Computer Networking Transmission Media Guide
Computer Networking Transmission Media Guide
Coaxial Cable
The coaxial cable is a part of a guided medium. The coaxial cable is also known as coax. The coaxial cable
transmits data in an electrical form. The coaxial cable is a type of electrical cable made up of a centralized
conductor which is covered by dielectric medium, foil shield, braided shield, and outer jacket.
Fiber optic cable provides high speed data transfer up to 100 Mbps to 2 GB.
Fiber optic cables can transmit data over a long distance.
Core
Cladding
Coating
Strengthening fiber
Cable jackets
Lightweight
More secure
More reliable
Medical
Defense / Government
Data storage
Telecommunication
The radio waves have a frequency between 3 KHz to 1 GHz. Radio waves are omnidirectional i.e., they can
travel in one direction from the source.
Radio waves are widely used for AM and FM radio, TV, cordless telephone, cellular phone, paging, and
wireless LAN. Radio waves can penetrate through buildings easily. They are widely used for
communication both indoor and outdoor.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Microwave Transmission
Electromagnetic waves having frequency between 1 GHz and 300 GHz are called microwaves.
Microwaves are unidirectional and are part of unguided transmission media or wireless transmission
media.
Microwave transmission is line-of-sight transmission. The transmitter must be in visible contact with the
receiver station. This sets a limit of distance between stations depending upon local geography.
There are two types of microwave data communication systems, namely terrestrial microwave
transmission and satellite microwave transmission.
Advantages of microwave:
Disadvantages of microwave:
Less susceptible to interference by physical objects like birds, rain, snow, and fog
Refracted by atmosphere thus causing beams to be projected away from the receiver
Satellite Transmission
A satellite is a body that revolves around Earth in the same way Earth revolves around the sun. A satellite
can be artificial (man-made).
Satellites are widely being used for communication purposes as they cover maximum area on Earth for a
particular transmission.
The path in which a satellite moves is called an orbit. The orbit can be equatorial, inclined, or polar.
In satellite transmission, a signal from Earth's surface is sent toward the satellite. That signal is called an
uplink. The signal which is transmitted back to the receiving Earth station is called a downlink.
Satellites can cover vast geographic areas across countries and continents
Satellites are flexible and can be easily expanded by launching additional satellites
Weather conditions can disrupt satellite signals, leading to degraded service quality
Satellite signals can be interrupted easily, raising concern about unauthorized access
Infrared Communication
Electromagnetic waves having frequency from 300 GHz to 400 THz are called as IR waves or infrared
waves.
IR waves are used for short-range communication and use line-of-sight communication in controlled
environments.
Infrared communication involves the transmitter emitting infrared pulses that a receiver on another
device detects.
Advantages of IR communication:
Cheaper in cost
Low interference
Disadvantages of IR communication:
Short-range communication
Low bandwidth
It is defined as the straight path between a transmitting antenna and receiving antenna when obstructed
by the horizon.
The line-of-sight transmission is a method of data transmission in which the transmitter and receiver
must have a clear unobstructed view of each other.
High coverage
Low interference
Susceptible to obstruction
Limited range
Installation complexity
Multiplexing is a process in which multiple data channels are combined into a single data or physical
channel at the source.
Multiplexing involves the use of a multiplexer and demultiplexer, each having its own functionality.
Types of multiplexing:
Advantages of multiplexing:
Disadvantages of multiplexing:
Ensuring that all data streams remain synchronized can be challenging, potentially leading to data
loss or error if not managed correctly
FDM is a major multiplexing technique in which more than one signal or data stream is combined over a
shared medium.
In FDM, the total bandwidth is divided into sets of bandwidths that do not overlap with each other.
Each band has a different signal that is generated by the sending device.
The frequency bands in FDM are separated by strips of unused frequencies called guard bands to prevent
overlapping of signals.
The modulated signals are combined together using a multiplexer and transmitted over communication
channels.
At the receiving end, the individual signals are extracted from the combined signal by demultiplexing.
Advantages of FDM:
FDM is inexpensive.
Disadvantages of FDM:
TDM is a digital multiplexing technique in which the channel link is divided on the basis of time, not
frequency.
