Types of Transmission Media
Types of Transmission Media
In this tutorial, we will learn different types of Transmission media. Transmission media can be broadly classified into two types.
- Wired transmission media
- Wireless transmission media
Wired transmission media
Wired transmission media is also called as Guided Transmission media. This media transmits network signals with the help of physical wires. Some of the examples of Guided Transmission media are
- Twisted-pair cables
- Coaxial cables
- Fiber-optic cables
Twisted-Pair cables
Twisted-pair cables are copper wire cables twisted in spiral pairs. These cables are inexpensive. These cables are used for low-bandwidth communications. Twisted pair cables are subject to electromagnetic interference. Twisted pair cables are used in landline telephone communication.
Coaxial cables
Coaxial cables are not twisted. They have inner and outer insulated copper wires. These cables are less susceptible to electromagnetic interference. These cables offer higher bandwidth. Coaxial clades are used in cable TV and broadband communication.
Fiber-optic cables
Optical fibers are thin glass transmission medium used to for light transmission. Optical fibers offer high speed transmission of data. Fiber optics are used in high-speed broadband Internet communication.
Wireless transmission media
Wireless transmission media is also called as Unguided transmission media. Wireless transmission media transmits network signals without physical wires. Some examples of wireless transmission media are:
- Microwave
- Satellite
- Radio
- Infrared
Microwave
Microwave communication transmit signals using electromagnetic waves. These signals have high bandwidth. The transmitter and receiver of the signal should have an unobstructed line-of-sight. Microwave communication is widely used for short-range communications.
Satellite
Satellite communication use satellites to transmit and communicate data. A satellite is a communication system that revolves around the earth in an orbit. Satellite communication is used in long-distance communications. The wireless communication system GPS (Global Positioning System) is based on satellite communication. Satellites can be classified as:
- Geostationary-Earth-Orbit (GEO Satellite)
- Medium-Earth-Orbit (MEO Satellite)
- Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO Satellite)
Radio Transmission
Radio transmission use radio-wave frequencies to transmit data from transmitters and receivers. The major advantage is that the radio signals pass through walls and obstacles. AM/FM Radios use radio transmission media for communication.