Network Transmission Media

 Network transmission media, also known as network media or network

communication media, are the physical pathways or mediums through which
data is transmitted from one device to another in a computer network.
 These transmission media are essential components of network
infrastructure, and the choice of transmission medium can significantly impact
the network's performance, capacity, and reliability.
 There are several types of network transmission media, including: Copper
Cables, Fiber-Optic Cables, Wireless Media.
Copper Network Cables
 Copper network cables are a type of network transmission medium that uses copper
conductors to transmit data signals within a computer network.
 These cables are widely used for Ethernet and other wired network connections.

 Copper network cables come in various types, with each type suited for specific applications
and network requirements.

 The common types of copper network cables are twisted pair cable and coaxial cables.

Twisted pair cable

 Twisted pair cable is a type of electrical cable that consists of pairs of insulated copper wires
twisted together.
 It is a common type of cable used for various applications, including telecommunications,
networking, and data transmission.
 The twisting of the wires helps to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) and crosstalk
between adjacent pairs, making it suitable for high-speed data transmission.
 There are two main categories of twisted pair cables: Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) and
shielded twisted pair (STP).

Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)

UTP cables are the most common type of twisted pair cables and are widely used in Ethernet
networks.
 They do not have any additional shielding to protect the cable from external interference.
 UTP cables come in various categories, such as Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 6a, and Cat 7.
 Each category has specific characteristics and capabilities, including maximum data transmission
speeds and performance.
 Higher category cables, such as Cat 6 and Cat 6a, can support faster data transmission speeds.

Key features of UTP cables:

i. Cost-Effective: UTP cables are generally more cost-effective than shielded cables, making them
a popular choice for many networking applications.

ii. Flexibility: UTP cables are flexible and easy to work with, making them suitable for a wide range
of installation scenarios, including home networks, office environments, and data centers.
iii. Twisted Pair Design: The twisted design of the wire pairs helps to cancel out
electromagnetic interference and crosstalk between adjacent pairs. However, this protection
is not as robust as that provided by shielded cables.

iv. Noise Susceptibility: UTP cables are more susceptible to electromagnetic interference
(EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) compared to shielded cables, which can limit
their use in environments with high levels of interference.

UTP Color Coding

 Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cables typically follow a color-coding scheme for their
individual twisted pairs and connectors.
 The color coding helps ensure that cables are correctly terminated and connected to their
corresponding pins in network connectors (e.g., RJ-45 connectors).
 There are two main standards: T568A and T568B, and both are widely used. It's important
to maintain consistency when terminating UTP cables to ensure proper connectivity.
T568A Standard:
1. White/Green
2. Green
3. White/Orange
4. Blue
5. White/Blue
6. Orange
7. White/Brown
8. Brown

T568B Standard:
1. White/Orange
2. Orange
3. White/Green
4. Blue
5. White/Blue
6. Green
7. White/Brown
8. Brown
Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) Cable
 STP cables are similar to UTP cables but have additional shielding to reduce
electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI).
 They are commonly used in environments with higher levels of electrical interference.

Key characteristics and features of STP cables:

i. Shielding: The primary feature of STP cables is their shielding.
• This shielding is typically made of a metallic foil or a braided wire mesh that surrounds the
twisted pairs of copper wires within the cable.
• The shielding helps to block external EMI and RFI from affecting the signals transmitted
through the cable.

ii. Twisted Pairs: Similar to unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cables, STP cables consist of pairs of
insulated copper wires twisted together.
• The twisting of the pairs helps to reduce crosstalk and interference between adjacent pairs
within the cable.
iii. Durability: STP cables are generally more robust and durable than UTP cables due to their
shielding.
• They are often used in harsh environments where cables may be exposed to physical wear
and tear.

iv. Performance: STP cables can provide excellent noise resistance and are capable of
supporting high-speed data transmission.
• They are commonly used in applications like Gigabit Ethernet and 10 Gigabit Ethernet
networks.

v. Cost: STP cables are typically more expensive than UTP cables due to the additional
shielding and grounding requirements.

vi. Applications: STP cables are commonly used in industrial automation, manufacturing, and
telecommunications settings where interference can disrupt data transmission.
• They are also used in certain specialty applications, such as in medical equipment and
military systems.
 STP Cable
UTP Cable

NB: Twisted pair cables are generally limited in the distance they can carry signals effectively,
especially when compared to other types of cables like optical fiber. The longer the cable, the
more the signal quality degrades, which can result in data loss or signal interference.

• Twisted pair cables are susceptible to eavesdropping and signal tapping if not properly secured.
This can be a security concern in sensitive data transmission applications.
Coaxial Cables
 Coaxial cable, often referred to as coax cable, is a type of electrical cable that consists of a
central conductor, an insulating layer, a metallic shield, and an outer insulating layer.
 It is widely used for transmitting electrical signals, particularly for applications involving radio
frequency (RF) signals, cable television, internet connectivity, and other communication
systems.

 Key components and characteristics of coaxial cables:

1. Central Conductor: At the core of a coaxial cable is a single, solid or stranded wire that carries
the electrical signal. This conductor is typically made of copper.

