Guided Transmission Media


TGuided transmission media refers to communication channels that rely on a physical connection or guide to transmit data. Examples of guided transmission media include twisted pair cables, coaxial cables, and fiber optic cables. 

These types of media are used in wired communication technologies, such as Ethernet and broadband internet.

Guided transmission media offer several advantages over unguided transmission media, such as increased security and reliability, as the data is transmitted over a dedicated physical connection.

 They can also transmit data over longer distances with less signal degradation compared to unguided transmission media.

 However, they are generally more expensive to install and maintain than unguided transmission media, as they require the physical infrastructure to transmit the data.


1, Twisted pair cable

2, Coaxial cable

3, Fiber optic cable


A. Twisted pair cable

Twisted pair cables are a type of guided transmission media that consist of two insulated wires that are twisted together. They are used in a variety of communication systems, including telephone networks, Ethernet networks, and broadband internet.

Twisted pair cables are called "twisted" because the two wires are twisted together in a helical pattern. This twisting helps to reduce interference from external sources and crosstalk between the two wires.

 There are two main types of twisted pair cables: unshielded twisted pair (UTP) and shielded twisted pair (STP). UTP cables do not have an additional layer of shielding, while STP cables have a layer of metal foil or braided wire that surrounds the twisted pairs to provide additional protection against interference.

Twisted pair cables are relatively inexpensive and easy to install, but they are also prone to signal degradation over longer distances. They are commonly used in short-range communication systems, such as within a building or on a campus.

 Fig 4.4 show's a twisted pair cable.


Guided Transmission Media


4.4 Twisted Pair Cable


b. Coaxial cable


Coaxial cables are a type of guided transmission media that consist of a single wire surrounded by a layer of insulation and a layer of braided wire or foil. They are used in a variety of communication systems, including cable television, satellite dishes, and broadband internet.

Coaxial cables are called "coaxial" because the single wire at the center of the cable is surrounded by a cylindrical layer of insulation. This design helps to reduce interference from external sources and crosstalk within the cable.

 Coaxial cables are generally more resistant to interference and have a higher bandwidth capacity compared to twisted pair cables, which makes them suitable for longer distance communication.

Coaxial cables are relatively expensive and can be difficult to install, but they offer a stable and reliable connection for high-speed data transmission.

 They are commonly used in long-distance communication systems, such as cable television networks and satellite communication systems.

shown in Fig 



Guided Transmission Media


cable is shown in Fig 4.5.


Coaxial! cable can be used Tor voice and data transmission with very high

 frequency The data transmission speed or coax is from 10 Mbps to 200 Mbps.


 C. Fiber optic cable:


Fiber optic cables are a type of guided transmission media that use glass or plastic fibers to transmit data using light signals. They are used in a variety of communication systems, including telephone networks, internet service providers, and cable television.

Fiber optic cables are made up of thin strands of glass or plastic, called optical fibers, which are surrounded by layers of insulation and protective materials. 

Light signals are transmitted through the fibers using a technique called total internal reflection, which allows the light to be transmitted over long distances without significant loss of signal strength.



Fiber optic cable is shown in Fig .


Fiber optic cables are extremely fast and have a very high bandwidth capacity, which makes them ideal for high-speed data transmission. 

They are also immune to interference from electrical signals and are resistant to damage, which makes them very reliable. However, they are more expensive and difficult to install than other types of transmission media, such as twisted pair cables or coaxial cables.