What do you mean by transmission media? Explain the different types of transmission media used in computer networks?

 Transmission media, also known as communication channels, are the physical pathways or mediums through which data is transmitted between devices in a computer network. Transmission media facilitate the propagation of electrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals carrying data from the source to the destination. Different types of transmission media are used in computer networks, each with its own characteristics, advantages, and limitations.

 The main types of transmission media used in computer networks include:

Wired Media(Bounded Media)

1. Twisted Pair Cable:

   - Twisted pair cable is one of the most common types of transmission media used in computer networks.

   - It consists of pairs of insulated copper wires twisted together to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) and crosstalk.

   - Twisted pair cables are flexible, easy to install, and cost-effective, making them suitable for both residential and commercial applications.

   - Twisted pair cables are categorized into two main types: unshielded twisted pair (UTP) and shielded twisted pair (STP).

2. Coaxial Cable:

   - Coaxial cable consists of a central copper conductor surrounded by insulating material, a metallic shield, and an outer insulating sheath.

   - Coaxial cable provides better shielding and higher bandwidth compared to twisted pair cable, making it suitable for high-speed data transmission over longer distances.

   - Coaxial cable is commonly used in cable television (CATV) networks, broadband internet connections, and Ethernet networks.

3. Fiber Optic Cable:

   - Fiber optic cable consists of thin strands of glass or plastic fibers that transmit data using light signals.

   - Fiber optic cables offer high bandwidth, low attenuation, and immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI), making them ideal for long-distance and high-speed data transmission.

   - Fiber optic cables are widely used in telecommunications networks, internet backbone infrastructure, and high-performance computing environments.

   - Fiber optic cables are categorized into two main types: single-mode fiber (SMF) and multi-mode fiber (MMF), depending on the diameter of the fiber core and the propagation of light signals.

Wireless Transmission(Unbounded Media):

   - Wireless transmission uses electromagnetic waves to transmit data between devices without the need for physical cables.

   - Wireless transmission is commonly used in wireless LANs (Wi-Fi), cellular networks, satellite communications, and Bluetooth devices.

   - Wireless transmission offers mobility, flexibility, and convenience, but it may be susceptible to interference, signal attenuation, and security risks.

   - Common wireless technologies include Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth, Zigbee, LTE (Long-Term Evolution), and satellite communication.

These are the main types of transmission media used in computer networks. The choice of transmission media depends on factors such as data transmission requirements, distance, bandwidth, cost, and environmental conditions. Different transmission media may be used in combination to create hybrid network architectures that optimize performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.