Types of Network Connections

Types of Network Connections

Wired: All communication wires/cables are wired media, such as UTP, coaxial cables, and fiber optics. In this media, the sender and receiver are directly connected and the information is send through it.

Wireless: Wireless or open air space is said to be unguided media, because there is no connectivity between the sender and receiver. Information is spread over the air, and anyone including the actual recipient may collect the information.

Cabling Used in Wired Connections

Fiber optic cables: Optical fibers transmit data at a faster rate. They are also able to carry more signals. Fibers allow longer distances to be spanned before the signal has to be regenerated by expensive repeaters. E.g. used for distances up to 100 kilometers. Fibers are more secure, because taps in the line can be detected.

Twisted pair cables: A thin diameter copper wire commonly used for telephone and network cabling. The two insulated copper wires are twisted around each other to minimise interference (electrical disturbance or noise) from other twisted pairs in the cable. The noise can degrade communication. These pairs are then bundled together.

Wireless Media

Infrared : It sends signals using infrared light waves. Also uses line- of-sight transmission. Signals only travel for short distances. Used by remote controls, wireless devices such as mouse, printer, digital camera.

Bluetooth : Bluetooth is a proprietary open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances from fixed and mobile devices, creating Personal Area Networks (PANs) with high levels of security. It can connect several devices, overcoming problems of synchronisation.

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is a mechanism for wirelessly connecting electronic devices. A device enabled with Wi-Fi, such as a personal computer, video game console, smart phone, or digital audio player, can connect to the internet via a wireless network access point. An access point (or hotspot) has a range of about 20 meters (65 ft) indoors and a greater range outdoors. Multiple overlapping access points can cover large areas.

Radio waves : High frequency radio waves that provide high speed transmission (up to 150Mbps). Signals are sent from one microwave station to another. Limited to line-of-sight transmission, which means that the microwave must be transmitted in a straight line with no obstructions between antennas. This means that microwave antennae are placed in high places (tall building, hill etc.).