1.2 Communication channel/Media: Wired (CAT6, Optical Fiber), Wireless (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RFID, satellites)

 

Communication Media

Communication media is the path or channel through which data and information are transmitted from one device to another. It is also known as transmission media.

Communication media helps connect devices and enables them to exchange data and information.

 

Types of Communication Media

v Guided Media (Wired Media)

v Unguided Media (Wireless Media)

 

Guided Media (Wired Media)

Guided media is a type of communication media that uses physical cables or wires to transmit data and information between devices. It is also known as wired media.

 

Examples:

• Twisted Pair Cable
• Coaxial Cable
• Optical Fiber Cable

 

Guided media is generally faster, more secure, less interference from external signals  and more reliable than wireless communication.

 

Types of Guided Media

v CAT6 (Category 6 Cable)

v Optical Fiber Cable

 

CAT6 (Category 6 Cable)

CAT6 (Category 6) is a type of network cable used to connect computers, routers, switches, and other network devices. It provides faster and more reliable communication than older cables such as CAT5e.

 

Features of CAT6

i. Supports speeds up to 1 Gbps over a distance of 100 meters
ii. Can support 10 Gbps over shorter distances
iii. Has better insulation and tightly twisted wires
iv. Reduces signal interference and provides a stable connection

 

CAT6 cables are commonly used in homes, offices, and data centers where fast and strong internet is important.

Optical Fiber Cable

Optical Fiber Cable is a high-speed communication cable made of thin strands of glass or plastic. It transmits data using light signals, allowing data to travel very fast over long distances.

Optical fiber is faster, more reliable, and more efficient than twisted pair and coaxial cables.

 

Features of Optical Fiber Cable

i. Transmits data using light signals
ii. Provides very high data transmission speed
iii. Can carry data over long distances
iv. Has very low signal loss
v. Offers reliable communication

 

Uses of Optical Fiber Cable

• High-speed Internet services
• Telecommunications
• Data centers
• Cable television networks

 

Common Optical Fiber Connectors

• ST (Straight Tip)
• SMA (Screw-Mounted Adaptor)
• SC (Subscriber Connector)

 

Did You Know? 🤔

• Optical fiber transmits data using light signals, making it one of the fastest communication media.

• Optical fiber cables are very thin but can carry a huge amount of data over long distances.

• Although optical fiber is made of glass or plastic, it can be bent slightly without breaking.

 

Unguided Media (Wireless Media)

Unguided media is a type of communication media that transmits data and information without using physical cables or wires. It uses wireless signals such as radio waves to send and receive data between devices. It is also known as wireless media.

Unguided media is widely used for Internet access, mobile communication, and wireless data sharing.

In Nepal, permission to use wireless technology is given by the government to ensure proper use and security

 

Types / Examples of Unguided Media

1. Wi-Fi

2. Bluetooth

3. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)

4. Satellite Communication

 

Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity)

Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) is a wireless technology that allows devices to connect to the Internet without using cables. It uses radio waves to send and receive data between devices.

It commonly operates on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands.

Wi-Fi provides a fast and reliable Internet connection. It can connect many devices to the Internet at the same time through a router or access point.

Wi-Fi is widely used in homes, schools, offices, and public places for wireless Internet access.

 

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows devices to exchange data over short distances without using cables.

It is commonly used in smartphones, tablets, computers, smartwatches, wireless headphones, and fitness bands.

Bluetooth uses radio waves to connect devices and transfer files, music, photos, and other information.

It uses a technique called Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS), which reduces signal interference and improves connection reliability.

Bluetooth uses very little power, making it suitable for small electronic devices. It is built into most modern devices and is commonly used to connect wireless headphones, speakers, keyboards, mice, smartwatches, and other gadgets.

 

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a wireless technology that uses radio waves to identify and track objects, animals, or people.

An RFID system consists of RFID tags and an RFID reader. When the reader scans a tag, it receives the information stored in the tag.

 

Types of RFID Tags

i. Passive RFID Tag – Works without a battery.
ii. Active RFID Tag – Uses a battery and works over a longer distance.

 

RFID is widely used for identifying and tracking items. It is also used in inventory management, access control systems, and contactless payment systems.

RFID provides a fast and reliable way to collect data and is commonly used in stores, offices, schools, and transportation systems.

 

Satellite Communication

Satellite communication is a wireless communication system that uses artificial satellites to transmit information over long distances around the world.

Satellites receive signals from one location and transmit them to another, making global communication possible.

Satellite communication has been used for communication services such as telecommunication, radio, television, and Internet services.

It allows the transmission of text, images, audio, and video to any part of the world.

Today, satellite communication is widely used for television broadcasting, weather forecasting, GPS navigation, military communication, and Internet services.

 

 

 

 

Difference Between Guided and Unguided Media

Basis	Guided Media (Wired Media)	Unguided Media (Wireless Media)
Transmission Method	Data is transmitted through cables or wires.	Data is transmitted through the air using wireless signals.
Path of Data	Data follows a fixed path.	Data travels freely through the air.
Weather Effect	Less affected by weather conditions.	Can be affected by weather conditions.
Coverage Area	Suitable for short-distance communication.	Suitable for long-distance communication.
Reliability	More reliable and stable.	Less reliable than guided media.
Examples	CAT6, Coaxial Cable, Optical Fiber	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Microwave, Satellite, Infrared