one wire is closer to the noise source than the other; the opposite occurs in the following twist.
Coaxial Cable
Coaxial cables are made up of an outer jacket, a braided shield, and an insulation layer that encircles the copper conductor. Broadband internet and cable television networks both frequently use it. Higher frequency signals can be carried by it than by Twisted Pair wires.
Based on their radio government (RG) ratings, coaxial cables are classified. The RG number indicates the physical specifications, such as the kind, thickness, and wire gauge of the inner conductor and shield structure. We require a connector called a Bayonne-Neill-Concelman connector to connect a coaxial cable to the device.
Optical Fire Cable
Data can be transmitted at high speeds through optical fiber, a media that works by using light. It takes advantage of the idea of light refraction. It can operate in wide-area networks and send data quickly across extended distances.
Unguided Media And Its Types
Electromagnetic waves are used in unguided media to transfer data from sender to recipient. It transmits signals through the air rather than using any physical media.
There is no need for a physical medium when it comes to unguided media. Radio waves, microwaves, or infrared waves are used to transport signals across the atmosphere.
The different types of unguided media are as follows:
Radio Waves
Radio waves are electromagnetic waves that travel in the frequency range of 3 KHz to 1GHz. Since radio waves spread in all directions when they are released, sending and receiving antennae do not need to be oriented, and they can even pass through walls and other obstructions. This property makes radio waves omnidirectional.
Bluetooth, WI-FI, cellular networks, radio broadcasts, and even satellite communications all use radio waves. Because devices and antennae using the same frequencies can interfere with radio waves, wireless communication is also vulnerable to unwanted access.
Micro Waves
Microwaves are electromagnetic waves that have a frequency between 1GHz and 300GHz. Given that microwaves are unidirectional, the sending and receiving antennas must line up. Both point-to-point and point-to-multipoint communications employ them.
Towers with antennas at a distance must be tall because the antennae must be aligned; otherwise, the earth’s curvature and tall structures will prevent the antennae from communicating. As a result, the infrastructure is highly costly.
Infrared
Infrared electromagnetic waves are those that travel between 300 GHz and 400 THz. Their high frequency and short wavelengths prevent them from penetrating walls or objects. They are therefore appropriate for short-range communications. Furthermore, as infrared is also present in sun rays and might interfere with communication, infrared waves should not be used outdoors.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Wireless Transmission
Wireless transmission removes the need for physical wires to link people to networks while providing mobility, flexibility, and convenience. It makes communication and information easier to access from a variety of devices inside the network service region.
Physical barriers like walls or buildings, as well as other wireless equipment, can cause interference with wireless transmission. In addition, compared to wired transmission media, it could have a smaller bandwidth and slower rates. To prevent unwanted access, wireless networks can also need to implement extra security measures.
Conclusion
There are two types of transmission media. A suitable transmission medium can be chosen based on the data rate and transmitter-to-receiver distance. Additionally, a transmission type can be chosen according to whether or not a physical medium is needed.