Lahore Garrison University
Title: Assignment 1
Submitted By : M. Ammad Noor (050)
Submitted to: Miss Aisha Riaz
Class: BSCS (B) Semester 6
Subject: Computer Networks
Topic : Transmission Media In Computer Networks
Date: 9th April, 2025
Lahore Garrison University
Sector-C, Phase-6, DHA Lahore
Section A: Conceptual Understanding
Q1. Define transmission media. Explain the difference between guided and unguided
media with two examples each.
Ans. Transmission media is the pathway between devices to communicate via signals
or other means.
There are two types of transmission media.
● Guided Media uses physical pathways for data transmission e.g. wires and
cables.
For Example:
1. Twisted Pair Cables: (used in landlines)
2. Coaxial Cables: (used for high frequency signals)
● Unguided Media uses wireless means for data transmission e.g. signals.
For Example:
1. Radio waves: (used in wifi technology )
2. Microwaves: (used in cellular networks)
Q2. a) List of Twisted Pair Cables from Category 3 to Category 7:
1. Cat 3 (Category 3)
2. Cat 4 (Category 4)
3. Cat 5 (Category 5)
4. Cat 5e (Category 5 enhanced)
5. Cat 6 (Category 6)
6. Cat 6a (Category 6 augmented)
7. Cat 7 (Category 7)
Category Maximum Data Bandwidth Maximum Length Common
Rate Applications
Cat 3 10 Mbps 16 MHz 100 meters Telephone lines
Cat 5e 1 Gbps 100 MHz 100 meters Fast Ethernet
Cat 6 1 Gbps (10 Gbps 250 MHz 100 meters(1 Gbps) home networks
up to 55m)
Cat 7 10 Gbps 600 MHz 100 meters Data centers
Q3. Briefly explain the construction and working of the following transmission media
(any two):
● Coaxial cable
● Fiber optic cable
● Radio waves (3 marks)
1. Coaxial Cable:
● Construction:
Coaxial cable (or coax) is a type of electrical cable consisting of a central
conductor, an insulating layer, a metallic shield, and an outer insulating layer.
● Working:
The electrical signal travels through the copper wire, and the shielding helps
keep the signal clean. It’s commonly used for things like cable TV and older
internet connections.
2. Fiber Optic Cable:
● Construction:
It uses super thin strands of glass or plastic. There’s a core where light passes
through, a layer around it called cladding that keeps the light from escaping, and
then some protective layers on
● Working:
It is a high-speed data transmission medium that uses light signals to transmit
information through thin strands of glass or plastic fibers.
Section B: Research and Comparison Task
Option 1:
Comparison of the Twisted Pair, Coaxial, and Fiber Optic Cables:
The three most commonly used types are Twisted Pair, Coaxial, and Fiber Optic
Cables. These cables differ significantly in their structure, performance, and cost,
making them suitable for different applications.
1. Structure and Material
● Twisted Pair Cable consists of pairs of insulated copper wires twisted
together. The twisting reduces electromagnetic interference from external
sources. Commonly used in LAN i.e home networks.
● Coaxial Cable has a single copper conductor at its core, surrounded by
an insulating dielectric layer, a metallic shield (braided or solid), and an
outer plastic jacket.
● Fiber Optic Cable is composed of a central core made of glass or plastic,
surrounded by cladding that reflects light back into the core. The cable
also includes a protective buffer and an outer jacket.
2. Bandwidth and Data Transfer Rate
● Twisted Pair cables offer relatively lower bandwidth. Cat 5e cables
support up to 1 Gbps, while Cat 6 and Cat 6a can reach up to 10 Gbps
over short distances. The bandwidth ranges from 100 MHz (Cat 5e) to 500
MHz (Cat 6a).
● Coaxial Cable provides moderate bandwidth, typically up to several
hundred Mbps. It is sufficient for cable TV and broadband internet but not
ideal for modern high-speed networking.
● Fiber Optic Cable provides the highest bandwidth and data rates. It can
transmit data at speeds of 100 Gbps or more, with virtually unlimited
bandwidth potential. It is ideal for backbone networks, ISPs, and data
centers.
3. Interference and Attenuation
● Twisted Pair is susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI),
especially in UTP cables. STP provides some protection, but attenuation
(signal loss) increases with distance.
● Coaxial Cable is more resistant to EMI due to its shielding, making it
suitable for noisy environments. However, it still experiences moderate
attenuation over long distances.
