Higher Computing Science Transmission Medis

2. Transmission Media
Used to carry a communication signal from one computer system to another.
Connections can be wired or wireless.
Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transmitted in a fixed amount of
time (measured in bits per second, kbps, Mbps, Gbps)

3. Wired – UTP
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cables
Sometimes known as Ethernet cables
Often used in Local Area Networks
Inexpensive
Limited range (100m)
Limited bandwidth (around 100 Mbps)

4. Wired – Coaxial Cable
 Resistant to signal interference
 Physically strong
 More expensive that UTP but cheaper than fibre optic
 Range of around 500m
 Bandwidth 10 - 100 Mbps
 Carries TV, telephone and data signals
 Can be used with LAN and WAN

5. Wired – Fibre Optic
 Fibre of thin hollow silica glass is used as a small pipe to transmit light
particles
 Range of several kilometres
 Bandwidth 10 Gbps

6. Wireless
Data transferred as microwaves and radio waves
Range: 30m
Bandwidth: up to 1.3 Gbps
Advantages
No cables and wires (cheaper and safer)
Connection can be made between devices without need for physical cable
Disadvantages
Issues with security
Interference from other wireless devices
Lose signal through obstructions e.g. walls

7. Wireless
Data transferred as microwaves and radio waves
Range: 30m
Bandwidth: up to 1.3 Gbps
Advantages
No cables and wires (cheaper and safer)
Connection can be made between devices without need for physical cable
Disadvantages
Issues with security
Interference from other wireless devices
Lose signal through obstructions e.g. walls