Characteristics of Different Transmission Media
In computer networks, the choice of transmission media plays a key role in determining speed, reliability, cost, and security.
Transmission media
The physical pathway or channel through which data is transmitted from one device to another in a network
Hence, we need to inspect closely the characteristics of different transmission media to decide what to use in a potential case scenario.
Metal Conductors
Among metal conductors, copper cables are often used due to their physical characteristics.
- Types: Coaxial, Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP), Shielded Twisted Pair (STP)
- Speed: Moderate, up to 10 Gbps for high-quality cables
- Reliability: Susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI)
- Cost: Low to moderate
- Security: Physical access required, but data can be intercepted with specialised equipment.
Copper cables are widely used in LANs due to their low cost and ease of installation.
Fibre Optic Cables
- Speed: Extremely high, up to 100 Tbps
- Reliability: Immune to EMI and weather conditions
- Cost: High initial cost, but low maintenance
- Security: Very secure; difficult to tap without detection
Fibre optic cables are ideal for long-distance communication and high-bandwidth applications.
Wireless Transmission
- Types: Radio waves, microwaves, infrared
- Speed: Varies widely; Wi-Fi can reach up to 1 Gbps, while satellite is slower
- Reliability: Affected by interference, obstacles, and weather
- Cost: Low to moderate, depending on infrastructure
- Security: Vulnerable to eavesdropping; encryption is essential
- Wireless networks are often less secure than wired ones.
- Always use strong encryption protocols like WPA2 or WPA3.
Comparing Transmission Media
| Transmission Media | Speed | Reliability | Cost | Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper Cables | Moderate | Moderate | Low | Moderate |
| Fiber Optic Cables | Very High | Very High | High | Very High |
| Wireless | Variable | Low to Moderate | Low | Low to Moderate |
- Think of fibre optic cables as highways for data, allowing massive amounts of information to travel quickly and securely.
- In contrast, wireless transmission is like a network of roads, offering flexibility but susceptible to traffic (interference) and detours (obstacles).
In short,
- Copper Cables: Ideal for short-distance, cost-sensitive applications like home networks.
- Fibre Optic Cables: Best for high-speed, long-distance communication, such as intercontinental data links.
- Wireless: Suitable for mobile and remote access, where physical cabling is impractical.
When designing a network, consider the specific needs of the environment, such as distance, bandwidth requirements, and budget constraints.
Ethical and Environmental Considerations
- Copper Mining: Has significant environmental impacts, including habitat destruction and pollution.
- E-Waste: Improper disposal of cables and wireless devices contributes to electronic waste.
Network designers should prioritize sustainable practices, such as recycling materials and minimizing energy consumption.
- Compare the speed and reliability of copper cables and fibre optic cables.
- Explain why wireless transmission is more vulnerable to security threats than wired transmission.
- Discuss the environmental impact of different transmission media.
