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Types of Communication Media

The document outlines two main types of communication media: guided media (wired) and unguided media (wireless). Guided media includes twisted pair cables, coaxial cables, and optical fiber cables, each with distinct characteristics and uses for data transmission. Unguided media encompasses radio waves, microwaves, infrared, and satellite communication, offering flexibility and mobility but facing challenges like interference and signal loss.

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13 views

Types of Communication Media

The document outlines two main types of communication media: guided media (wired) and unguided media (wireless). Guided media includes twisted pair cables, coaxial cables, and optical fiber cables, each with distinct characteristics and uses for data transmission. Unguided media encompasses radio waves, microwaves, infrared, and satellite communication, offering flexibility and mobility but facing challenges like interference and signal loss.

Uploaded by

ebadamir313
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Types of Communication Media

Guided Media (Wired Media):

Guided media refers to communication media where data is transmitted through a physical wire or
cable. In this type, the signal is guided along a specific path, making it more secure and stable. Guided
media is mostly used for local area networks (LANs) and telecommunication lines, providing high-speed
and reliable data transfer. There are several types of guided media, each with its unique advantages and
uses.

1. Twisted Pair Cable:

Twisted pair cable is one of the most common types of communication media used in telephone lines
and local area networks (LAN). It consists of two copper wires twisted together to reduce noise and
interference. This type of cable is inexpensive, flexible, and easy to install, but it cannot transfer data
over long distances. There are two types of twisted pair cables: Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) and
Shielded Twisted Pair (STP). UTP is commonly used in LANs, while STP provides extra protection against
interference.

2. Coaxial Cable:

Coaxial cable has a central copper conductor, surrounded by insulation, a metallic shield, and a plastic
cover. It is stronger and faster than twisted pair cable and can transmit data over longer distances.
Coaxial cable is widely used in television cable networks, internet connections, and some types of LANs.
It provides good protection from external signals, but is heavier and more expensive than twisted pair
cable.

3. Optical Fiber Cable:

Optical fiber cable is made of thin strands of glass or plastic that transmit data using light signals. This
makes them extremely fast and highly secure. Optical fiber is used for long-distance communication,
high-speed internet, and telecom networks. It provides better performance than any other cable but is
also more costly and difficult to install. Optical fibers are immune to electrical interference, which makes
them ideal for sensitive data transmission.

Unguided Media (Wireless Media):

Unguided media refers to communication where data is transmitted through the air or space without
the use of any physical cables or wires. This type of media is also known as wireless communication and
is used in situations where wiring is impractical or not possible. Wireless networks offer flexibility and
mobility, but can be more susceptible to interference and signal loss due to physical obstructions. There
are several types of unguided media, including radio waves, microwaves, infrared, and satellite
communication.
1. Radio Waves:

Radio waves are the most commonly used form of unguided media. These waves can travel long
distances and are used in FM/AM radio, cordless phones, and Wi-Fi networks. Radio waves can pass
through walls and other obstructions, making them ideal for wide-area coverage. They are widely used
in mobile communication systems and can operate over a large range of frequencies, from a few kHz to
1 GHz.

2. Microwaves:

Microwave communication uses high-frequency radio waves to transmit data. Microwaves are mainly
used for point-to-point communication like satellite links and mobile towers. Unlike radio waves,
microwaves travel in straight lines, which means the antennas need to be directly aligned. They are used
in applications such as TV broadcasting, mobile networks, and Bluetooth communication. The frequency
range for microwaves is 1 GHz to 300 GHz.

3. Infrared:

Infrared (IR) communication is used for short-range communication over distances of a few meters. It is
commonly used in devices like remote controls, wireless mice, and infrared ports in older mobile phones
and laptops. Infrared signals are unable to pass through walls, making it suitable for direct line-of-sight
communication. This type of media is cheap, simple to use, and provides a secure data transfer.

4. Satellite Communication:

Satellite communication involves sending data to a satellite in space, which reflects the signal back to
Earth. This type of communication covers large areas, even remote locations. It is used for services like
GPS, satellite phones, and weather forecasts. Although satellite communication can reach anywhere in
the world, it is typically slower and more expensive compared to other wireless technologies.

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