Exploring Guided and Unguided Media

What are the main types of guided media?

• Ethernet cables

• Twisted pair cables, coaxial cables, fiber optic cables

• USB cables

• HDMI cables

Answer explanation

The main types of guided media include twisted pair cables, coaxial cables, and fiber optic cables, which are used for transmitting data through physical connections. Other options like USB and HDMI are not classified as guided media.

Describe the characteristics of fiber optic cables.

• Fiber optic cables are low bandwidth and bulky.

• Fiber optic cables are made of copper and are heavy.

• Fiber optic cables have high signal loss and are prone to interference.

• Fiber optic cables are high bandwidth, low signal loss, immune to electromagnetic interference, and lightweight.

Answer explanation

Fiber optic cables are characterized by high bandwidth, low signal loss, and immunity to electromagnetic interference, making them lightweight and efficient for data transmission, unlike the incorrect options.

What is the difference between guided and unguided media?

• Guided media is slower than unguided media; unguided media is faster.

• Guided media is only for audio signals; unguided media is for video signals.

• Guided media directs signals through physical mediums; unguided media transmits signals through air or space.

• Guided media uses wireless signals; unguided media uses cables.

Answer explanation

Guided media involves physical mediums like cables to direct signals, while unguided media transmits signals through air or space, such as radio waves. This distinction is key in understanding their functionalities.

List three applications of transmission media in everyday life.

• Data storage (hard drives)

• Electricity transmission (power lines)

• Underwater communication (submarine cables)

• 1. Internet connectivity (fiber optic cables), 2. Wireless communication (radio waves for mobile phones), 3. Television broadcasting (satellite transmission).

Answer explanation

The correct applications of transmission media include internet connectivity via fiber optic cables, wireless communication using radio waves for mobile phones, and television broadcasting through satellite transmission, all essential in daily life.

What factors can affect the quality of transmission media?

• Cost of installation

• Type of medium, environmental conditions, interference, bandwidth limitations, distance.

• User experience

• Type of device

Answer explanation

The quality of transmission media is influenced by factors such as the type of medium used, environmental conditions, interference, bandwidth limitations, and distance. These elements directly impact signal integrity and performance.

Explain the concept of transmission modes in networking.

• The three transmission modes are simplex, half-duplex, and full-duplex.

• Transmission modes include wired and wireless.

• The four transmission modes are simplex, duplex, multiplex, and full-duplex.

• The two transmission modes are simplex and duplex.

Answer explanation

Transmission modes define how data is transmitted between devices. The three modes are simplex (one-way), half-duplex (two-way but not simultaneous), and full-duplex (two-way simultaneously), making the first answer correct.

How does coaxial cable differ from twisted pair cable?

• Coaxial cable is used for telephone lines, while twisted pair cable is used for cable television.

• Twisted pair cable has a central conductor and shielding, while coaxial cable consists of twisted wires.

• Coaxial cable is made of fiber optics, while twisted pair cable uses copper wires.

• Coaxial cable has a central conductor and shielding for better interference protection, while twisted pair cable consists of twisted wires with less shielding.

Answer explanation

Coaxial cable features a central conductor and shielding, providing better protection against interference. In contrast, twisted pair cable consists of twisted wires with less shielding, making it more susceptible to interference.

What are the advantages of using fiber optics over copper cables?

• Greater physical durability than fiber optics

• Lower cost compared to fiber optics

• Higher power consumption

• Advantages of fiber optics over copper cables include higher bandwidth, faster speeds, lower susceptibility to interference, longer transmission distances, lighter weight, and enhanced security.

Answer explanation

Fiber optics offer higher bandwidth, faster speeds, and longer transmission distances compared to copper cables. They are also lighter, more secure, and less susceptible to interference, making them advantageous for modern communication.

Identify a scenario where unguided media would be preferable.

• A corporate meeting discussing quarterly results.

• A team of engineers designing a bridge.

• A group of artists collaborating on a mural.

• A classroom lecture on physics.

Answer explanation

A group of artists collaborating on a mural benefits from unguided media, as it allows for free expression and creativity, fostering collaboration without strict structure, unlike the other scenarios which require more formal communication.

What role does bandwidth play in transmission quality?

• Higher bandwidth always guarantees better video resolution.

• Bandwidth directly affects transmission quality by influencing data transfer rates and reducing latency.

• Bandwidth has no impact on transmission quality.

• Bandwidth only affects audio quality, not data transfer rates.

Answer explanation

Bandwidth is crucial for transmission quality as it determines data transfer rates and can reduce latency, leading to smoother video and audio experiences. Thus, higher bandwidth can enhance overall transmission quality.