NETWORKING MEDIA

Agenda
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 Networking Media (Wired & Wireless)

 Physical Layer Connection
 Copper Cabling
 UTP
 STP
 Coaxial Cable
 Fiber Optic Cabling

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 Networking media are the physical channels that allow

devices to communicate and share data in a network.
 They come in two categories: wired and wireless
 Wired Connections:
 Physical Layer Connection: This refers to the actual physical
path used for data transmission. In wired networks, this path is
typically a cable.
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 Copper Cabling: One of the most common forms of wired

media, using copper wires to transmit electrical signals.
 Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)
 The most popular, cost-effective option for home and office
networks.
 Uses multiple pairs of insulated copper wires twisted
together, reducing interference.
 Example Cat 5e: 100 Mbps, Cat 6: 1 Gbps etc.
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Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)

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 Shielded Twisted Pair (STP)

 Offers superior protection against interference compared
to UTP but is more expensive and less common.
 Each twisted pair encased in a metallic foil or braid,
providing an extra layer of shielding.
 Used in demanding environments like industrial settings
where electromagnetic interference is prevalent.
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 Coaxial Cable
 Once widely used for cable TV and internet connections,
but largely replaced by newer technologies.
 Single copper conductor surrounded by insulation, a
braided metal shield, and an outer jacket.
 Offers moderate bandwidth capacity but susceptible to
interference and signal degradation over long distances.
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 Fiber Optic Cabling

 Fiber optic cabling transmits data using light pulses instead of
electrical signals, offering superior speed, bandwidth, and
distance capabilities compared to traditional copper cables.
 Core Components
 Core: The central glass or plastic fiber carrying the light
signals. Different diameters (50 µm, 62.5 µm, etc.) are used
for various applications.
 Cladding: A surrounding layer of glass or plastic with a
slightly lower refractive index, reflecting light back into the
core and preventing leakage
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 Buffering: Protects the core and cladding from physical

damage and moisture with one or more layers of plastic
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 Strength Members: Kevlar or steel strands providing

additional strength and support for the cable.
 Outer Jacket: Durable outer layer protecting the cable
from environmental factors.
 Consider these factors when deciding if fiber optics are
right for you:
 Need for high speed and long distances: If bandwidth and
reach are critical, fiber offers significant advantages.
 Budget: higher costs compared to copper.
 Technical expertise: Ensure access to trained personnel for
installation and maintenance.
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 Advantages:
 Speed: Capable of transmitting data at incredibly high
speeds, exceeding 100 Gbps and potentially reaching terabits in the
future.
 Long Distance: Signals travel farther with minimal
attenuation, reaching several kilometers compared to copper's
limited range.
 Low Interference: Immune to electromagnetic interference that
can affect copper cables, ensuring reliable data transmission.
 Low Power Consumption: Requires less power compared to
copper, especially for long distances.
 Security: Difficult to tap or eavesdrop on due to the nature of light
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 Disadvantages:
 Cost: More expensive than copper cabling, including
installation and equipment.
 Fragility: The core is delicate and requires careful
handling.
 Installation: Requires specialized tools and expertise for
termination and splicing.
 Limited Power Delivery: Cannot directly carry power to
devices, requiring additional power cables.
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 Applications:
 High-bandwidth networks: Data centers, backbone
networks, internet service providers.
 Long-distance communication: Submarine
cables, connecting buildings or campuses.
 High-performance computing: Supercomputers, research
facilities.
 Medical imaging: MRI machines, endoscopes.
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Media Primary Usage Advantages Disadvantages

- Expensive
Industrial settings, - High immunity to - Difficult to install and
STP (Shielded high-security interference - Secure, difficult terminate
Twisted Pair) environments to tap - Bulky
UTP Home networks, - Affordable - Easy to install - Susceptible to interference
(Unshielded office networks, and terminate - Widely - Lower bandwidth
Twisted Pair) LAN connections available compared to fiber
- Limited bandwidth
Legacy cable TV compared to newer options
connections, some - Relatively affordable - Good - Susceptible to interference
Coaxial Cable older networks for moderate bandwidth needs - Bulky and outdated
- Expensive
Data centers, - Extremely high bandwidth - - Requires specialized
backbone networks, Long transmission distances - equipment and expertise
Fiber Optic high-bandwidth Immune to interference - for installation
Cable applications Secure - Fragile
Factors for selecting right cable type for LAN
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 Required data transfer speed: Higher speeds may