The total time available in the channel is divided between several users.
Each user is allocated a particular time interval called a time slot or time slice to transmit data.
In TDM, the data rate capacity of the transmission medium should be greater than the data rate required
by sending or receiving devices.
Advantages of TDM:
Disadvantages of TDM:
Synchronization is required.
TDM is complex to implement.
Switching
Switching refers to the process of forwarding data packets between devices or networks.
Switching allows data to reach its intended destination efficiently by determining the best path for
transmission.
There are two types of switching in data communication:
In circuit switching, two nodes communicate with each other over a dedicated communication path.
In packet switching, data is divided into smaller units called packets and transmitted over the network.
Each packet contains source and destination addresses along with routing information.
Packet switching moves packets across networks for quicker and efficient data transmission.
Not suitable where low delay and high quality of service are required.
Complex protocols with high implementation cost.
802.11 Architecture
The IEEE 802.11 standard, commonly known as Wi-Fi, outlines the architecture and defines the MAC and
physical layer specifications for wireless LANs (WLANs).
1. Stations:
Stations are components that connect wirelessly to networks. They are either access points or
endpoints, and each one is identified with a unique network address.
4. Distribution System:
The distribution system connects access points in an ESS. The connections can be wired or
wireless.
6. Bridge:
The bridge is used to connect a WLAN to a LAN or an access point.
7. Endpoint:
The endpoint is any end-user station, such as a computer, mobile device, printer, or Internet of
Things (IoT) device.
Advantages of WLANs:
Scalability: WLANs are highly scalable, which means they can easily be expanded to accommodate
more users or devices.
Installation: WLAN is easy to install because it gives connectivity over sites separated by physical or
geographical obstacles.
Mobility: Users can freely roam anywhere (within the WLAN range) and remain connected to the
WLAN.
Flexibility: WLANs can be used in several setups that contain mobile clients in one building or across
a number of metropolitan sites.
Disadvantages of WLANs:
Wireless LAN is less secure. WLANs vulnerable to hacking, which can result in the loss of sensitive
information.
WLANs have a limited bandwidth, due to the shared nature of the wireless medium, which can result
in slower speeds.
WLANs can be affected by network congestion, which can result in slow performance.
WLANs have a limited coverage area, which means that users can only connect to the network from
within the coverage area.
2. Sender
3. Receiver
4. Transmission medium
5. Protocol
Disadvantages:
3. Manufacturing
4. Information Services
5. Electronic mail
Network Fundamentals
Protocol: Protocols are set of rules that governs the process of data communication and the
methods regarding them
Bandwidth: Bandwidth refers to the maximum rate at which data can be transmitted over the
communication channel or medium
Data transmission rate: Data transmission rate refers to the amount of data that can be transmitted
from one device to another over a network within a given period of time
Bit rate: Bit rate is the number of bits transmitted in a single second. It is expressed as bits per
second (bps) it is unit of measurement of data transfer
BAUD rate: Baud rate is the number of times a signal level changes per second. It is less than or
equal to bit rate
Error Detection
Error detection is the detection of error caused by the noise or other impairments during transmission.
Repetition Code
2. In this method each bit of data is repeated multiple times to ensure accuracy
3. For example you've seen the bit pattern 1011 the 4 bit block can be repeated three times producing
1011 1011 1011 1001
4. If this 12 bit pattern was received error has occurred or it has been detected
5. The repetition code is very insufficient and can be susceptible to problems if error occurs exactly in
the same place
6. The advantage of repetition code is that it is very simple and easy to use
Parity Bits
1. Parity check is done by adding an extra bit called parity bit to the data to make the number of 1's
either odd or even depending upon the type of parity
2. The process of parity check:
In case of odd parity: If the number of one is odd then parity bit value is zero, or if the number of
one is even the value of parity bit is one
In case of even parity: If the number of one is even then the parity bit value is zero, if the number
of one is odd the value of parity bit is one
Checksum
1. Checksum is an error detection technique in which the message is in a modular arithmetic sum of the
message code
1. CRC is the technique which involves binary division of the data bits being sent
2. The divisor is generated using polynomials
3. The sender performs division operation on bits being sent and calculates the reminder
4. Before this the sender adds the reminder to the back of the message
5. The actual database plus the reminder is called as a code word
6. The receiver performs division operation on the Code word using the same CRC Division
7. If the reminder contains all the zero data bits are accepted otherwise rejected
2. It uses error detection code acknowledgment, negative acknowledgment message and timeouts to
achieve reliable data.
