In the realm of computer networking and Telecommunications, transmission media plays a crucial role

in facilitating the transfer of data between devices. Understanding the various types of transmission
media is essential for designing efficient networks that meet specific communication needs. This report
summarizes my findings on network transmission media, including their types, characteristics,
advantages, disadvantages, and applications.

Network transmission media refers to the physical pathways through which data is transmitted from
one device(source/transmitter)to another(receiver/destination) in a network.The medium can be
physical pathway or non-physical pathway for transmission of signals.

Types of network transmission media

Transmission media can be broadly classified into two categories: guided media and unguided media.

1. Guided Media

Guided media, also known as wired or bounded media, involve physical cables that guide the data
signals along a specific path. The main types of guided media include:

a. Twisted Pair Cable

Twisted pair cables consists of pairs of insulated copper wires twisted together.

Types of twisted pair cables

-Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP): Commonly used in telecommunications and computer networks.These
lack the outer shield covering the copper wires.

-Shielded Twisted Pair (STP): Contains a shield to protect against electromagnetic interference.
Advantages of twisted pair cables

Twisted pair cables are widely used in telecommunications and networking due to several advantages:

i.Cost-Effectiveness

Twisted pair cables are generally less expensive than other types of cabling, such as coaxial or fiber optic
cables, making them a popular choice for many applications.

ii.Easy Installation

Flexibility: They are lightweight and easy to handle, which simplifies installation in various
environments.

Compatibility: Twisted pair cables can be easily integrated into existing networks without requiring
extensive modifications.

iii.Sufficient Bandwidth: For many standard applications, such as telephone communications and basic
data transmission, twisted pair cables provide adequate bandwidth.

iv.Reduced Electromagnetic Interference

Twisting Design: The twisted design helps cancel out electromagnetic interference (EMI) from external
sources, improving signal quality.

v.Versatility

Multiple Types: Twisted pair cables come in different categories (e.g., Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 6a), allowing
users to choose the right type based on their specific needs for speed and distance.
vi. support for Power over Ethernet (PoE)

Power and Data Transmission: Twisted pair cables can carry both power and data, enabling devices like
IP cameras and VoIP phones to operate without needing separate power sources.

From the field I saw many advantages of twisted pair cables still they also come with some
disadvantages:

Disadvantages of twisted pair cables

i. Limited Bandwidth

Lower Capacity: Compared to fiber optic cables, twisted pair cables have a lower bandwidth capacity,
which can be a limitation for high-speed data applications or large-scale networks.

ii.Distance Limitations

Signal Degradation: Twisted pair cables are susceptible to signal loss over longer distances. For example,
the maximum recommended length for Ethernet over twisted pair is typically 100 meters (328 feet).

iii.Susceptibility to Interference

EMI and Crosstalk: Although twisting helps reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI), twisted pair
cables can still be affected by external interference and crosstalk from adjacent pairs, especially in
environments with high electromagnetic activity.

iv.Physical Vulnerability

Fragility: Twisted pair cables can be more easily damaged than coaxial or fiber optic cables. They are also
less resistant to environmental factors such as moisture, extreme temperatures, and physical stress.

These disadvantages were considered when deciding whether to use twisted pair cables for specific
networking applications.

b.Coaxial cables

Description: Comprises a central conductor, insulating layer, metallic shield, and outer insulating layer.

Applications: Used in cable television and broadband internet connections.

Figure: coaxial cables

Advantages of coaxial cables

Coaxial cables offer several advantages that make them suitable for various applications, particularly in
telecommunications and data transmission:

i. High Bandwidth Capacity

Coaxial cables can support high-frequency signals, making them capable of transmitting large amounts
of data efficiently.

ii.Resistance to Interference

The design of coaxial cables, with an inner conductor surrounded by insulation and an outer conductor,
provides excellent shielding against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency
interference (RFI).

iii.Long Distance Transmission

- Coaxial cables can transmit signals over longer distances without significant signal loss compared to
twisted pair cables. This makes them ideal for cable television and internet services.

iv.Durability

Coaxial cables are generally more robust and resistant to physical damage, moisture, and environmental
factors than other types of cables.
v.Cost-Effective for Certain Applications

For applications like cable television distribution and broadband internet, coaxial cables can be more
cost-effective compared to fiber optic solutions.

c. Optical fiber cables

In the field of TTCL I also learned about optical fiber cables, these are used for transmitting data as light
pulses over long distances. They are essential in modern telecommunications and data networks due to
their high bandwidth capabilities and low attenuation.

