Guided media & Physical Cables
Guided media, also known as wired media, is a type of transmission media that uses physical cables to transmit data signals from one device to another in a computer network. There are three main types of guided media cables used in networking: twisted pair cable, coaxial cable, and fiber optic cable. In this article, we will discuss each type of cable in detail.
- Twisted Pair Cable
Twisted pair cable is the most common type of guided media used in local area networks (LANs). It consists of two or more insulated copper wires twisted together to reduce interference from other cables and external sources. Twisted pair cable is available in two types: shielded twisted pair (STP) and unshielded twisted pair (UTP).
UTP is the most widely used type of twisted pair cable. It has four pairs of wires, with each pair twisted together to reduce interference. The most common UTP cable used in networking is Category 5 (Cat 5) cable. Cat 5 cable has a maximum bandwidth of 100 Mbps and is used for most LAN applications.
STP has a metallic shield to protect against electromagnetic interference. It has the same basic structure as UTP, but with an additional layer of shielding. STP is more expensive than UTP and is commonly used in noisy environments or where high bandwidth is required.
- Coaxial Cable
Coaxial cable is a type of guided media that consists of a central copper conductor surrounded by a layer of insulating material, a braided shield, and an outer jacket. Coaxial cable is used in cable television and broadband Internet networks. Coaxial cable is available in two types: thicknet and thinnet.
Thicknet, also known as 10BASE5, has a thicker copper core and can transmit data over longer distances than thinnet. Thicknet uses a vampire tap to connect to the network card.
Thinnet, also known as 10BASE2, has a thinner copper core and can transmit data over shorter distances than thicknet. Thinnet uses BNC connectors to connect to the network card.
- Fiber Optic Cable
Fiber optic cable is a type of guided media that uses light to transmit data. It consists of a thin strand of glass or plastic fiber that carries light signals. Fiber optic cable has a high bandwidth, is immune to electromagnetic interference, and can transmit data over long distances. Fiber optic cable is available in two types: single-mode and multimode.
Single-mode fiber optic cable has a small core diameter and uses a laser to transmit data over long distances. Single-mode fiber optic cable is more expensive than multimode but can transmit data over much longer distances.
Multimode fiber optic cable has a larger core diameter and uses an LED to transmit data over shorter distances. Multimode fiber optic cable is less expensive than single-mode but has a shorter transmission distance.
Guided media cables are a critical component of computer networks. The type of cable used in a network can have a significant impact on the performance, reliability, and security of the network. Choosing the right type of cable is critical to ensure that the network meets its performance goals and can transmit data with minimal delay, loss, or interference. Network administrators should carefully evaluate the different types of guided media cables available and choose the one that best fits their network requirements.