Types of Transmission Media In Computer Network

There are two types of transmission media including guided media and unguided media. In guided
transmission media, waves are guided along solid medium such as transmission line. Transmission and
reception in unguided transmission media are achieved through the antenna.

What is Transmission Media in Computer Network?

Transmission media is a communication channel that transmits information from the source/transmitter to
the receiver. It is a physical path for data transfer through electromagnetic signals. Information is carried
over in the form of bits through LAN. It can mediate the propagation of signals for telecommunication.
Signals are imposed on a wave that is suitable for the chosen medium. These media lie underneath the
physical layer that regulates them. While designing a transmission, it is important to keep the following
pointers in mind:
 The bandwidth should be greater since it will result in a higher data transmission rate of a signal.

 Noise should be less. Otherwise, data signal can be distorted.

What are the Types of Transmission Media in Computer Networks?

Broadly, there are two types of transmission media in computer networks including guided and unguided
1. Guided Transmission Media
Guided media are also known as wired or bounded media. These media consist of wires through which
the data is transferred. Guided media is a physical link between transmitter and recipient devices. Signals
are directed in a narrow pathway using physical links. These media types are used for shorter distances
since physical limitation limits the signal that flows through these transmission media.
1.1 Twisted Pair Cable
In this type of transmission media, two insulated conductors of a single circuit are twisted together to
improve electromagnetic compatibility. These are the most widely used transmission medium cables.
These are packed together in protective sheaths. They reduce electromagnetic radiation from pairs and
crosstalk between the neighbouring pair. Overall, it improves the rejection of external electromagnetic
interference. These are further subdivided into unshielded and shielded twisted pair cables.
1.1.1 Unshielded Twisted Pair Cable(UTP): These consist of two insulated copper wires that are coiled
around one another. These types of transmission media block interference without depending on any
physical shield. The unshielded twisted pair are very affordable and are simple to set up. These provide a
high-speed link.
1.1.2 Shielded Twisted Pair (STP): This twisted cable consisted of a foil shield to block external
interference. The insulation within these types of twisted cable allow greater data transmission rate. These
are used in fast-data-rate Ethernet and in data and voice channels of telephone lines.
1. 2 Optical Fibre Cable
Also known as fiber optic cable, these are thin strands of glass that guide light along their length. These
contain multiple optical fibers and are very often used for long-distance communications. Compared to
other materials, these cables can carry huge amounts of data and run for miles without using signal
repeaters. Due to lesser requirements, they have less maintenance costs and it improves the reliability of
the communication system. These can be unidirectional as well as bidirectional in nature.
1.3 Coaxial cable
These guided transmission media contain an insulation layer that transmits information in baseband mode
and broadband mode. Coaxial cables are made of PVC/Teflon and two parallel conductors that are
separately insulated. Such cables carry high frequency electrical signals without any big loss. The
dimension of cable and connectors are controlled to give them constant conductor spacing for efficient
functioning as a transmission line.
1.3.1 Hardline Coaxial Cable: These are used for high signal strength applications including long-
distance telephone lines. These look like any regular coaxial cable but these are 1.75" thick. This type of
cable has the capability to carry hundreds of channels of cable tv. Such cables have sufficient interent
capacity for medium sized office building.
1.3.2 RG-6 Coaxial Cable: This is mainly used for cable and satellite signal transmission for the purpose
of residential and commercial installation. These are thin and are easily bendable for wall or ceiling
installation. Such cables are preferred for relaying cable television signals.
1.3.3 Triaxial Cable: Also known as triax, these are the electrical cable that come with an add on layer of
insylation and second conducting sheat. These cables provide greater bandwidth as well as rejection of
interference as compared to coax. However, triaxal cable are expensive type of transmission media.
1.4 Stripline
This is a transverse electromagnetic (TEM) transmission media that is built on the inner layers of multi-
layer printed circuit boards. These are used in high or low-level RF signals that require isolation from
surrounding circuitry. It is a type of printed circuit transmission line in which a signal trace is sandwiched
between the upper and lower ground place. Stripline minimizes emissions electromagnetic radiation is
completely enclosed within homogeneous dielectric. Along with the reduced emissions, it also shields
against incoming spurious signals.
1.5 Microstripline
While Microstripline is simiar to stripline, it is not sandwiched and are present above the ground plane.
These can be fabricated with any technology where the conductor is separated from the ground plane by a
dielectric layer called subtrated. These transmission media convert microwave frequency signals.
Microstrip is also used for building microwave components such as couplers, filters, power dividers,
antennas, etc. In comparison with the traditional waveguide technology, it is less expensive.

