Network media

Network media

The physical or wireless communication channel through which data travels from a source device to a destination device across a network.

Three primary media types used to transmit data

1. Metal wires within cables (electrical signals)

2. Glass or plastic fibres within cables (light pulses)

3. Wireless transmission (electromagnetic waves)

Four main criteria for choosing network media

1. Distance (maximum signal range without degradation)
2. Environment (indoor/outdoor, interference)
3. Data and speed requirements
4. Installation cost

Twisted-pair cable

A cable made of paired copper wires wound around each other to reduce electromagnetic interference, commonly used for Ethernet connections in LANs.

Coaxial cable

A cable with a central copper conductor surrounded by insulation and shielding, typically used in cable television and satellite communications.

Fibre-optic cable

A cable containing thin strands of glass or plastic that sends data as light pulses, offering very high speeds over long distances and immunity to electromagnetic interference.