Page 19 - CodePilot V5.0 C8

TRANSMISSION MEDIA

A transmission medium is the path or channel through which data travels from one device to another
in a network. It is essential for determining the speed, quality and reliability of the data transfer.

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 Transmitter Receiver
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.

Microwaves: Microwaves travel in straight lines and require line-of-sight communication
between antennas. They are used in satellite links, mobile communication and TV broadcasts.

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Networks Around Us