Net-P-Pocket-01

Course Module: Network Technology and Architecture

  • Course Packet 01: Transmission Media

  • Knowledge Area Code: CSND

  • Course Code: CSND0113

  • Course Module Code: LM-CSND0113

  • Course Packet Code: LM-CSND0113-01

Introduction to Transmission Media

  • Definition: Transmission media is the communication pathway that carries data from sender to receiver.

  • Types:

    • Wired Transmission Media

    • Wireless Transmission Media

  • Objectives:

    • Identify and describe the advantages and disadvantages of different transmission media.

  • Duration: 5 hours (4 hours self-directed learning, 1 hour assessment).

  • Delivery Mode: Online (synchronous and asynchronous).

Basics of Data Transmission

  • Data must be encoded as energy and transmitted into the media, then decoded back into data at the destination.

  • Forms of Energy Used:

    • Electrical

    • Light

    • Radio

    • Sound

Data Transmission Methods

  • Simplex:

    • One-way transmission (e.g. a radio).

  • Half-Duplex:

    • Two-way transmission but only one at a time (e.g. a walkie-talkie).

  • Full-Duplex:

    • Simultaneous two-way transmission (e.g. a telephone).

Types of Transmission Media

  • Wired Transmission Media: Guided media using physical channels (e.g. twisted pair, coaxial, fiber-optic).

  • Wireless Transmission Media: Uses air as a channel for carrying signals.

Wired Transmission Media

Types of Wired Media

  • Copper Wire:

    • Preferred for low resistance allowing faster signal travel.

  • Twisted Pair Wires:

    • Commonly used; consists of pairs of insulated copper wires twisted together to minimize EMI.

    • Services:

      • POTS: For voice and digital transmission.

      • ISDN: Handles high volumes of information.

      • ADSL: High-speed digital telephone services.

  • Types of Twisted Pair:

    • Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP): Inexpensive but noisy and limited to 100 meters.

    • Shielded Twisted Pair (STP): Has a ground shield for better protection against interference, also limited to 100 meters.

Coaxial Cable

  • Consists of a single wire surrounded by a metal shield, effective in minimizing signal distortion.

  • Types: Thin (up to 200 meters) and Thick Coaxial Cable (up to 500 meters).

Fiber Optic Cable

  • Transmits data as laser-generated pulses of light;

  • Benefits: High capacity, interference immunity, long-distance capability.

  • Drawbacks: Costly and complex to join.

Wireless Transmission Media

Types of Wireless Media

  • Microwave Systems:

    • Requires line-of-sight; can suffer from noise interference.

  • Orbital Satellite Transmission:

    • Low cost per user with extensive coverage but high initial installation costs.

  • Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT):

    • Earth-bound stations used in satellite communications for data, voice, and video signals.

  • High Speed Wireless Communication (T-Carrier System):

    • Supports digitized voice transmission using multiplexing; includes T1 and E1 formats.

Activities and Exercises

Packet Tracer Simulation

  • Objective: Design and simulate networks.

  • Create simple networks using Packet Tracer, configure devices, assign IP addresses, and test connectivity using ping commands.

  • Assessment involves creating a topology with specific configurations and submitting results.

Assessment and Feedback

  • Assessment: Demonstrate understanding by creating a network topology and submitting results.

  • Feedback form to gauge student understanding and improve course content.