Module 5:Introduction to wired and wireless network

What we will learn in this module:

• Difference between wired and wireless Network
• Characteristics of wired Network
• Need of wireless network
• Intro. Of various types of communication medium:
wired and wireless medium
• Wired transmission media: Twisted pair , Coaxial
cable , optical fiber cable.
• Wireless Transmission media: Microwave link ,
satellite communication , mobile communication,
infrared communication
• Types of wave propagations: ground wave, sky
wave, space wave
 Difference between wired and wireless network
Factor Wired Network Wireless Network
Speed - Wired connections are usually faster than wireless connections. - To Resolve interference, problem, most wireless
- - Signals carried over cables are less susceptible to interference transmissions are encrypted.
so there are fewer errors. - This introduces a processing delay.

Security - Wired networks are more secure than wireless networks. - Wireless networks are less secure than wired networks.
- Data is transmitted over physical cables, which are harder to - Data can be intercepted by someone without them needing
tamper with in order to intercept messages. to be physically connected to the network.

Range - The range of a wired network is greater than wireless. The range of a wireless network may be restricted because
- Copper cable will reliably carry signals for up to 100m. signals can be obstructed by thick walls and other
- Fibre optic cables are capable of carrying network signals obstacles. A mesh of access points may be needed to improve
over distances of 100km or more. coverage.

Setup - Fixed cabling is inflexible. - Devices do not need to be used in a fixed location.
- If a room layout is changed, the network connection points may - They can be located anywhere within range of a
no longer be in the correct place. wireless access point.
 Factor Wired Network Wireless Network
Cost - Wired networks can be expensive to set up. Less expensive
- Hubs or switches are required. More than one wireless access point may be needed if the
- In a work environment, these will probably building is large .
have to be located in secure rooms or lockable
cabinets so they are not tampered with.
- Cables will often need to be run in
trunking or in channels made into walls so
that they are not unsightly or cause a health
and safety issue.
Installation Cumbersome and manpower intensive Less labor intensive and easy
activity

Devices used Hubs and Switches Routers

Interference Less (Networks are invisible to other wired Higher (the potential for radio interference due to
networks. The presence of one wired network weather, other wireless devices, or obstructions like walls)
has no effect on the performance of another
wired network)
Dedicated / Dedicated Shared
Shared
Connection
 Characteristics/Advantages of wired network
• Stability and Reliability
• When configured and utilised properly, wired networks can provide unparalleled reliability. As soon as
the hubs, switches, and cables are installed, you can have a reliable network at your disposal.
• Wired connections do not get influenced by other network connections in the vicinity and hence are
generally more stable.
• Faster Speeds and High Connectivity
• The speeds have kept on improving since the use of Gigabit routers became a common practice.
• In addition to that, a wired network has a limited set of users connecting to it at any time, so it’s rarely
bogged down by unexpected traffic – delivering nearly constant high speeds at all times.
• Apart from this, since a separate ethernet cable is used to connect each of the devices directly to the
network, users can’t run into common connectivity issues (like dead spots, for example), when
connected to a wired network.
• Better Security
• Once the firewalls and other necessary security applications are configured on the network, a wired network is
quite well-protected from unwanted and unauthorised access.
• Accessibility
• Wired networks are not visible to devices on other networks.
• And this means, network admins can exercise a high level of user access control with relative ease.
 Disadvantages of wired network
1. Inconvenience Due to Lack of Mobility
2. May Require More Time to Install
3. Larger Infrastructures Require More Maintenance
4. Slight Inconvenience Due to Too Many Cables