2. Unguided Transmission Media

Also known as unbounded or wireless media, they help in transmitting electromagnetic signals without
using a physical medium. Here, air is the medium. There is no physical connectivity between transmitter
and receiver. These types of transmission media are used for longer distances however they are less
secure than guided media. There are three main types of wireless transmission media.

2.1 Radio Waves

Radio waves are transmitted in every direction throughout free space. Since these are omnidirectional,
sent waves can be received by any antenna. These waves are useful when the data is to multicasted from
one sender to multiple receivers. Radio waves can cover large areas and even penetrate obstacles such as
buildings and walls. The frequency of these waves ranges between 3 kHz to 1GHz. Due to its
omnidirectional nature, issues such as interference might arise when another signal with the same
bandwidth or frequency is sent.
 2.2 Infrared
These waves are useful for only very short distance communication. Unlike radio waves, they do not have
the ability to penetrate barriers. Their range varies between 300GHz – 400THz. Since they have larger
bandwidth, the data rate is very high for infrared waves. These have less interference and are more
secure.
2.3 Microwaves
For these waves, it is important for the transmitter and receiver antenna to be aligned. This is why it is
known as line-of-sight transmission. Due to this, they are suitable for shorter distances. They comprise of
electromagnetic waves with frequencies ranging between 1-400 GHz. Microwaves provide bandwidth
between the range of 1 to 10 Mbps. Distance covered by the signal is proportional to the height of the
antenna. For travelling to longer distances, the height of the tower should be increased. These are further
sub categorized as terrestrial and satellite type microwave transmission.
2.3.1 Terrestrial type microwave transmission: In this type, high directional antennas are used for line
of sight propagation paths that use frequency between 4-12 GHz. These are parabolic antennas having
diameters that range from 12 inches to feet depending on their spacing.
2.3.2 Satellite type microwave transmission: Signals are transmitted to those spaces where satellites are
positioned and they retransmit the signal to appropriate locations. Since they only receive and retransmit
the signal, they act as repeaters. It is a much more flexible and reliable method of communication in
comparison with cables and fiber systems.

Pros and Cons of Transmission Media in Computer Networks

The following table summarises the advantages and disadvantages of transmission media:

Type Advantages Disadvantages

Less expensive, Attenuation leads to short-distance
Unshielded Twisted
Easy to install, communication,
Pair
High speed Susceptible to external interference
Reduced crosstalk, Bulky and expensive,
Shielded Twisted Pair
Faster than UTP Difficult to install
Increased bandwidth,
Optical Fibre Cable High-cost, Fragile
Immunity to interference
High bandwidth, Complete disruption due to single
Coaxial Cable
Noise immunity cable failure
Better isolation, Complex troubleshooting,
Stripline
Less loss of radiation Expensive
Easy interconnection and adjustments,
Microstripline Major fabrication advantage over Only for a short distance
stripline due to its open structure
Easy to generate,
Radio More interference
Can penetrate obstacles
Infrared Less interference Cannot penetrate obstacles

Considerable Factors While Designing Transmission Media

While designing transmission medium in computer networks, it is important to consider the following
factors:
 Greater bandwidth of the transmission medium allows higher data transmission rate of signal.
 Due to transmission impairment, the received signal may get destroyed since it does not seem identical
to the transmitted signal.
Applications of Transmission Media in Computer Networks
Type Uses
Unshielded Twisted Pair Telephonic applications
Shielded Twisted Pair Fast data rate ethernet
Optical Fibre Cable For transferring large volume of data
Coaxial Cable Cable TVs, Analog TV
Stripline Solid-state microwave systems
Microstripline Solid-state microwave systems
Radio Cordless phones, AM/FM radios
Infrared Wireless mouse, printers, keyboards
Microwave Mobile phones, televisions