Networking - Advantages of different guided media

1. Guided Media (Wired Communication)

a) Twisted Pair Cable

• Description: Two insulated copper wires twisted together. Common in telephone lines and LANs.

• Advantages:

  • Low cost – Inexpensive to install and maintain.

  • Easy to install – Flexible and simple to use for short distances.

  • Less interference – Twisting reduces electromagnetic interference.

  • Widely available – Standardized for LANs and telephony.

b) Coaxial Cable

• Description: Copper wire surrounded by insulation, metallic shield, and protective jacket.

• Advantages:

  • High bandwidth – Can carry more data than twisted pair.

  • Durable – Resistant to physical damage.

  • Less signal attenuation – Maintains signal over longer distances than twisted pair.

  • Used for TV & Internet – Common in cable networks.

c) Fiber Optic Cable

• Description: Uses thin strands of glass or plastic to transmit data as light pulses.

• Advantages:

  • Very high bandwidth – Can carry huge amounts of data.

  • Long-distance transmission – Low signal loss compared to copper.

  • Immune to electromagnetic interference – More reliable in noisy environments.

  • Secure – Difficult to tap without detection.

  • Lightweight and flexible – Easy to lay underground or underwater.

2. Unguided Media (Wireless Communication)

a) Radio Waves

• Description: Low-frequency electromagnetic waves that travel through air.

• Advantages:

  • Wireless communication – No need for physical cables.

  • Wide coverage – Can cover long distances depending on frequency and power.

  • Mobility – Supports moving devices like mobile phones and radios.

  • Cost-effective – No cabling required.

b) Microwaves

• Description: High-frequency waves used for line-of-sight communication, satellite, and radar.

• Advantages:

  • High-speed transmission – Suitable for voice, video, and data.

  • Supports long-distance communication – Especially via satellites.

  • Less interference – Higher frequency avoids radio noise.

  • Used in mobile networks & Wi-Fi – Ideal for modern telecom.

c) Infrared Waves

• Description: Short-range electromagnetic waves used for remote controls, sensors, and optical communication.

• Advantages:

  • Safe and non-ionizing – No health hazards.

  • Secure communication – Hard to intercept outside line-of-sight.

  • Low cost – Ideal for devices like TV remotes, IR sensors.

  • No electromagnetic interference – Reliable in noisy environments.

d) Satellite Communication

• Description: Uses satellites to relay signals between distant locations on Earth.

• Advantages:

  • Global coverage – Can reach remote areas without cables.

  • Supports high-bandwidth applications – Internet, TV, GPS.

  • Reliable for mobile users – Works on ships, airplanes, and rural areas.

  • Fast deployment – No need to lay physical infrastructure.

Summary Table