• However, this disadvantage may not bother you if the security,

stability, and reliability of your network connections are more of a
priority for your business.
 Characteristics/Advantages of wireless network
• High Mobility
• When you set up a wireless network, all your employees can access the network
from almost anywhere in the office.
• Lower Cost of Setup
• Setting up a wireless network typically requires very fewer switches, routers,
ethernet cables, and other hardware, as compared to installing wired networks.
• BYOD Policy is Easy to Implement
• It’s becoming commonplace for workplaces to implement a BYOD (Bring Your
Own Device) policy.
• Makes Your Office Look Neat and Organised
• Easier to Install and Maintain
• Overall, a wireless network can be installed much faster and with relative ease,
because it requires far less equipment to set up and maintenance is also easier,
since most of the job is software-based, and not hardware-based.
 Disadvantages of wireless network
1. Connectivity May Suffer Occasionally
• The possibility of interference or obstructions due to other wireless-enabled devices in
the vicinity is higher.
• Users may also run into dead spots or areas that have a bad connection, an issue that is
occasionally present in a wireless network area, due to objects or walls that might
obstruct the connection.

2. Security Can Be a Concern

• Generally, wireless networks are a bit less secure than wired networks. The main reason
for this is the communication signals that get transmitted through the air and easier to
intercept by bad actors.

3. Slightly Lower and Unreliable Data Transfer Speed

• Wireless networks typically can’t match the speed of wired networks.
• However, since the data transmission speed is primarily dependent on your current
location it provides unreliable Data transfer speed.
Transmission media for computer communication
 Important terms related to transmission media:
• Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data transmitted through a
communication channel at one time.
• Throughput is the actual amount of data transmitted.
• Broadband is any transmission medium that carries several channels to transport
data at high speeds.
• The data transfer rate—the rate at which two modems exchange data—is
measured in bits per second (bps).

Let us understand wired transmission media

 1. Twisted pair wire is copper wire used for telephone and data
communication.
Wired Transmission • Two pairs of interweaved wires twisted together
Media: 1. Twisted pair • Inexpensive, but bandwidth too low for video, voice,
and data at the same time

Twisted Pair – Applications

• Telephone network
• Between house and local exchange
(subscriber loop)
• Within buildings
To private branch exchange (PBX)
• For local area networks (LAN)
10Mbps or 100Mbps
The RJ45 connectors used for twisted pair
are:
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 Types of twisted pair cable
Unshielded and Shielded TP
• Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)
• Ordinary telephone wire
• Cheapest
• Easiest to install
• Suffers from external EM interference
• Shielded Twisted Pair (STP)
• Metal braid or sheathing that reduces interference
• More expensive
• Harder to handle (thick, heavy)
 Wired Transmission Media: 2. Coaxial Cable
• Coaxial cable consists of copper wire
surrounded by insulation and braided wire.
• Supports 10 Mbps transfer rate.

• Coaxial Cable Applications

• Used for Broadband communication.
• CableTV distribution
• Long distance telephone transmission
• Can carry 10,000 voice calls simultaneously
• Short distance computer systems links
• Local area networks

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 Wired Transmission Media: 3. Fiber Optic cable
• Fiber-optic cable consists of thin strands of glass or plastic
that carry data through pulses of light.
• Broadband communication
• 10 Gbps transfer rate

• The connectors for fibre optic cables are

• 1. SC Connector
• 2. ST connector

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 Important characteristics of optical fiber

• Optical Fiber - Benefits • Optical Fiber – Applications

• Greater capacity • Long-haul trunks
• Data rates of hundreds of Gbps • Metropolitan trunks
• Smaller size & weight • Rural exchange trunks
• Lower attenuation • Subscriber loops
• Electromagnetic isolation • LANs
• Greater repeater spacing
• 10s of km at least
Wireless Transmission Media

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 Wireless transmission waves

Radio waves are used for Microwaves are used for Infrared signals can be
multicast unicast communication used for short-range
communications, such as such as cellular communication in a
radio and television, and telephones, satellite closed area using line-
paging systems. networks, of-sight propagation.
and wireless LANs.
Wireless transmission mediums/systems
• Microwave link
• Satellite communication
• Mobile communication
• Ground wave
• Space wave
• Sky wave
 Microwave link
• A microwave link is a communications system that uses a beam of radio waves in
the microwave frequency range (1 to 300 Ghz) to transmit information between
two fixed locations on the earth.

