Twisted Pair, Fiber Optics and Coaxial Cables are the transmission media of a computer network. In this tutorial, we will discuss all of them in detail.
Twisted Pair Cables –
Twisted pair cable is a type of transmission media used in local area networks (LANs) to transmit data signals. It consists of pairs of copper wires twisted together to reduce interference and crosstalk between adjacent pairs. The twists in the wire pairs help to cancel out electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) that can cause data errors and loss of signal.
Twisted pair cables are available in two types: unshielded twisted pair (UTP) and shielded twisted pair (STP). UTP is more commonly used and consists of four pairs of twisted wires bundled together inside a protective sheath. Each pair is color-coded to help identify them, and the wires are typically terminated with RJ45 connectors.
STP cables, on the other hand, have an additional layer of shielding around each twisted pair to reduce EMI and RFI even further. This shielding can be made of foil or braided wire mesh, and the cable itself is typically thicker and heavier than UTP cables.
Twisted pair cables have a number of advantages, including their low cost, ease of installation, and high availability. They are also relatively resistant to external noise and can transmit data at speeds of up to 10 Gbps over short distances. However, they are also more susceptible to interference and crosstalk than other types of transmission media, and their performance can degrade over long distances.
Overall, twisted pair cables are a popular choice for LANs and other short-distance data transmission applications, thanks to their low cost and ease of use.
Coaxial Cable
Coaxial cable, also known as coax, is a type of transmission media used to transmit high-frequency electrical signals over long distances with low loss of signal quality. Coaxial cable consists of a central conductor, usually made of copper, surrounded by a layer of insulation, a braided metal shield, and an outer protective jacket.
The central conductor carries the signal, while the metal shield surrounding it serves to protect the signal from external electromagnetic interference (EMI) and also to prevent the signal from radiating out and causing interference with other devices. The insulating layer between the central conductor and the metal shield also helps to minimize signal loss due to capacitive coupling between the two conductors.
Coaxial cables are commonly used in applications that require high-speed data transmission, such as cable television networks, broadband internet connections, and some local area networks (LANs). They are capable of transmitting data at high speeds over long distances with minimal loss of signal quality. Coaxial cables also offer better noise immunity than twisted pair cables, making them suitable for use in noisy environments.
There are several types of coaxial cables available, each with its own unique characteristics and capabilities. The most commonly used type is RG-6, which is used for cable television and satellite installations. Other types include RG-59, which is used for analog video signals, and RG-11, which is used for high-bandwidth digital applications.
Overall, coaxial cables are a reliable and efficient transmission medium for high-speed data transmission applications. However, they are more expensive than twisted pair cables and can be more difficult to install, particularly over long distances.
Fiber-Optic Cable
Fiber optic cable is a type of transmission media that uses thin strands of glass or plastic fibers to transmit digital signals over long distances. The fibers use light instead of electricity to carry data, making them much faster and more efficient than traditional copper cables.
Fiber optic cables consist of a core, a cladding, and a protective outer jacket. The core is the innermost part of the cable and is made up of one or more optical fibers. The cladding surrounds the core and is made of a material with a lower refractive index than the core, which helps to keep the light within the core. The outer jacket is a protective layer that covers the cladding and provides additional strength and durability to the cable.
Fiber optic cables offer several advantages over traditional copper cables. They can transmit data at much higher speeds over longer distances without suffering from signal degradation or loss. They are also less susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and crosstalk. Additionally, fiber optic cables are thinner and lighter than copper cables, making them easier to install and requiring less space.
Fiber optic cables are used in a variety of applications, including telecommunications networks, cable television networks, and data centers. They are also increasingly used in industrial applications, such as factory automation and remote sensing.
Overall, fiber optic cables are a reliable and efficient transmission medium for high-speed data transmission applications over long distances. However, they are typically more expensive than copper cables and require specialized equipment and expertise to install and maintain.
