Unguided Transmission Media in Computer Networks

Unguided transmission media along with their advantages and disadvantages.

1. Unguided Transmission Media

2. In computer networks, unguided transmission media refer to the methods of data transmission where the data is transmitted without the use of physical cables or wires. This is also known as "wireless" transmission. The primary types of unguided transmission media include: 1. Radio Waves 2. Microwaves 3. Infrared 4. Visible Light

3. 1. Radio Waves: Frequency Range: Typically between 3 kHz and 300 GHz. Applications: Used in various communication systems including AM/FM radio, television broadcasts, and mobile phone communications. Propagation: Radio waves can propagate over long distances and through obstacles like buildings, making them suitable for wide-area networks (WANs) and mobile networks.

4. Advantages: Long-range transmission: Radio waves can travel long distances, making them suitable for wide-area networks. Non-line-of-sight: They can penetrate through buildings and other obstacles. Widely used: Supported by numerous devices, making it a versatile medium. Disadvantages: Interference: Susceptible to interference from other radio signals and electronic devices. Limited bandwidth: Often shared among multiple users, which can limit data speeds. Security: Easier to intercept, requiring robust encryption for secure communication.

5. 2. Microwaves: Frequency Range: Generally from 1 GHz to 300 GHz. Applications: Used in satellite communication, point-to-point communication links, and some wireless LANs. Propagation: Microwaves require a line-of-sight between the transmitter and receiver, which limits their use to short-range or clear, unobstructed paths. They are also susceptible to interference from weather conditions like rain.

6. Advantages: High bandwidth: Provides higher data rates compared to radio waves. Focused transmission: Can be directed in narrow beams, reducing interference with other signals. Effective for long distances: Especially useful in satellite communication. Disadvantages: Line-of-sight requirement: Microwaves require a clear line-of-sight between transmitter and receiver, limiting their use in obstructed environments. Weather sensitivity: Susceptible to interference from rain, fog, and other atmospheric conditions. Higher cost: Infrastructure for microwave communication can be expensive to set up.

7. 3. Infrared: Frequency Range: Between 300 GHz and 400 THz. Applications: Commonly used in short-range communication systems like remote controls, certain wireless keyboards and mice, and some point-to-point communication systems. Propagation: Infrared waves require a direct line-of-sight and are typically limited to short distances, making them ideal for indoor communication but less effective for outdoor or longer-range communication.

8. Advantages: High security: Infrared signals are confined to a specific area, making them harder to intercept. No interference: Not affected by radio-frequency interference from other devices. Low power consumption: Often requires less power to operate. Disadvantages: Short range: Limited to short-distance communication, typically within a single room. Line-of-sight required: Infrared communication requires direct line-of-sight between the transmitter and receiver. Limited applications: Used primarily in niche applications like remote controls and specific short-range devices.

9. 4. Visible Light: Frequency Range: Between 430 THz and 770 THz. Applications: Visible light communication (VLC) is an emerging technology used in systems like Light Fidelity (Li-Fi), which uses LED lights for high-speed data transmission. Propagation: Like infrared, visible light requires a direct line-of-sight and is best suited for indoor communication.

10. Advantages: High-speed transmission: Can achieve very high data rates, even higher than traditional Wi-Fi. No electromagnetic interference: VLC does not suffer from interference from radio waves, making it suitable for environments where radio-frequency interference is an issue. High security: Visible light can be contained within a room, providing secure communication. Disadvantages: Line-of-sight required: VLC requires a direct line-of-sight and is obstructed by walls or other barriers. Limited range: Effective only over short distances, typically within the range of a single light source. Dependent on lighting: The communication system is dependent on the availability of light, which may not be practical in all situations.

11. Thankyou Made By Sukanya Rakshit