Jan's Computer Basics:7-2 Transmission Media

Computer Basics

7 - Computer to Computer: Transmission Media

With such complex communications channels, we need to be aware of the capabilities and limitations of the various media in use.

Transmission media just means the physical materials that are used to transmit data between computers.

Cable

For communications between computers that are linked by cable, there are three choices.

Twisted wire

(phone line)

Advantage:	Easy to string Cheap
Disadvantage:	Subject to interference = static and garble

Coaxial cable

(round insulated wire)

Advantage:	Not susceptible to interference Transmits faster
Disadvantage:	Heavy & bulky Needs booster over distance

Fiber optic line

(glass fibers)

Advantage:	Smaller Lighter Faster (speed of light!) No interference
Disadvantage:	Expensive Harder to install and modify

Where you are: JegsWorks > Lessons > Computer Basics
	1. Computer Types
	2. Applications
	3. Input
	4. Processing
	5. Output
	6. Storage
	7. Computer to Computer Intro Transmission Media Modems Software Networks Network Configurations Network Servers Quiz
	8. System Software
	9. Programming

	10. What You See
	11. Hands On!
	12. On Your Own

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Broadcast

For longer distances or when cables are not practical, other transmission media come into play. We're getting really high tech here!

It may seem odd to call microwaves, radio waves, or light a "physical" medium. All are electromagnetic in nature. Sometimes they are treated by scientists like streams of teeny, tiny particles and other times like waves on the beach. In their "particle" life, they do behave like a bunch of physical particles. So it's not quite as odd as it first appears. (But all those electromagnetic things are plenty odd!)

Wireless

(infrared, light, radio)