UNGUIDED MEDIA: WIRELESS

Unguided media transport electromagnetic waves without using a physical conductor. This type of
communication is often referred to as wireless communication. Signals are normally broadcast through
free space and thus are available to anyone who has a device capable of receiving them.

TYPES OF UNGUIDED MEDIA:

Radio waves:

Radio waves are the electromagnetic waves that are transmitted in all the directions of
free space. These waves are omnidirectional, i.e., the signals are propagated in all the
directions.

Frequency Range: Radio waves cover a wide spectrum of frequencies, ranging from a few Hertz
(extremely low-frequency radio) to gigahertz (GHz) frequencies in the microwave and millimeter-wave
bands.

Applications: Radio waves are widely used for applications such as AM and FM radio broadcasting,
television broadcasting, citizen band (CB) radio, and satellite communication.

Micro waves:
Microwaves are unidirectional. When an antenna transmits microwave waves, they can be narrowly
focused. This means that the sending and receiving antennas need to be aligned

Frequency Range: Microwaves typically operate in the frequency range of 1 GHz to 300 GHz.

Applications: Microwaves are commonly used for point-to-point communication, including long-
distance transmission between communication towers, satellite communication, and microwave links
for data transfer

Infrared:
Infrared waves, having high frequencies, cannot penetrate walls. This advantageous characteristic
prevents interference between one system and another

Frequency Range: Infrared signals fall within the frequency range of about 300 GHz to 400 THz.

Applications: Infrared technology is used for short-range communication in remote controls, data
transmission between devices (e.g., laptops and printers), and infrared data ports.
Propagation Method:
Propagation methods describe how electromagnetic waves, including radio waves, travel through
various mediums or conditions. These methods are essential in understanding how signals are
transmitted and received in different environments. Here are four propagation methods, along with
their frequency ranges:

1. Groundwave Propagation:
Frequency Range: Up to a few MHz (Medium Frequency and lower High Frequency bands)

Description: Groundwave propagation is typically associated with radio waves at lower frequencies
(longer wavelengths). In this method, radio waves travel along the Earth's surface and are affected by
the ground conductivity and terrain. It's commonly used for AM (Amplitude Modulation) broadcasting.
Groundwave propagation is best for local and regional coverage, as the waves follow the curvature of
the Earth.

2. Skywave Propagation:
Frequency Range: HF (High Frequency) bands, typically 3-30 MHz

Description: Skywave propagation allows radio waves to travel great distances by reflecting off the
ionosphere, a layer of charged particles in the Earth's upper atmosphere. The ionosphere's properties
change with solar activity and time of day, affecting the propagation. Skywave is commonly used for
international broadcasting and long-distance communication. Different layers of the ionosphere (D, E, F
layers) can refract and reflect radio waves at various frequencies.

3. Line of Sight (LOS) Propagation:

Frequency Range: Typically used in VHF (Very High Frequency) and UHF (Ultra High Frequency) bands,
ranging from 30 MHz to 3 GHz and beyond.

Description: Line of Sight propagation requires an unobstructed, direct path between the transmitter
and receiver. It's commonly used for point-to-point microwave communication and terrestrial television
broadcasting. LOS is limited by the Earth's curvature, and obstacles like hills, buildings, and trees can
block signals. Antenna height plays a crucial role in extending the LOS range.
4. Tropospheric Propagation:
Frequency Range: Typically used in UHF and SHF (Super High Frequency) bands, around 3 GHz and
higher.

Description: Tropospheric propagation involves the bending or ducting of radio waves within the Earth's
troposphere, the lowest layer of the atmosphere. This phenomenon is influenced by atmospheric
conditions, temperature inversions, and humidity gradients. Tropospheric propagation allows for long-
distance communication and can be used for microwave point-to-point links. It is often subject to
weather-related variations.

Difference between omnidirectional and unidirectional

Omnidirectional and unidirectional are terms often used to describe the radiation patterns of antennas
or microphones, indicating how they transmit or receive signals in relation to their directionality. Here
are the key differences between these two types:

1. Omnidirectional:
Radiation Pattern: Omnidirectional antennas or microphones radiate or pick up signals in all directions
equally, creating a 360-degree coverage pattern.

Coverage: They are suitable for applications where signals need to be transmitted or received from all
directions simultaneously. Examples include Wi-Fi routers in homes or general-purpose microphones for
recording ambient sound.

Advantages: Omnidirectional devices are easy to use, as they do not require precise alignment with the
signal source. They are also less affected by signal blockage or obstruction from any one direction.

Disadvantages: Their omnidirectional nature means they are less effective at isolating or focusing on
signals from a specific direction and rejecting unwanted noise or interference.

2. Unidirectional (or Directional):

Radiation Pattern: Unidirectional antennas or microphones focus on transmitting or receiving signals
primarily in one direction or within a limited angle while minimizing sensitivity to signals from other
directions.

Coverage: They are used when it's crucial to concentrate the signal in a specific direction and reduce
sensitivity to signals or noise from other directions. Unidirectional devices can be further categorized
into subtypes, such as:

 Yagi antennas: Concentrate signal reception in a specific direction.

 Parabolic dish antennas: Highly directional and used for long-range point-to-point
communication.
  Cardioid microphones: Focus on sound from the front while rejecting sounds from the sides and
rear.

Advantages: Unidirectional devices are ideal when you need to isolate a signal source or reduce
interference from unwanted directions. They can improve the signal-to-noise ratio and extend the
effective range in a specific direction.

Disadvantages: They typically require precise alignment or positioning with the signal source, which can
be challenging in some cases. If the source moves, the device may lose the signal quickly if not properly
aligned.