necessitate fiber optic cables.
 Distance: For longer distances, fiber optics may be the
only viable option.
 Budget: Copper cables are generally more affordable than
fiber optics.
 Environment: If your environment experiences high
levels of interference, you might prefer STP over UTP.
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 Wireless Media:
 Transmits data using
 Radio frequency (RF) waves
 Infrared (IR) waves
 Satellite communication
 Offers flexibility and mobility but can be susceptible to
interference and distance limitations.
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 Radio Waves
 The most common type of wireless media
 Operate at various frequencies within the radio spectrum,
ranging from low-frequency radio to higher frequency
bands used for cellular networks
 Examples include Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth, cellular
networks (3G, 4G, 5G), and radio broadcasting
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 Microwaves
 A subset of radio waves with higher frequencies and
shorter wavelengths
 Used for long-distance point-to-point communications
 Examples include satellite communications, terrestrial
microwave links, and some forms of Wi-Fi
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 Infrared (IR)
 Uses infrared light for short-range, line-of-sight
connections
 Not generally used for networking due to limitations in
distance and the requirement for direct line of sight
between devices
 Examples include TV remote controls and some point-to-
point file transfers
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 Advantages of Wireless Networking Media

 Mobility: Provides freedom of movement for devices.
 Ease of installation: No need to install physical cabling.
 Flexibility: Can extend networks to areas where cabling
is difficult or impossible.
 Scalability: It's often easier to add new devices to a
wireless network than a wired one.
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 Disadvantages of Wireless Networking Media

 Security: Wireless signals are more susceptible to
interception than wired signals.
 Interference: Can be affected by other devices, physical
obstructions, and environmental factors.
 Limited range: Typically have a shorter range than wired
connections.
 Capacity: Wireless networks can have lower bandwidth
than some wired networks.
Selection between: Wired VS Wireless
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 Speed and reliability: Wired connections generally offer

higher data transfer rates and less interference compared to
wireless.
 Mobility and flexibility: Wireless provides freedom of
movement and eliminates cable clutter, making it ideal for
mobile devices and flexible layouts.
 Cost: Wired networks are generally cheaper to set up
initially, while wireless requires additional equipment like
routers.
 Security: Wired networks can be more secure if physically
protected, while wireless networks need proper encryption
Wireless Networking Protocols
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 Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11)

 Standard for wireless local area networks (WLANs) in
homes, offices, and public spaces.
 Each generation (e.g., 802.11g, 802.11ac, 802.11ax)
builds upon the previous one, offering improvements in
speed, range, and features.
Wireless Networking Protocols
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Wireless Networking Protocols
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Wireless Networking Protocols
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Wireless Networking Protocols
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 Cellular network protocols (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G): Enable

mobile internet access and data transfer for cellular
devices.
 Newer protocols: Wi-Fi 6E and 6GHz
 Bluetooth: Short-range communication for connecting
devices like headphones and peripherals.
 Zigbee: Low-power, low-bandwidth protocol for smart
home devices and sensor networks.
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 Cellular network protocols (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G): Enable

mobile internet access and data transfer for cellular
devices.
 Newer protocols: Wi-Fi 6E and 6GHz
 Bluetooth: Short-range communication for connecting
devices like headphones and peripherals.
 Zigbee: Low-power, low-bandwidth protocol for smart
home devices and sensor networks.
Key factors affects Wired networks
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 Cable Quality: Damaged, low-quality cables can

introduce signal degradation and lead to errors and
instability.
 Cable Length: Exceeding recommended cable lengths for
specific types (e.g., Cat5e, Cat6) can weaken signals and
reduce performance.
 Connectors and Terminations: Faulty or loose
connectors can disrupt electrical contact and cause
connection issues.
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 Power Supply: Insufficient power or fluctuations can

affect the performance of network cables, impacting
connection quality and stability.
Key factors affects Wireless networks
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 Interference sources: Other electronic devices operating

in the same frequency range can introduce interference,
affecting the quality of wireless connections.
 Microwave ovens, cordless phones, etc.: Household
appliances and electronic devices can interfere with
wireless signals.
 Signal attenuation: The strength of a wireless signal
decreases with distance from the transmitter. Obstacles
like walls, buildings, or large metal structures can further
attenuate the signal.
Key factors affects Wireless networks
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 Other networks: In densely populated areas, multiple

wireless networks operating in the same channel range
can lead to congestion and decreased performance.
 Encryption and authentication: While essential for
security, encryption and authentication processes can
introduce some overhead and affect the speed of wireless
connections.
 Rain and atmospheric conditions: Certain weather
conditions can absorb or scatter radio waves, affecting the
stability of wireless connections.
 References
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 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwsD3gT48Ag
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2PKJslPObM