• What are the various components of Microwave link? Explain their use.
 Microwave Link
• A simple one-way microwave link includes four major elements:
a transmitter, a receiver, transmission lines, and antennas.
• Transmitter: It produces a microwave signal that carries the information to be communicated.
(such as a telephone call, television, radio programs, text, movies, still images, web pages etc).
• Transmission Line: It connects transmitter and receiver with respective antennas.
• Antennas: These are highly directional antennas; they tightly focus the transmitted energy at
transmitting station and receives energy mainly from one specific direction at receiver station.
• Receiver: It extract original information from received microwave signal and is made available
receiver.

Q. What are types of Microwave link? Describe their important characteristics, advantages and
disadvantages.
 Microwave links
• There are two types of microwaves in computer networks.
1. Terrestrial microwave 2. Satellite microwave
Terrestrial microwave
• Here antennas are mounted on the towers to send a beam to
another antenna which is present at km away.
• These are unidirectional waves, whereas the sending and
receiving antenna is to be aligned which means the antennas
are narrowly focused.
• It works on the line-of-sight transmission, which means the
antennas mounted on the towers are at the direct sight of
each other as shown in fig.

Let us see important differences in terrestrial microwave and

satellite microwave.
Difference between Terrestrial and satellite Microwave
Sr No Terrestrial Microwave Transmission System Satellite Microwave Transmission System

1 The frequency range used in this system is between 11 GHz to 14

The frequency range needed is from 4 GHz to 6 GHz.
GHz.
2 attenuation mainly depends on the frequency and signal
Attenuation is generally affected by frequency and power.
strength.
3
installation moderately difficult. installation of satellites is extremely tough.

4 Terrestrial microwaves are utilized for point-to-point

Satellite microwaves communicate with satellites in space.
communication.
5 It requires focused signals and line of sight as the physical
It requires the proper alignment of earth station antennas.
path.
6 In these systems, short-distance systems can be These systems are very expensive as the cost of building and
inexpensive but long-distance systems are almost costly. launching is very high.
7
Relay towers are used to extend the signals. Satellites are used for the expansion of signals.

8 Terrestrial microwave systems, are employed as a

Satellite links provide connectivity in locations where otherwise there
booster to fiber-optic networks or for short-range
is no possibility of communication.
communications.
 Advantages and disadvantages of Microwave Link
• Advantages:
➢High data transmission rates.
➢High capacity to carry huge quantities of data.
➢Lower error rates, thus making it more reliable as compared to cable.
➢Microwaves offer communication over very long distances.
➢They have a better implementation in bad weather conditions than radio waves.
• Disadvantages
➢Insecure communication
➢Susceptible to weather conditions
➢Cost of design, implementation and maintenance is high.
➢Bandwidth limited
➢Repeater stations must be placed every 50 kms
➢Cannot pass through obstacles (uses line of sight transmission)
 Satellite communication
• The word satellite refers to an object that revolves around earth or any other body in space e.g. Moon is
a natural satellite
• Example: If communication takes place between any two earth stations through a satellite, then it is
known as satellite communication.
• Working:
• The satellite communication process involves uplink and
downlink frequencies.
• The process begins with a transmission from a ground
station, typically a dish antenna, which sends high
-frequency signals in the form of radio waves or
microwaves up to a satellite in orbit (uplink frequency).
• The satellite receives the signals using its own dish antenna.
• Then it changes the signal’s frequency band through a
transponder before sending it back to a receiving
station on the Earth’s surface (downlink frequency).
The satellite acts as a microwave repeater Station in
space.
 Advantages and disadvantsges of satellite communication
• Advantages: Disadvantages:
• Easily Scalable. •Large set up Cost
• Provides Global coverage •Large Delay
• Cost-effective •Weather conditions affect
• High Mobility quality and reliability.
• High-speed connectivity even in remote
areas.
• High Security since the signals are difficult
to intercept.
• High Reliability
• Provides Disaster recovery and can act as
backup communication system.
 Mobile communication
• Mobile Communication allows us to communicate with others in different locations without
the use of any physical connection (wires or cables).
• A mobile phone is an electric device used for full duplex two way radio
telecommunication over a cellular network of base stations known as cell site.
What is Mobile communication?
❑A wireless form of communication in which
vice and data information is emitted,
transmitted and received via microwave.
❑ This will allow while moving from one place
to anther pace.

