Transmission Media

Transmission media are the physical paths that connect computers, devices, and other network components together for data communication. They are broadly classified into Guided and Unguided media.

1. Guided Transmission Media

Signals travel through a physical path (cables).

Examples: Twisted Pair, Coaxial Cable, Optical Fiber.

a) Twisted Pair Cable

• Two insulated copper wires twisted around each other.
• Twisting reduces electromagnetic interference.
• Types:
  • UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair): cheaper, used in LANs.
  • STP (Shielded Twisted Pair): shielded to reduce noise, used in industrial setups.
• Bandwidth: Low to medium.

b) Coaxial Cable

• Central copper conductor, insulating layer, metallic shield, outer cover.
• Higher noise immunity than twisted pair.
• Used in cable TV, early Ethernet.
• Bandwidth: Medium.