Chapter 2 - Network Media Copper Core Cable

Network media

The material used to transport packets and data streams between nodes.

Cable-based network media

Includes copper-core cabling such as coaxial and twisted pair, and glass-or plastic-core cabling like fiber-optic.

Wireless network media

Largely composed of air or the atmosphere, used to transmit data without physical connections.

Electronic signals

The basis of network communication, represented as 1s and 0s.

Fiber-optic cable

Uses light waves to transmit data.

Wi-Fi

Uses radio waves to transmit data.

Coaxial and twisted-pair cables

Use pulsating electrical energy to transmit data.

Analog signal

A signal with a continuous range of values, similar to a wave; examples include radio signals and light.

Digital signal

A signal with discrete values of on or off; typically represented by different voltages.

Comparison of Analog and Digital Signals

Analog is like a dimmer switch with varying brightness; digital is like a traditional switch that is either on or off.

Encoding digital information in analog signals

The process by which digital values are represented using aspects of the analog signal, such as wavelength.