• Let us understand important features of mobile

communication…..
 Mobile communication
• Features of mobile communication:
• High capacity load balancing:
High capacity load balancing means, when one access point is overloaded, the system will actively shift
users from one access point to another depending on the capacity which is available.
• Scalability: The wireless networks have the ability to start small if necessary, but expand in terms of
coverage and capacity as needed - without having to overhaul or build an entirely new network.
• Network management system: It includes management of access points, firewalls, switches, managed
power and various other components.
• Roaming:
Roaming allows your end-users to successfully move from one access point to another without ever
noticing a dip in a performance.
• Proper Security means using the right firewall
• Switching: Basically, a network switch is the traffic cop of your wireless network which making sure that
everyone and every device gets to where they need to go.

Next..Types of mobile communication networks

Mobile communication Types
 Mobile communication
• Infrastructured Mobile Communication :
In this type of communication, service provider needs to lay out the infrastructure to establish
a network for communication, hence network is dependent upon infrastructure.
Example :
• Cellular Communication :
Cellular communication is categorized as infrastructured as it involves use of Base trans-
receiver System (BTS) for communication.
• The BTS uses two categories of antenna to make communication:
1. Vertical Antenna :
It is also known as RF antenna or GSM antenna. It works on radio frequency i.e in MHz and is
responsible for sending and receiving signals.
2. Drum Antenna :
It is microwave antenna responsible for creating connecting link between BTS.
It works on Microwaves, having a frequency in GHz.
 Mobile communication
2. Infrastructure-less Mobile Communication :
This category of communication has eliminated the need of infrastructure for communication, hence making mobile
communication cost-effective, BTS independent and more efficient.
• It is categorized as :
Mobile Adhoc Network (MANET) :
- Mobile Adhoc network is an improvised network which is established when need arises.
- Once the job is done, the network is terminated.
- MANET is used in military organisation for communication purpose during war like emergency.

MANET is used in various fields and is categorized into following types :

1. (i) FANET :
FANET stands for Flying Adhoc Network used in multi Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV) systems to solve the problems
arising from infrastructure-based communication systems, which restricts the capabilities of multi UAV systems.
2. (ii) VANET :
VANET stands for Vehicular Adhoc Network employed in vehicles to enable inter-vehicular communication.
VANET provides assistance with traffic monitoring, collision avoidance, safety enhancement etc,
1. (iii) SANET :
SANET stands for Smartphone Adhoc Network. In this, adhoc networking is used between smartphones for cellular
communication, eliminating use of BTS.
Next: Adv of mobile communication
 Advantages of Mobile communication
• Advantages:
• Flexibility: Wireless communication enables the people to communicate with
each other regardless of location.
• Cost effectiveness: In wireless communication, there is no need of any physical
infrastructure (Wires or cables) or maintenance practice. Hence, the cost is
reduced.
• Speed: The network connectivity or the accessibility was much improved in
accuracy and speed.
• Accessibility: With the help of wireless technology easy accessibility to the
remote areas is possible. For example, in rural areas, online education is now
possible. Educators or students no longer need to travel to far-flung areas to
teach their lessons.
• Constant connectivity: Constant connectivity ensures that people can respond to
emergencies relatively quickly ( Even during travel).
 Wireless Transmission Media
Infrared is a wireless transmission medium that carries
data through the air using light beams.
-Sending and receiving devices must be in line of sight.
- Uses an IrDA port to enable data transfer.
- Infrared frequencies are higher than those of microwaves, but lower than those of visible
light.
-Infrared technology is used in robot control system, cordless microphone, headsets,
modems, and other peripheral devices.

