Micro – Project

Of
Computer Networking

Project : Case study on guided and unguided transmission media

Group Members :
Thakor Sagar : 226040307198
Patel Bhavya : 226040307154
Purohit Yashesh : 226040307213

Introduction
Guided Transmission Media :
 Guided media refers to communication channels or transmission media in
which data signals are guided along a physical path, typically using a
cable or wire.

Unguided Transmission Media :

 Unguided media, also known as wireless or unbounded media, refers to
communication channels or transmission media where data signals travel
through the air or space without the use of a physical conductor or cable.

1.) Guided Media :

Guided media, in the context of communication networks, refers to physical
pathways or transmission media that provide a guided conduit for transmitting data
signals from one point to another. Unlike unguided or wireless media, guided media
use physical cables or wires to guide and contain the signals, thereby reducing the
chances of signal interference, attenuation, and data loss.

 Types of Guided Media :

o Twisted Pair Cable
o Co-axial Cable
 o Fiber Optic Cable

*Twisted Pair Cable :

- Twisted pair is a physical media made up of a pair of cables twisted with each other.
A twisted pair cable is cheap as compared to other transmission media. Installation of the
twisted pair cable is easy, and it is a lightweight cable. The frequency range for twisted pair
cable is from 0 to 3.5KHz.
- A twisted pair consists of two insulated copper wires arranged in a regular spiral
pattern.
- The degree of reduction in noise interference is determined by the number of turns per
foot. Increasing the number of turns per foot decreases noise interference.

- There are two types of twisted pair cables

o Unshielded Twisted Pair Cable
o Shielded Twisted Pair Cable

- Unshielded Twisted Pair Cable :

o UTP consists of two insulated copper wires twisted around one another.
o This type of cable has the ability to block interference and does not depend
on a physical shield for this purpose.
 o It is used for telephonic applications.

Advantages:

o Least expensive
o Easy to install
o High-speed capacity

Disadvantages:
o Susceptible to external interference
o Lower capacity and performance in comparison to STP
o Short distance transmission due to attenuation

Applications:
⇢Used in telephone connections and LAN networks

- Shielded Twisted Pair Cable :

o This type of cable consists of a special jacket (a copper braid covering or a
foil shield) to block external interference.
 o It is used in fast-data-rate Ethernet and in voice and data channels of
telephone lines.

Advantages:
o Better performance at a higher data rate in comparison to UTP
o Eliminates crosstalk
o Comparatively faster

Disadvantages:
o Comparatively difficult to install and manufacture
o More expensive
o Bulky

Applications:
⇢ The shielded twisted pair type of cable is most frequently used in extremely cold
climates, where the additional layer of outer covering makes it perfect for withstanding such
temperatures or for shielding the interior components.

*Co-axial Cable :
o Coaxial cable is very commonly used transmission media, for example, TV wire is
usually a coaxial cable.
o The name of the cable is coaxial as it contains two conductors parallel to each other.
o It has a higher frequency as compared to Twisted pair cable.
 o The inner conductor of the coaxial cable is made up of copper, and the outer conductor
is made up of copper mesh. The middle core is made up of non-conductive cover that
separates the inner conductor from the outer conductor.
o The middle core is responsible for the data transferring whereas the copper mesh
prevents from the EMI(Electromagnetic interference).

Advantages:

o High Bandwidth
o Better noise Immunity
o Easy to install and expand
o Inexpensive

Disadvantages:
o Single cable failure can disrupt the entire network
Applications:

o Radio frequency signals are sent over coaxial wire. It can be used for
cable television signal distribution, digital audio (S/PDIF), computer
network connections (like Ethernet), and feedlines that connect radio
transmitters and receivers to their antennas.

*Fiber Optic Cable :

o Fibre optic cable is a cable that uses electrical signals for communication.
o Fibre optic is a cable that holds the optical fibres coated in plastic that are used to send
the data by pulses of light.
 o The plastic coating protects the optical fibres from heat, cold, electromagnetic
interference from other types of wiring.
o Fibre optics provide faster data transmission than copper wires.