● Fiber Optic Cable is completely immune to EMI because it uses light
instead of electrical signals. It also has the lowest attenuation, enabling
data transmission over very long distances without repeaters.
4. Installation Cost and Difficulty
● Twisted Pair is the most cost-effective and easiest to install. It is
lightweight and flexible, making it ideal for residential and office networks.
● Coaxial Cable is more expensive than twisted pair but still affordable.
Installation is moderately easy but less flexible due to its thicker build.
● Fiber Optic Cable is the most expensive and challenging to install. It
requires specialized equipment and skilled technicians for splicing and
termination. However, its long-term performance and durability often justify
the initial cost.
Section C: Real-World Scenario & Justification
You are tasked with designing a network for the following setup:
Scenario: A private school has:
● Three buildings (Admin, Labs, Classrooms)
● Each building has 3 floors
● Each floor has 20 devices
● Internet is provided via a local ISP
1. Transmission Media Choices:
a. Internal Building Wiring
Chosen Medium: Cat 6 UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) Cable
Justification:
● Speed: Supports up to 1 Gbps for up to 100 meters; can handle 10 Gbps over
shorter distances.
● Bandwidth: Up to 250 MHz, suitable for high-speed LAN access for classrooms,
offices, and labs.
● Cost-effective: Cheaper than fiber, easier installation and maintenance.
● Use case fit: Perfect for typical LAN environments with moderate interference
and limited cable runs.
b. Inter-Building Connection
Chosen Medium: Single-Mode Fiber Optic Cable
Justification:
● Long Distance: Fiber supports long-distance connections without significant
signal loss — ideal for connecting separate buildings.
● High Bandwidth: Future-proof, supports 10+ Gbps and beyond, ideal for
backbone infrastructure.
● Immunity to Interference: Resistant to electromagnetic interference, which is
common in outdoor environments.
● Scalability: Can handle increasing demand as more devices or applications are
added over time.
● Cost: Higher initial cost, but a long-term investment for performance and
reliability.
c. Internet Distribution to Mobile Devices (Wi-Fi)
Chosen Medium: Wireless Access Points (Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E)
Justification:
● Mobility Support: Ideal for students and staff using mobile devices such as
tablets, laptops, or phones.
● Wi-Fi 6/6E: Offers higher capacity, faster speeds, and lower latency — perfect for
dense environments like classrooms and labs.
● Access Point Placement: One AP per floor or per wing, depending on building
size and wall density.
● Cost-effective: Cheaper than cabling for every mobile device; centralized
controller-based APs allow easy management.
Basic Network Layout Diagram:
Conclusion:
● Switches should be used on each floor to connect 20 devices.
● Core switch and router should be located centrally (e.g., in the Admin building)
to manage all traffic.
● UPS and surge protection recommended for reliability.
● Network Monitoring tools should be used for maintenance and troubleshooting.
Bonus Task (Optional - 2 Marks)
Explain how attenuation and electromagnetic interference (EMI) affect transmission
media.
Suggest how these can be reduced in a network setup.
1. Attenuation
Definition:
Attenuation refers to the gradual loss of signal strength as it travels through a
transmission medium.
Effects on Transmission:
● Weakened signals may lead to data corruption or loss of connectivity.
● In digital communication, this can result in lower speed, higher error rates, and
the need for retransmissions.
Factors Influencing Attenuation:
● Cable length – The longer the cable, the more signal degradation.
● Cable type and quality – Low-quality or outdated cables (e.g., Cat 3) attenuate
signals more than modern cables (e.g., Cat 6 or fiber optic).
● Connectors and joints – Each point of connection introduces additional
resistance.
2. Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)
Definition:
EMI is unwanted noise or signals from external sources (e.g., motors, fluorescent
lights, radio transmitters) that interfere with the signal being transmitted.
Effects on Transmission:
● Causes distortion or loss of data.
● Results in packet loss, network slowdowns, or complete signal failure in some
cases.
● Particularly affects copper-based cables (like twisted pair and coaxial), which
carry electrical signals.
Issue Mitigation Methods
Attenuation - Use higher category cables (e.g., Cat 6, Cat 6a, or fiber optic).
- Limit cable length (e.g., UTP max 100 meters).
- Use repeaters or switches to boost signal over long distances.
- Avoid unnecessary connectors or splices.
EMI - Use Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) or Coaxial cables in environments with
high EMI.
- Install fiber optic cables, which are completely immune to EMI.
- Proper grounding of equipment.
- Keep cables away from electrical lines or heavy machinery.
- Use metal conduits to shield sensitive cables.