Structure of Optical Fiber Cables

  Core: The central part of the fiber through which light travels. It is made of glass or plastic.
 Cladding: A layer surrounding the core that reflects light back into the core, maintaining the light
signal within.
 Buffer Coating: Protects the fiber from damage and moisture.
 Outer Jacket: The protective outer layer that shields the cable from environmental factors.

Figure: Optical fiber cables

Types of Optical Fiber

a.Single-Mode Fiber (SMF):

- Has a small core diameter (about 8 to 10 microns).

- Allows only one mode of light to propagate.

- Suitable for long-distance communication (up to 100 km or more).

b.Multi-Mode Fiber (MMF):

- Has a larger core diameter (about 50 to 62.5 microns).

 - Allows multiple modes of light to propagate.

- Generally used for shorter distances (up to 2 km).

Advantages of Optical Fiber Cables

At TTCL Iringa I learned about various advantages of using optical fiber cables for data transmission as

 High Bandwidth: Capable of transmitting large amounts of data at very high speeds.
 Low Signal Loss: Minimal attenuation allows for long-distance communication without
significant degradation
 Immunity to Electromagnetic Interference: Not affected by EMI or RFI, making them ideal
for environments with high interference.
 Security: Harder to tap into than copper cables, providing better data security.
 Lightweight and Flexible: Easier to install and manage compared to traditional copper
cables.

Disadvantages of Optical Fiber Cables

 Cost: Generally more expensive than copper cables, both in terms of materials and installation.
 Fragility: More delicate than copper wires, requiring careful handling during installation.
 Specialized Equipment: Requires specific tools and training for installation and maintenance.

Applications of Optical Fiber Cables

 Telecommunications: Backbone for internet service providers (ISPs) and telephone networks.
  Data Centers: High-speed connections between servers and storage systems.
 Broadcasting: Transmission of television signals and radio frequencies.
 Medical Applications: Used in endoscopy and other medical imaging technologies.
 Military and Aerospace: Secure and reliable communication systems.

How optical fiber cables works

Data is encoded into light pulses, where different patterns of light represent different bits of information
(e.g., on/off states). This encoding allows for high-speed data transmission.

At the receiving end, a photodetector converts the light signals back into electrical signals. These signals
are then processed to retrieve the original data.

2. UNGUIDED MEDIA

At TTCL I also learnt about Unguided media, also known as wireless or unbounded media, transmit data
signals through the air or vacuum without the use of physical cables. Key types include:

i. Radio waves
ii. Microwaves
iii. Infra red

a. Radio waves

Description: Electromagnetic waves used for wireless communication over short to long distances.Radio
waves are a type of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths ranging from about one millimeter to
100 kilometers. They have a wide range of applications across various fields. Here are some key
applications:

i.Telecommunications

 Radio Broadcasting: AM and FM radio stations transmit audio content over the airwaves.
 Television Broadcasting: Over-the-air TV signals use radio waves to transmit video and audio.
 Mobile Communications: Cellular networks use radio waves for voice and data transmission in
mobile phones.

ii.Wireless Networking

 Wi-Fi: Wireless local area networks (WLANs) use radio waves to connect devices to the internet.
  Bluetooth: Short-range communication technology for connecting devices like headphones,
speakers, and keyboards.

iii.Satellite Communication

 Direct Broadcast Satellites (DBS): Provide television and internet services by transmitting signals
from satellites to receivers on Earth.
 GPS: Global Positioning System uses radio signals from satellites for navigation and location
tracking.

iv.Radar

 Air Traffic Control: Radar systems help monitor and manage aircraft movements in airports and
airspace.
 Weather Radar: Used to detect precipitation, storm systems, and weather patterns.

v.Military Applications

 Communication Systems: Secure and reliable communication for military operations.

 Surveillance: Radar and reconnaissance systems for monitoring enemy movements.

vi.Medical Applications

 MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Uses radio waves and magnetic fields to create detailed
images of the body's internal structures.
 Telemedicine: Remote monitoring and consultation using wireless communication.

vii.Scientific Research

 Astronomy: Radio telescopes detect celestial phenomena, such as pulsars and cosmic
microwave background radiation.
 Environmental Monitoring: Radio waves are used in remote sensing to study Earth’s surface and
atmosphere.

viii.Industrial Applications

 RFID (Radio Frequency Identification): Used for tracking inventory, assets, and supply chains
through tags that communicate wirelessly.
 Remote Control Systems: Used in various devices like garage door openers, drones, and
industrial machinery.

b. Microwaves