Advantages:

o Increased capacity and bandwidth

o Lightweight
o Less signal attenuation
o Immunity to electromagnetic interference
o Resistance to corrosive materials
Disadvantages:

o Difficult to install and maintain

o High cost
o Fragile
Applications:

o Medical Purpose: Used in several types of medical instruments.

o Defence Purpose: Used in transmission of data in aerospace.
o For Communication: This is largely used in formation of internet
cables.
o Industrial Purpose: Used for lighting purposes and safety measures in
designing the interior and exterior of automobiles.

2).Unguided Media :
Unguided transmission media, also known as wireless or
unbounded transmission media, refer to the means of transmitting data or information without
the use of physical conductors or cables. Unlike guided media, which rely on physical pathways
like copper wires or fiber optics to convey signals, unguided transmission media utilize various
methods of wireless communication to transfer data through the air or space.
  Types of Unguided Media
o Radio Transmission
o Micro Wave Transmission
o Infrared Transmission

*Radio Transmission :
- These are easy to generate and can penetrate through buildings.
- The sending and receiving antennas need not be aligned.
- Frequency Range:3KHz – 1GHz. AM and FM radios and cordless phones use Radio waves
for transmission.

Advantages
o Wireless: No cables needed; offers mobility.
o Long Range: Covers large distances for broadcasting.
o Cost-Effective: Cheaper and quicker to deploy than wired networks.
o Easy Deployment: Quick setup; ideal for emergencies or events.
o Flexible and Scalable: Adaptable to changing needs; supports mobility.
Disadvantages
o Interference: Prone to signal disruption from other devices and environmental
factors.
o Limited Bandwidth: Typically has lower data transfer rates compared to wired
connections.
o Security Risks: Higher risk of unauthorized access and data interception.
o Signal Weakness: Can experience signal degradation over distance or through
obstacles.

*Micro Wave Transmission :

- It is a line of sight transmission i.e. the sending and receiving antennas need to be properly
aligned with each other.
- The distance covered by the signal is directly proportional to the height of the antenna.
- Frequency Range:1GHz – 300GHz. These are majorly used for mobile phone communication
and television distribution.

Advantages
o High Speed: Offers fast data transfer.
o Long Range: Effective over large distances.
o Reliable: Provides consistent communication with minimal signal loss.
o Efficient Spectrum Use: Supports multiple communication links.
o Quick Deployment: Easy setup for temporary or emergency use.
o Secure: More difficult to intercept compared to lower-frequency signals.
o Cost-Effective: Cheaper alternative to laying fiber optic cables.
Disadvantages
o Line-of-Sight Requirement: Needs unobstructed path between antennas.
o Weather Interference: Signal can be affected by rain, fog, or atmospheric
conditions.
o High Setup Cost: Initial investment for towers and equipment is expensive.
o Limited Penetration: Doesn't pass through obstacles like walls or dense
materials well.

*Infrared Transmission :
-Infrared waves are used for very short distance communication. They cannot penetrate through
obstacles.
- This prevents interference between systems.
- Frequency Range:300GHz – 400THz. It is used in TV remotes, wireless mouse, keyboard,
printer, etc.
Advantages
o Low Interference: Less prone to interference from other devices.
o Security: Limited signal range enhances inherent security.
o Cost-Effective: Simple and inexpensive to implement.
o No Licensing: No need for regulatory licensing.
o High Data Rates: Capable of achieving fast data transfer speeds.
o Energy Efficient: Consumes low power, ideal for battery-operated devices.
o No Health Risks: No health concerns related to electromagnetic radiation.
Disadvantages
o Line-of-Sight Requirement: Needs direct visibility; blocked by obstacles.
o Short Range: Effective only over short distances (few meters).
o Interference from Light: Susceptible to ambient light sources.
o Environmental Impact: Can be affected by weather conditions.
o Directional: Requires precise alignment for communication.
o Limited Data Penetration: Doesn't pass through walls or obstacles.
o Security Risks: Proximity increases risk of unauthorized access.
o Bandwidth Constraints: May have limited data transfer capacity.
o Interoperability Issues: Specific hardware and protocols needed.
o Indoor Use Only: Best suited for indoor applications with clear line of sight.