Transmission media is the actual physical medium through which our data travels when we connect to the internet.
Suppose you want to send a message to a friend. You write it and click send. What happens afterwards?
Well, the internet works based on a standardized set of rules. This set of rules is known as the TCP/IP protocol. It is a five-layered protocol. When you click send, your message is in the application layer of the TCP/IP Protocol. The message is send to lower layers. The last layer of the TCP/IP Protocol is called the Physical Layer.
The Physical Layer of the TCP/IP Protocol receives the message, modulates it and converts it into a signal. This signal is then sent by the Physical Layer to the receiver via the transmission media.
The physical layer of the TCP/IP protocol suite supports various transmission media, each with its own characteristics and suitability for different types of networks and communication scenarios. Here are some common transmission media used in the physical layer.
(Related Article : You can learn more about how the TCP/IP Protocol Works here. If you want to leanr about the Physical Layer and how it works click here. If you are interested in learning about the internet and how it functions, click here.)
Twisted Pair
Twisted pair cables are widely used for Ethernet connections in local area networks (LANs). They consist of pairs of insulated copper wires twisted together to reduce interference from external sources. These are further categorized into two types:
- Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP): UTP cables are commonly used for Ethernet connections, including Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a cables. They provide reliable data transmission over short to medium distances.
- Shielded Twisted Pair (STP): STP cables have an additional metallic shielding that helps in reducing electromagnetic interference. They are used in environments with higher levels of interference.
Coaxial Cable
Coaxial cables consist of a central conductor, an insulating layer, a metallic shield, and an outer insulating layer. They are widely used for cable television (CATV) networks and high-speed data transmission. Coaxial cables provide better noise immunity and higher bandwidth compared to twisted pair cables.
Fiber Optic Cable
Fiber optic cables use optical fibers to transmit data as pulses of light. They offer high bandwidth, long-distance transmission capabilities, and excellent resistance to electromagnetic interference. Fiber optic cables are commonly used in wide area networks (WANs), backbone networks, and high-speed internet connections.
Wireless Media
Wireless transmission media utilize radio waves or infrared signals to transmit data without the need for physical cables. There are different forms of wireless communication:
Wi-Fi: Wireless local area network (WLAN) technology that enables wireless internet access within a specific range.
Bluetooth: Short-range wireless technology used for connecting devices like smartphones, headphones, and IoT devices.
Cellular Networks: Mobile communication networks that provide wireless connectivity for mobile devices over large geographic areas.
Satellite Communication: Communication using satellites orbiting the Earth, allowing for long-distance wireless connectivity.
These are some of the common transmission media used in the physical layer of the TCP/IP protocol suite. The choice of transmission medium depends on factors such as required bandwidth, distance, cost, environmental conditions, and the specific application or network requirements. Each medium has its own advantages, limitations, and suitability for different types of network deployments.