3. Working principle:
Sender transmits data frame
4. Types of ARQ:
Stop and wait ARQ: The sender sends one frame and waits for acknowledgement before sending
the next frame
Hamming Code
1. Hamming code is an error detection and error correction technique developed by Richard D
Hamming
2. It can detect up to 2 bit error and correct 1 bit error in the data transmission
3. Hamming code adds redundant bits at specific positions in the data stream. These parity bits are
placed at the position that are at powers of 2
4. Advantages:
Uses simple parity check
Includes redundant bits
5. Disadvantages:
Can correct only a single bit of error
In a P2P network peer can share resources such as files or processing power, directly with one another,
without the need of a central server.
The structure of the P2P computing model is decentralized with each peer directly connected to other
peers. And each peer can provide and consume resources, data and services.
Peer to peer network is useful for small networks containing less than 8 to 10 computers on a single LAN
with each computer maintaining its own accounts and their security settings.
1. Decentralized control
2. Resource sharing
3. Scalability
4. Fault tolerance
4. Fault tolerance
1. Slow in speed
2. Not good for database applications
3. Less reliable
4. Limited expandability
In this computing model a centralized powerful host computer known as a server and users individual
workstation is known as a client.
In a server based network the server is the centralized location where the user shares and access network
resources.
1. Centralized location
2. Resource availability
3. Scalability
1. High cost
2. If the server goes down the client loses access to the server
3. The simultaneous client request server severely gets overload forming traffic congestion
Network Topologies
Network topologies refer to the layout of a network and how different nodes in a network are connected
to each other and how they communicate. It defines how the devices are connected and communicate
within the network.
Bus Topology
In bus topology all the devices are connected to a central cable called the bus or backbone.
The data in the bus topology sent from one device travels through the bus and is received by all other
devices but the only intended recipient process it.
Ring Topology
In ring topology the computer in the network are connected in a circular fashion which forms a ring.
In ring topology each computer is connected to the next computer with the last one connected to the 1st
each computer in ring topology acts as a repeater.
The message flows around the ring in only one direction.
2. Less expensive
3. Easy to install
2. Slow in speed
3. Reconfiguration is needed to add notes and the whole network must be down first
4. In Ring Topology the traffic is unidirectional
Star Topology
In star topology each device has a dedicated point to point link on it to a central controller usually called
a hub for a switch.
The Devices In star topology are not directly connected to one another.
Each device on a star network first communicates with a central hub/switch that forwards the message
either to all the computers or a destination computer.
The communication is controlled by a central controller only star topology is generally used in LANs.
3. Faster in speed
4. Multiple devices can transfer data without collision
1. If the central device goes down, the entire network goes down
2. More cabling is required than bus or ring topology
Mesh Topology
In mesh topology each of the network node computers and other devices are interconnected with one
another.
In mesh topology each node may send a message to a destination through multiple paths.
Mesh topology is used in WAN. Mesh topology employs one of two connection arrangements: 1) full
mesh topology, 2) partially connected mesh topology.
Tree Topology
As its name implies in this topology a device makes a tree structure.
It is also called hierarchical topology.
Tree topology integrates the characteristics of star and bus topology.
In tree topology a number of star networks are connected using a bus.
Ethernet protocol is the most commonly used protocol in this topology.
Hybrid Topology
A hybrid topology as the name suggests it's a mixture of two different things.
A hybrid topology combination of two or more network topology.
The two common examples of hybrid network are star-ring network and Star-bus Network.
Star-ring Network consists of two or more star topology connected using a multistation Access unit as a
centralized hub.
A star-bus network consists of two or more star topologies connected using a bus.
1. Hybrid topology combines the strength of various topologies to create a more efficient and robust
network
2. Flexible allows for integration of multiple topologies based on specific needs
3. Hybrid topology supports scalability by adding new nodes for segments without disrupting the
network
4. By combining redundant topologies like mesh hybrid networks can offer great reliability
Network Models
TCP/IP Model
The TCP/IP reference model is a foundational framework for networking that defines how data is
transmitted over the Internet.
