Guided Transmission Media in Computer Network

Introduction

Communication is an essential component of the vast field of computer networks, which depends on a variety of transmission methods to enable data exchange. In this procedure, guided transmission media also referred to as bounded or wired media, are essential. These media are the actual channels that direct signals between connected devices in a network. We shall examine the different types, traits, and uses of guided transmission medium in computer networks as we dig into their complexities in this article.

Types of Guided Transmission Media

1. Twisted Pair Cable:

• Description: To try to reduce electromagnetic interference, insulated copper wires are twisted together in pairs to create twisted pair cables.
  Twisted pair is a physical media made up of a pair of cables twisted with each other. A twisted pair cable is cheap as compared to other transmission media. Installation of the twisted pair cable is easy, and it is a lightweight cable. The frequency range for twisted pair cable is from 0 to 3.5KHz.
• Characteristics: Twisted pair cables have become common in LANs and phone lines. They are available in two types: unprotected twisted pair and shielded twisted pair.
  A twisted pair consists of two insulated copper wires arranged in a regular spiral pattern.

The degree of reduction in noise interference is determined by the number of turns per foot. Increasing the number of turns per foot decreases noise interference.

Types of Twisted pair:

Unshielded Twisted Pair:

An unshielded twisted pair is widely used in telecommunication. Following are the categories of the unshielded twisted pair cable:

• Category 1: Category 1 is used for telephone lines that have low-speed data.
• Category 2: It can support upto 4Mbps.
• Category 3: It can support upto 16Mbps.
• Category 4: It can support upto 20Mbps. Therefore, it can be used for long-distance communication.
• Category 5: It can support upto 200Mbps.

Advantages Of Unshielded Twisted Pair:

• It is cheap.
• Installation of the unshielded twisted pair is easy.
• It can be used for high-speed LAN.

Disadvantage:

• This cable can only be used for shorter distances because of attenuation.

Shielded Twisted Pair

A shielded twisted pair is a cable that contains the mesh surrounding the wire that allows the higher transmission rate.

Characteristics Of Shielded Twisted Pair:

• The cost of the shielded twisted pair cable is not very high and not very low.
• An installation of STP is easy.
• It has higher capacity as compared to unshielded twisted pair cable.
• It has a higher attenuation.
• It is shielded that provides the higher data transmission rate.

Disadvantages

• It is more expensive as compared to UTP and coaxial cable.
• It has a higher attenuation rate.

Coaxial Cable

• Coaxial cable is very commonly used transmission media, for example, TV wire is usually a coaxial cable.
• The name of the cable is coaxial as it contains two conductors parallel to each other.
• It has a higher frequency as compared to Twisted pair cable.
• The inner conductor of the coaxial cable is made up of copper, and the outer conductor is made up of copper mesh. The middle core is made up of non-conductive cover that separates the inner conductor from the outer conductor.
• The middle core is responsible for the data transferring whereas the copper mesh prevents from the EMI(Electromagnetic interference).

Coaxial cable is of two types:

1. Baseband transmission: It is defined as the process of transmitting a single signal at high speed.
2. Broadband transmission: It is defined as the process of transmitting multiple signals simultaneously.

Advantages Of Coaxial cable:

• The data can be transmitted at high speed.
• It has better shielding as compared to twisted pair cable.
• It provides higher bandwidth.

Disadvantages Of Coaxial cable:

• It is more expensive as compared to twisted pair cable.
• If any fault occurs in the cable causes the failure in the entire network.

Fibre Optic

• Fibre optic cable is a cable that uses electrical signals for communication.
• Fibre optic is a cable that holds the optical fibres coated in plastic that are used to send the data by pulses of light.
• The plastic coating protects the optical fibres from heat, cold, electromagnetic interference from other types of wiring.
• Fibre optics provide faster data transmission than copper wires.

Diagrammatic representation of fibre optic cable:

Basic elements of Fibre optic cable:

• Core: The optical fibre consists of a narrow strand of glass or plastic known as a core. A core is a light transmission area of the fibre. The more the area of the core, the more light will be transmitted into the fibre.
• Cladding: The concentric layer of glass is known as cladding. The main functionality of the cladding is to provide the lower refractive index at the core interface as to cause the reflection within the core so that the light waves are transmitted through the fibre.
• Jacket: The protective coating consisting of plastic is known as a jacket. The main purpose of a jacket is to preserve the fibre strength, absorb shock and extra fibre protection.