- Infrared transmission is Blocked by walls

*Bluetooth radio transmission enables devices within 30 feet to communicate wirelessly.
*Does not require direct line of sight.

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 Wireless Propagation

• Signal travels along three routes

• Ground wave
• Follows contour of earth
• Up to 2MHz
• AM radio

• Space wave (Line of sight)

• Upto 20 Km from earth surface
• Above 30Mhz
• May be farther than optical line of sight due to refraction.
• Sky wave
• Ionosphere region 65 Km to 400 Km from earth surface.
• 3MHz -30MHz reflected by ionosphere
• Signal reflected from ionosphere layer of upper atmosphere
• Used by Amateur radio, BBC world service, Voice of America
 Ground wave propagation
• In this propagation, the signal wave glides over the surface of earth.
• Ground has a strong influence on the propagation of signal waves
from transmitting antenna to receiving antenna.
 Ground wave propagation
• When signal propagates along the surface of earth, then ground wave induces
current in ground and bends around the corner of objects on earth.
• So, the energy of ground wave is absorbed by the earth and power of ground
wave decreases with increase of distance from transmitting antenna. This
phenomenon of loss of power of ground wave is called attenuation.
• Attenuation increases with increase in frequency of the signal.
• It is useful for low frequency signal wave from 530 KHz to 1710 KHz.
• It cannot be used for long distance propagation.
 Advantages/Disadvantage of Ground wave
propagation
• Advantages of Ground Wave Propagation
• These waves have the tendency to bend around the corners or obstructions
during propagation which makes them more efficient.
• These are not affected by the change in atmospheric conditions.
• Disadvantages of Ground Wave Propagation
• High-frequency waves cannot be transmitted as the energy losses are more
because of the energy absorption in the earth’s atmosphere.
• These are used to cover short ranges.
• Applications of Ground Wave Propagation
• Used for one-way communication from the military station to submerged
submarines as they penetrate to a significant depth into seawater.
• AM, FM and television broadcasting can be done with the help of ground waves.
 Space wave propagation
• In this propagation, the radio waves are being transmitted either from one
antenna to another antenna directly or getting reflected from the ground.
• Space wave propagation is achieved in the atmosphere’s tropospheric region.
• Thus, Tropospheric wave propagation is another name for space wave
propagation.
• The frequencies are usually greater than 30 or 40 MHz. The troposphere is
extended up to 20 km above the surface of the earth.
 Adv and Disadv of Space wave propogation
• Space wave propagation advantages
1.It overcome the limitations of sky wave propagation and ground wave
propagation
2.Allows a large range of frequencies.
• Space Wave Propagation disadvantages
1.Space wave propagation happens in the line-of-sight distance.
2.Signals get affected due to the earth curvature.
• Space Wave Propagation Applications
• This type of radio wave propagation is usually used in satellite and radar
communication.
• Space wave propagation can also be used in microwave linking applications.
 Sky wave propagation
• It is mode of wave propagation in which radio waves emitted from the transmitter
antenna reach to the receiving antenna after reflection by ionosphere.
• In sky wave propagation the radio waves of
frequency from 1710 KHz to 40 MHz
are used.
• This mode of propagation is used by
shortwave broadcast service.
• Ionospheric layers reflect the radiations of
frequency 3 MHz to 30 MHz.
• It extends from height of 65 km to 400 km
above the earth’s surface.
• Ionization occurs due to absorption of UV
and other high energy radiations coming
from sun by air molecules.
 Advantages / Disadvantages of Sky wave
propagation
• Sky Wave Propagation Advantages
1.It supports propagation at large distances.
2.Loss of radio waves or attenuation low due to atmospheric conditions.
3.The frequency range of operation is high.
4.It provides continuous support in different types of communication.
• Sky Wave Propagation Disadvantages
1.There is variation in the signal transmission in day time and night time
2. There is a requirement of big sized antennas for long-distance or sky
wave propagation.
Thank You