etwork Media refers to the physical or logical pathway used to transmit data in a network. It connects different devices and facilitates the transfer of data, signals, or information between them. Network media can be divided into two main categories:
1. Guided Media (Wired/Bound Media):
Guided media refers to the transmission of data through a physical medium, where the signals are "guided" along specific paths. This includes all types of cables or conductors that confine the data signals to a particular route.
Types of Guided Media:
Twisted Pair Cable:
Composed of pairs of insulated copper wires twisted together to reduce electromagnetic interference.
Types:
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP): Commonly used for Ethernet networks.
Shielded Twisted Pair (STP): Includes additional shielding to reduce interference and is used in environments with high levels of electromagnetic interference.
Coaxial Cable:
Consists of a central copper conductor, an insulating layer, a metal shield, and an outer insulating layer.
Commonly used for cable TV, broadband internet, and certain networking systems.
Example: RG-6, RG-59 cables.
Fiber Optic Cable:
Uses light signals (instead of electrical signals) to transmit data, which allows for high-speed, high-capacity, and long-distance data transmission with minimal loss.
Types:
Single-mode fiber: Transmits light signals over longer distances with minimal attenuation.
Multi-mode fiber: Designed for shorter distances, with a higher potential for signal degradation.
Guided media generally offer better security and more reliable data transmission because the signals are contained within a physical medium and do not spread widely.
2. Unguided Media (Wireless/Unbound Media):
Unguided media involves the transmission of data through air, space, or other open environments without physical conductors. In this case, signals are not confined to a physical medium but are transmitted via electromagnetic waves.
Types of Unguided Media:
Radio Waves:
Used for communication over long distances, such as Wi-Fi, mobile networks (4G, 5G), Bluetooth, and AM/FM radio.
Radio waves can travel through walls, buildings, and other obstacles, making them ideal for wireless communication.
Microwave:
High-frequency radio waves used for point-to-point communication systems, satellite communication, and long-distance wireless connections.
Requires a direct line of sight between transmitting and receiving antennas.
Infrared (IR):
A form of electromagnetic radiation with shorter wavelengths than microwaves, used for short-range communication like remote controls, wireless keyboards, and certain networking systems.
Limited to a range of a few meters and requires a clear line of sight between the devices.
Satellite Communication:
Uses satellite dishes to send and receive signals from orbiting satellites, enabling long-distance communication across the globe.
Examples include satellite TV, GPS, and satellite internet.
Laser Communication:
Uses focused beams of light (lasers) for point-to-point communication, typically in highly controlled environments. It is used in some high-speed communication systems, often in satellite or space communications.
Unguided media is commonly used in wireless networks, such as Wi-Fi and cellular systems, due to its flexibility and mobility. However, it can be more susceptible to interference and security issues compared to guided media.
Key Differences Between Guided and Unguided Media:
Guided Media: Involves physical cables (e.g., twisted pair, coaxial, fiber optic), is more secure, and is less affected by interference.
Unguided Media: Involves wireless transmission through the air or space (e.g., radio waves, microwaves), offers mobility and flexibility, but can be subject to interference and range limitations.
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