guided media vs unguided media | Difference between guided media and unguided media
This page compares guided media vs unguided media and mentions difference between guided media and unguided media.
Introduction:
A communication channel is called as a medium. Different types of transmission media is used for different data transfer rates and distances.
The transmission media is a physical path between transmitter and receiver in a data transmission system.
Higher the bandwidth of transmission media means higher data rates.
Guided Media
Waves are guided along solid medium. Such media use a conductor such as a wire or a fiber optic cable to move the signal from sender to
the receiver.
Examples:
• Twisted pair wire
• Coaxial cable
• Fiber optic cable
Unguided Media
Such media are radio waves of different frequencies and do not need a wire or cable conductor to transmit signals.
Examples:
• Microwave
• Radio
• Infrared
• Satellites
There are three important parameters used to charaterize a medium as follows.
Bandwidth: Number of bits per second
Delay: Time elapsed until data starts arriving at the other end.
Loss: Error rate
Following table summarizes difference between guided media and unguided media.
Guided media | Unguided media |
---|---|
The signal energy propagates within the guided meia. | The signal energy propagates through the air. |
Guided media is mainly used for point to point communication. | Unguided media is mainly used for broadcasting purpose. |
The signal propagates in the guided media in the form of voltage, current or photons. | The signal propagates in the unguided media in the form of EM waves. |
Examples: twisted pair cables, coaxial cable, optical fiber cable. | Examples: Microwave or radio links, infrared |
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