A2.3.2 Compare Types of Media for Data Transmission Notes

Wired Transmission: Fibre Optic Cables

Fibre optic cables use pulses of light to transmit data through glass or plastic fibers.

1. Bandwidth: Extremely high, supporting gigabits per second.
2. Installation Complexity: Requires specialized tools and skills.
3. Cost: High installation cost but low maintenance.
4. Range: Long-distance transmission with minimal signal loss.
5. Interference Susceptibility: Immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI).
6. Attenuation: Very low, maintaining signal strength over long distances.
7. Reliability: Highly reliable with low latency.
8. Security: Difficult to intercept, enhancing data security.

Wired Transmission: Twisted Pair Cables

Twisted pair cables use pulses of electricity to transmit data through copper wires twisted together.

1. Bandwidth: Moderate, sufficient for general office and home use.
2. Installation Complexity: Easy to install and maintain.
3. Cost: Relatively inexpensive, especially unshielded twisted pair (UTP).
4. Range: Limited without repeaters to boost the signal.
5. Interference Susceptibility: Susceptible to EMI, though shielded twisted pair (STP) offers better protection.
6. Attenuation: Higher than fibre optics, requiring signal boosters for longer distances.
7. Reliability: Generally reliable but impacted by EMI.
8. Security: Interception is challenging, but not as secure as fibre optics.

Wireless Transmission

Wireless transmission uses electromagnetic waves (e.g., radio frequencies) to send data.

1. Bandwidth: Limited compared to wired options, affected by distance and interference.
2. Installation Complexity: Simple, involving the setup of access points.
3. Cost: Moderate equipment costs, no physical cables required.
4. Range: Varies, can be extended with additional hardware.
5. Interference Susceptibility: High, affected by other devices and environmental factors.
6. Attenuation: Signal strength decreases with distance and obstacles.
7. Reliability: Varies based on interference and network congestion.
8. Security: More vulnerable to unauthorized access if not properly secured.

Comparing Data Transmission Media

Bandwidth

1. Fibre Optic: Highest bandwidth, suitable for high-speed data transfer.
2. Twisted Pair: Moderate bandwidth, varies by category (e.g., Cat 6).
3. Wireless: Limited bandwidth, affected by environmental factors.

Installation Complexity

1. Fibre Optic: Complex, requires specialized skills.
2. Twisted Pair: Easy to install, widely understood.
3. Wireless: Simple setup, no physical cables needed.

Cost

1. Fibre Optic: High initial cost, low maintenance.
2. Twisted Pair: Inexpensive, especially UTP.
3. Wireless: Moderate equipment costs, no cabling expenses.

Range

1. Fibre Optic: Long-distance with minimal attenuation.
2. Twisted Pair: Limited range, requires repeaters for long distances.
3. Wireless: Varies, can be extended with additional hardware.

Interference Susceptibility

1. Fibre Optic: Immune to EMI.
2. Twisted Pair: Susceptible, but STP (shielded twisted pair) offers some protection.
3. Wireless: Highly susceptible to interference.

Attenuation

1. Fibre Optic: Very low attenuation.
2. Twisted Pair: Higher attenuation, needs boosters for long distances.
3. Wireless: Significant attenuation with distance and obstacles.

Reliability

1. Fibre Optic: Highly reliable.
2. Twisted Pair: Reliable within limits, affected by EMI.
3. Wireless: Varies, affected by interference and congestion.

Security

1. Fibre Optic: Difficult to intercept.
2. Twisted Pair: Challenging to intercept, but less secure than fibre.
3. Wireless: More vulnerable to eavesdropping.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Transmission Medium

1. Bandwidth: Match the medium to your data transfer needs.
2. Installation Complexity: Consider the skills and tools required.
3. Cost: Balance initial investment with long-term maintenance.
4. Range: Ensure the medium can cover the necessary distances.
5. Interference Susceptibility: Choose a medium that can withstand environmental challenges.
6. Attenuation: Minimize signal loss over distance.
7. Reliability: Ensure consistent performance under varying conditions.
8. Security: Protect data from unauthorized access.