Following are the advantages of fibre optic cable over copper:

• Greater Bandwidth: The fibre optic cable provides more bandwidth as compared copper. Therefore, the fibre optic carries more data as compared to copper cable.
• Faster speed: Fibre optic cable carries the data in the form of light. This allows the fibre optic cable to carry the signals at a higher speed.
• Longer distances: The fibre optic cable carries the data at a longer distance as compared to copper cable.
• Better reliability: The fibre optic cable is more reliable than the copper cable as it is immune to any temperature changes while it can cause obstruct in the connectivity of copper cable.
• Thinner and Sturdier: Fibre optic cable is thinner and lighter in weight so it can withstand more pull pressure than copper cable.

4. Guided Media Connectors:

• Description: Connectors are parts that connect parts of guided media so that continuous communication channels may be created.
• Characteristics: To be able to offer stable and efficient communication in computer networks, a variety of connectors are important, such as BNC connectors for coaxial cables and RJ-45 connectors for twisted pair cables.

Applications of Guided Transmission Media

1. Local Area Networks (LANs):

In local area networks (LANs), guided transmission media, particularly coaxial and twisted pair cables, are often utilized to link computers and other devices within a specific geographic region.

2. Wide Area Networks (WANs):

Due to their high bandwidth and ability to transfer data over long distances without a significant signal loss, optical fiber cables are the preferred choice for wide-area networks.

3. Internet Backbone Networks:

A lot of data can be easily and quickly sent across continents due to the internet core, which is made up of high-capacity fiber connections.

4. Telecommunication Networks:

A lot of data can be easily and quickly sent across continents due to the internet core, which is made up of high-capacity fiber connections.

Advantages of Guided Transmission Media

1. Reliability:

High levels of stability are provided by guided transmission mediums such as optical fibers and twisted pair cables. Because these media are real, there is less chance of interference or signal loss, ensuring safe and constant communication.

2. Security:

When compared to wireless options guided transmission methods give a more secure communication environment. Because these media are led, it is more difficult for hackers to intercept signals, which improves network security in general.

3. Higher Bandwidth:

Higher bandwidths are ensured by guided media, especially optical fibers, than by many wireless choices. These are perfect for applications with high data transfer requirements since this enables the transmission of greater amounts of data at faster speeds.

4. Less Susceptible to Interference:

Compared to wireless transmission twisted pair and coaxial cables are less sensitive to electromagnetic interference. This feature assures signal integrity and makes them useful for high electrical noise settings.

5. Predictable Performance:

Media with guided transmission provide consistent performance properties. Because these media allow for more accurate control and management of signal behavior, they are perfect for applications where stability is important.

6. Suitable for Long Distances:

Optical fibers, in particular, have a low signal reduction, making them perfect for long-distance communication. They are also important for fast data transmission over big geographical regions and core networks.

7. Cost-Effective for Short Distances:

When compared to building wireless infrastructure, guided transmission mediums such as twisted pair cables can be cheaper for relatively short distances. They are also preferred choices for some connections between devices and local area networks.

Disadvantages of Guided Transmission Media

1. Limited Mobility:

The infrastructure physically attaches devices connected through guided media. These media are less suited to applications that require continuous movement, like mobile communication, because of this restriction on mobility and flexibility.

2. Vulnerability to Physical Damage:

Even cables guided transmission media are at risk of physical harm. Communication can be interrupted by the construction of the environment or accidental cuts. These situations require maintenance and repair.

3. Cost for Long Distances:

Since optical fibers and other guided media are great for long-distance communication, the initial installation costs of these systems can be high. For companies with small budgets, this cost may be a problem.

4. Limited Bandwidth for Some Types:

Compared to wireless technologies, a few guided transmission media types, such as twisted pair cables, may have lower bandwidth sizes. For applications that require high data transfer rates, this may be an issue.

5. Infrastructure Dependency:

Media that is guided mostly depends upon physical infrastructure. Any network upgrades or changes require major adjustments to the current infrastructure that may result in delays and extra expenses.

6. Environmental Impact:

There can be environmental effects from the production and disposal of guided transmission media, particularly cables. The creation of more environmentally friendly and sustainable alternatives is becoming more and more important as technology develops.

Conclusion

The unsung heroes in modern computer networks are guided transmission media that provide the physical channels over which data is sent between machines. The need for dependable, fast communication is increasing as technology develops, making guided transmission media more important than ever. In our linked world, it is essential to know the kinds, characteristics, and uses of guided transmission medium while building and managing reliable and effective computer networks.