2. Network Media
refers to the communication channels used to interconnect nodes on a
computer network. Typical examples of network media include copper coaxial
cable, copper twisted pair cables and optical fiber cables used in wired
networks, and radio waves used in wireless data communications networks.
Common Network Media:
1. Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Cable
2. Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) Cable
Coaxial Cable
Fiber Optic Cable
Wireless Transmission
3. Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Cable
= Category 5, 5e , 6, and 7
= consist of pairs of thin wires twisted
around each other
= effective length is 100 meters
= utilized RJ45 (Registered Jack) as its connector
RJ45
5. Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) Cable
=foil that covers around the wire
increase protection against
interference
6. Coaxial Cable
BNC connector
= has a single copper conductor at its center
=is highly resistant to signal interference
=greater cable lengths between network
devices than twisted pair cable
7. Two types of coaxial
Thinnet. 10Base2 refers to the specifications for thin coaxial cable carrying
Ethernet signals. The 2 refers to the approximate maximum segment length
being 200 meters
Thicknet. 10Base5 refers to the specifications for thick coaxial
cable carrying Ethernet signals. The 5 refers to the maximum
segment length being 500 meters. Thick coaxial cable has an
extra protective plastic cover that helps keep moisture away
from the center conductor
8. Fiber Optic Cable
=Fiber optic cable has the ability to transmit signals over much
longer distances than coaxial and twisted pair
=It also has the capability to carry information at vastly greater
speeds
10. Ethernet Cable Summary
Specification Cable Type Description
10BaseT Unshielded Twisted Pair
(category 3, 4, or 5), transmits signals at 10 Mbps (megabits per second) with a distance limit of 100 meters
per segment.
10Base2 Thin Coaxial
transmits signals at 10 Mbps (megabits per second) with a distance limit of 185 meters per segment.
10Base5 Thick Coaxial
transmits signals at 10 Mbps (megabits per second) with a distance limit of 500 meters per segment.
100BaseT Unshielded Twisted Pair
for unshielded twisted pair cabling that is used to transmit data at 100 Mbps (megabits per second) with a
distance limit of 100 meters per segment.
100BaseFX Fiber Optic
A 100 Mbps Ethernet standard that uses optical fibers to extend the distance up to 1.2 miles compared to
the 100 meter limitation of 100Base-T copper wires.
100BaseBX Single mode Fiber
is a version of Fast Ethernet over a single strand of optical fiber (unlike 100BASE-FX, which uses a pair of
fibers). Single-mode fiber is used, along with a special multiplexer which splits the signal into transmit and
receive wavelengths
100BaseSX Multimode Fiber
is a version of Fast Ethernet over optical fiber. It uses two strands of multi-mode optical fiber for receive
and transmit.. 100BASE-SX can operate at distances up to 550 metres
1000BaseT Unshielded Twisted Pair
1000BASE-T is Gigabit Ethernet (1 gigabit is 1000 megabits per second) on copper cables, using four pairs of
Category 5 unshielded twisted pair to achieve the gigabit data rate
1000BaseFX Fiber Optic
1000BaseBX Single mode Fiber
1000BaseSX Multimode Fiber
11. Wireless Media
These data communications are made using radio and microwave frequencies. Wireless
technology is important in the following areas:
TYPES OF WIRELESS MEDIA
Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 Standard): Wireless network technologies (WLAN) use a contention
protocol called multiple carrier carrier collision prevention access (CSMA / CA)
Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15 Standard): Wireless Personal Area Network Standard (WPAN) uses a
device pairing process between a distance of 1-100 meters.
Wi-Max (IEEE 802.16 Standard): Known as Global Interoperability for Microwave Access
(WiMax). It uses a point-to-multipoint topology to provide wireless broadband access.
12. Criteria in choosing a network cable
Network’s topology
Network size
The Distance the media can successfully carry a signal
The environment in which the media is to be installed
The amount of data and the speed at which it must be transmitted
The cost of the media and installation
13. Network Interface Card
NIC for UTP & STP
NIC for Fiber Optic
NIC for Coaxial NIC with wireless adapter
A network interface card (NIC) is a circuit board or card
that is installed in a computer so that it can be
connected to a network.
