CN 5 : Transmission Media | Guided & Unguided Media with Examples | Computer Network

Summary

In this video, Rali discusses transmission media in computer networks, explaining the concept and its importance in data transmission. The video covers two main types of transmission media: guided (wired) and unguided (wireless). Guided media, including twisted pair cables, coaxial cables, and fiber optics, are ideal for shorter distances and high-speed communication. Unguided media, such as radio waves, microwaves, and infrared, are used for longer distances and wireless communication. Rali emphasizes how the selection of transmission media depends on the specific requirements of distance, speed, and network security.

Takeaways

• 😀 Transmission media refers to the physical or wireless paths used for sending data between devices in a network.
• 😀 There are two main types of transmission media: guided media (wired) and unguided media (wireless).
• 😀 Guided media includes twisted pair cables, coaxial cables, and fiber optic cables, all of which use physical wires to transmit data.
• 😀 Twisted pair cables come in two types: unshielded (UTP) and shielded (STP), with STP offering higher data rates but being more expensive.
• 😀 Coaxial cables are used for both baseband and broadband transmissions, providing higher frequencies and multiple signal transmission compared to twisted pair cables.
• 😀 Fiber optic cables are the most advanced transmission media, utilizing light to transmit data over long distances, making them ideal for wide area networks and the internet.
• 😀 Unguided media, or wireless transmission, includes radio waves, microwaves, and infrared, all of which send data through the air without physical cables.
• 😀 Radio waves are commonly used for broadcasting in wide area networks and have a frequency range of 3 kHz to 1 GHz.
• 😀 Microwave transmission involves sending data between antennas, often used in satellite communications, with a transmission rate between 1 GHz to 300 GHz.
• 😀 Infrared is used for short-range communication, such as TV remotes and wireless keyboards, offering high security and bandwidth but limited to short distances.

Q & A

What is Transmission Media in a computer network?

Transmission Media is the pathway used for sending and receiving information between devices in a network. It can be either physical (like cables) or wireless (like Wi-Fi). The choice of media depends on the network's distance, speed, and security requirements.

What are the two main types of Transmission Media?

The two main types of Transmission Media are Guided Media and Unguided Media. Guided Media use physical cables, while Unguided Media transmit data through the air, without any physical connection.

What are the three types of Guided Media?

The three types of Guided Media are Twisted Pair Cable, Coaxial Cable, and Fiber Optic Cable. These cables are used for connecting devices in short distances and typically provide faster data transmission.

What is the difference between Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) and Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) cables?

UTP cables are commonly used in telecommunication networks, are low-cost, and offer easy installation. STP cables, on the other hand, are more secure, have higher data transmission rates, and are used in Ethernet systems, medical equipment, and industrial control systems, but are more expensive.

What is Coaxial Cable, and how does it work?

Coaxial Cable consists of a copper core (inner conductor), surrounded by insulation, a copper mesh (outer conductor), and an outer protective layer. It can be used for both baseband and broadband transmission, with baseband transmitting a single signal at high speeds and broadband transmitting multiple signals simultaneously.

What makes Fiber Optic Cables superior to other types of cables?

Fiber Optic Cables use light to transmit data, offering faster data transmission over longer distances. They are ideal for use in Wide Area Networks (WANs) and for high-speed internet, though they are more expensive and require more complex installation and maintenance.

What are the key differences between Guided Media and Unguided Media?

Guided Media use physical cables to transmit data between devices, offering security and high speed, while Unguided Media are wireless and transmit data through the air. Unguided Media are ideal for long distances but tend to be less secure.

What are some common applications of Radio Waves in computer networks?

Radio Waves are used in various wireless communication systems, including mobile phones, FM radios, and television broadcasting. They are particularly useful for Wide Area Networks (WANs) and have a frequency range of 3 kHz to 1 GHz.

How do Microwave Transmission and Satellite Networks work?

Microwaves are transmitted between antennas over long distances, often used in satellite networks. A common example is watching live events on TV, such as a cricket match broadcasted via satellite. Microwave communication can send large amounts of data and is widely used for global communications.

What are the limitations of Infrared transmission?

Infrared transmission is limited to very short distances (typically within a room). It is commonly used in devices like TV remotes, wireless mice, and keyboards. However, it requires a direct line of sight between devices and cannot penetrate obstacles like walls.