Page 19 - 2611_SmartGPT Pro V(5.0) C-8

Types of Transmission Media

Guided (Wired) Media Unguided (Wireless) Media

Twisted Pair Coaxial Fibre Optic Infrared
Cable Cable Cable Radio Waves Microwaves Waves

GUIDED (WIRED) MEDIA

Guided media uses physical cables for data transmission. The different types of guided
media include:

Twisted pair cable: This type of cable consists of two copper wires
twisted around each other to reduce interference. Twisted pair
cables are commonly used in telephone lines and LANs.

Coaxial cable: This topology contains, a single copper wire surrounded
by insulating layers and shielding to prevent signal loss. Coaxial cables
are typically used in cable TV and data communication.

Fibre optic cable: This cable uses light signals transmitted through
thin strands of glass or plastic for transmitting data. Fibre optic
cables enable noise-free data communication at high speed over
long-distances.

UNGUIDED (WIRELESS) MEDIA

Unguided media transmits data through the air or space using electromagnetic waves. There are
no physical wires involved.

The different types of unguided media include:
Radio waves: Radio waves are electromagnetic signals that travel in all directions and can

pass through walls. They are used in mobile phones, radios and wireless networks.

Transmitter Receiver

Networks Around Us 17