The TCP/IP model consists of four layers:
Functions:
It defines how a computer connects to a network
This layer allows the system to identify the topology use
2. Network Layer
It is the second layer of TCP/IP model
It is responsible for logical addressing and routing of data packets
Functions:
It handles IP addressing
This layer routes packets
4. Application Layer
It is the fourth layer of the TCP/IP networking model
Application Layer provides services that user applications use to communicate over the network
Functions:
It provides services such as manipulation of information
Retransferring the files of information, distribution of results
1. Physical Layer
It coordinates the function required to carry a bit stream over a physical media
Function of Physical Layer:
It defines physical characteristics
Representation of bit
Bit synchronization
Physical Addressing
Load-to-Load Delivery
3. Network Layer
The Network Layer is responsible for the delivery of individual packets
Functions of Network Layer:
Logical Addressing
Inter-Networking
Routing
4. Transport Layer
The Transport Layer is responsible for the process to process delivery for entire message
Error Control
Connection Control
5. Session Layer
The session Layer establishes, maintains, and synchronizes the interaction among the
communication systems
Synchronization
Session Closure
6. Presentation Layer
The Presentation Layer is also called the Translation Layer
The Presentation Layer presents the data in a uniform format
Functions are:
Translation
Description
Compression
Decompression
7. Application Layer
The Application Layer provides user interaction and support services such as email
Functions are:
Network Virtual Terminal
File Transfer Access and Management
Mail Services
Remote Login
1G
The first generation of mobile network, 1G, was used for analog technology for basic voice calls
categorized by bulky phones.
Features:
2G
The second generation of mobile network, the 2G network generation introduced the concept of digital
modulation and interruption of text messages.
Features:
3G
The 3rd generation of mobile networking was introduced in early 2000s, 3G brought faster data speed,
supporting video calling, mobile internet.
Features:
4G
The 4th generation was introduced in early to late 2010s, the 4G generation introduced off-wide high-
speed data and mobile broadband enabling faster than 5G.
Features:
5G
The 5th generation was introduced in late 2019s, 5G introduced ultra-fast speed, low latency, improved
device connectivity, promising a future of inter-cardiac nearness and immersive use.
Features:
Bluetooth Architecture
Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows devices to communicate over short distances. It is made up
of PicoNet and ScatterNet.
1. PicoNet
A PicoNet is a small network with one main device (master) and up to seven connected devices
(slaves). The master device controls the network and manages communication with the slave
devices. Devices in a PicoNet can only talk to the master or other slaves in the same network.
2. ScatterNet
A ScatterNet is made when two or more PicoNets connect. In this network, a device can be a
slave in one PicoNet and a master in another, allowing more devices to communicate across
different networks.
Single Bit Error occurs when an error is present in a single bit of the data being transmitted.
Burst Error happens when multiple bits of data are affected by errors during transmission.
Forward Error Correction (FEC) is a technique in which the receiver uses redundant bits to detect and
correct errors without needing to request the sender to retransmit the data.
Retransmission Correction is a method where the receiver detects errors and asks the sender to resend
the data to ensure it is received correctly.
Switch
A switch is a small hardware device that connects multiple computers within a local area network (LAN). It
efficiently manages data traffic between devices, ensuring seamless communication within the network.
Router
Routers are networking devices that operate at Layer 3 (Network Layer) of the OSI model. They are
responsible for receiving, analyzing, and forwarding data packets between connected computer
networks, enabling communication across different networks.
Repeater
A repeater is a device used to amplify or regenerate signals in cases where signal strength needs to be
enhanced, particularly over long distances. It helps maintain the quality of data transmission in a network.
Bridge
A bridge is a networking device that connects and filters traffic between two or more network segments,
creating a single aggregate network. This function is known as network bridging.
Gateway
Gateways operate at all seven layers of the OSI model. They serve as an interface to connect different
network models, allowing data to flow between networks that may use different communication
protocols.
Modem
A modem operates at the physical layer of the OSI model. It is a