2. Insulating Layer (Dielectric): Surrounding the central conductor is an insulating material called
the dielectric. The dielectric provides electrical isolation between the central conductor and the
outer metallic shield.

3. Metallic Shield: Over the dielectric, there is a metallic shield layer, usually made of braided
copper or aluminum wires. The purpose of the shield is to protect the central conductor from
external interference and to contain the electrical signals within the cable, reducing signal leakage
4. Outer Insulating Layer: The entire cable is encased in an outer insulating layer, often made of
plastic or rubber. This layer provides additional protection and insulation while maintaining the
structural integrity of the cable.

Coaxial cables have several advantages and are used in various applications:

1. RF Signal Transmission: Coaxial cables are well-suited for transmitting RF signals, such as those
used in cable television, satellite TV, and radio communications.

2. Broadband Internet: They are commonly used for delivering high-speed internet access to
homes and businesses, particularly in cable internet systems.

3. CCTV Systems: Coaxial cables are used in closed-circuit television (CCTV) installations for
transmitting video signals from security cameras to monitoring equipment.

4. Ethernet (Coaxial Ethernet): In the past, coaxial cables were used for Ethernet networking,
particularly in older implementations like 10BASE2 and 10BASE5. However, Ethernet over twisted
pair cables (e.g., Cat 5e, Cat 6) has largely replaced coaxial Ethernet.
 One of the significant advantages of coaxial cables is their ability to transmit signals over long
distances with minimal signal loss. However, they are bulkier and less flexible compared to
twisted pair cables (e.g., Ethernet cables) and fiber optic cables.

Fiber-optic cables
 Fiber-optic cables, often simply referred to as fiber optics, are a type of high-speed data
transmission medium that uses pulses of light to transmit information over long distances.

 They are widely used in telecommunications networks, internet connections, and various other
applications due to their advantages over traditional copper cables.

 The core component of a fiber-optic cable is the optical fiber itself, which is typically made of
glass or plastic. Optical fibers are extremely thin.
 They are designed to guide light along their length through a principle called total internal
reflection
 Fiber-optic cables transmit data using light signals. A laser or LED (light-emitting diode) at
one end of the cable generates the light signal, which is then sent down the fiber-optic
cable.
 The light signal consists of a series of on/off pulses that represent binary data (0s and 1s).

Types of optical fibers

 There are two main types of optical fibers: single-mode and multi-mode.

Single-Mode Fiber (SMF): SMF is designed for long-distance, high-speed data transmission. It
uses a single strand of glass or plastic fiber to carry data in the form of light signals.
 Single-mode fibers have a smaller core diameter and are designed for long-distance, high-
speed transmission

Multi-Mode Fiber (MMF): MMF is suitable for shorter-distance transmission and is often
used in local area networks (LANs). It uses multiple strands of glass or plastic fibers to carry
data.
 Multi-mode fibers have a larger core and are suitable for shorter distances.
Advantages of Fiber-optic cables
1. High Data Transmission Speeds: Fiber-optic cables can transmit data at extremely high
speeds, making them ideal for high-bandwidth applications like internet access, video
streaming, and telecommunications.

2. Low Signal Loss: Unlike copper cables, which suffer from signal loss over long distances,
fiber-optic cables can transmit signals over much greater distances with minimal loss.

3. Immunity to Electromagnetic Interference (EMI): Fiber cables are not susceptible to

electromagnetic interference, which can disrupt copper-based transmissions.

4. Security: It's difficult to tap into or intercept signals transmitted through fiber-optic cables
because they don't emit electromagnetic radiation that can be easily intercepted.

NB:
Installation Challenges: Installing and maintaining fiber-optic cables can be more complex
and costly than copper cables. Specialized equipment and trained technicians are often
required.
Fiber Optic Cable
Wireless Media
 Wireless media refers to the various methods and technologies used to transmit data,
information, and communication signals without the need for physical, wired connections.

 It allows for the wireless transmission of data over the airwaves, making it a key
component of modern communication and networking systems.
 Some common forms of wireless media include:

Radio Waves: Radio waves are electromagnetic waves that are used for wireless
communication in a wide range of applications.
• This includes radio broadcasting, cellular networks, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and many other
wireless technologies.
• Radio waves are characterized by their frequency and wavelength, and different frequency
bands are allocated for specific purposes.

Microwaves: Microwaves have shorter wavelengths than radio waves and are commonly used
for point-to-point communication, such as microwave links used in telecommunications and
satellite communication.
Infrared: Infrared (IR) radiation is used for short-range wireless communication, particularly in
applications like remote controls, infrared data transmission between devices, and some
indoor positioning systems.

Ultrasonic Waves: Ultrasonic waves are sound waves with frequencies higher than the
human audible range. They are used in various applications, including distance measurement,
object detection, and underwater communication.

Satellite Communication: Satellites in orbit around the Earth use radio waves to facilitate
wireless communication across long distances. This technology is vital for global
telecommunications, television broadcasting, and internet access in remote areas.

Near Field Communication (NFC): NFC is a short-range wireless technology that enables
devices to exchange data when they are in close proximity to each other. It is commonly used
for contactless payments, file sharing, and device pairing.