Module 6: Network Media Flashcards
Describe common network media.
6.1.1 Video - Network Media Types
Network Media Overview
Network media provides the connectivity and the pathway for communication to travel over a network. In today’s networks, most connections are either:
1. Wireless – which transmits data through the air without a physical medium.
2. Copper-based – which relies on physical cabling for connectivity.
Copper Cabling
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)
The most common type of copper cabling used in Ethernet networks is Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP). UTP cables are composed of eight wires, arranged in four color-coded twisted pairs. The twisted arrangement helps reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) and crosstalk.
Each end of a UTP cable must follow specific wiring standards to ensure proper connectivity. The RJ45 connector is the standard connector used in Ethernet networks, providing copper connectivity between devices such as:
- Network Interface Cards (NICs)
- Switches
- Routers
Proper installation of RJ45 connectors is crucial for maintaining network reliability.
Coaxial Cable
Another type of copper cable used in networking is coaxial cable, commonly known for its role in cable TV connections. Unlike twisted pair cables, coaxial cables contain a single, solid copper core surrounded by:
- A layer of insulating plastic
- A metal shielding mesh that protects against electromagnetic interference
Common connectors for coaxial cables include:
- BNC connectors – used in some networking applications
- F-type connectors – typically found in cable TV setups
Fiber Optic Cabling
For longer-distance connections, fiber optic cables are often used. Unlike copper cables, fiber optics transmit data using light instead of electrical signals. This provides several advantages:
- No electromagnetic interference (EMI) – Since fiber optics do not use copper, they are immune to EMI.
- Longer transmission distances – Fiber can carry signals over much greater distances compared to copper.
- Higher speed and flexibility – Different types of fiber optic cables support various speeds and applications.
A fiber optic cable consists of:
1. A solid core made of either glass or plastic, which carries light signals
2. A reflective cladding layer that ensures efficient signal transmission
Short-distance fiber optic cables are typically used within buildings to connect networking equipment, while long-distance fiber is used for backbone connections between data centers and internet service providers.
Conclusion
Network media plays a vital role in modern communication. Whether using wireless, copper (UTP or coaxial), or fiber optic connections, each medium has its strengths and applications. Fiber optics, in particular, offer superior speed, flexibility, and resistance to interference, making them an essential component of high-performance networks.
Noted
Data is transmitted across a network on ___.
media
The ___ provides the channel over which the message travels from source to destination.
media
Modern networks primarily use three types of media to interconnect devices:
- ___
- ___
- ___
- Metal wires within cables - Data is encoded into electrical impulses.
- Glass or plastic fibers within cables (fiber-optic cable) - Data is encoded into pulses of light.
- Wireless transmission - Data is encoded via modulation of specific frequencies of electromagnetic waves.
Data is encoded into electrical impulses.
Metal wires within cables
Data is encoded into pulses of light.
Glass or plastic fibers within cables (fiber-optic cable)
Data is encoded via modulation of specific frequencies of electromagnetic waves.
Wireless transmission
The four main criteria for choosing network media are these:
* ___
* ___
* ___
* ___
- What is the maximum distance that the media can successfully carry a signal?
- What is the environment in which the media will be installed?
- What is the amount of data and at what speed must it be transmitted?
- What is the cost of the media and installation?
The three most common network cables are ___, ___, and ____.
twisted-pair, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable
Ethernet technology generally uses ___ to interconnect devices.
Twisted-Pair Cable
Because Ethernet is the foundation for most local networks, twisted-pair is the most commonly encountered type of network cabling.
In _, wires are grouped in pairs and twisted together to reduce interference. The pairs of wires are colored so that you can identify the same wire at each end. Typically, in each pair, one of the wires is a solid color and its partner is the same color striped onto a white background.
twisted-pair cables
___ was one of the earliest types of network cabling developed.
Coaxial
___ is the kind of copper cable used by cable TV companies. It is also used for connecting the various components which make up satellite communication systems.
Coaxial cable
It has a single rigid copper core that conducts the signal. This core is typically surrounded by a layer of insulation, braided metal shielding, and a protective jacket. It is used as a high-frequency transmission line to carry high-frequency or broadband signals.
Coaxial cable
___ can be either glass or plastic with a diameter about the same as a human hair and it can carry digital information at very high speeds over long distances.
Fiber-optic cable
Fiber-optic cable can be either ___ or ___ with a diameter about the same as a ___ and it can carry digital information at very high speeds over long distances.
glass, plastic,
human hair
Because fiber-optic cables use _ instead of electricity, electrical interference does not affect the signal.
light
Because fiber-optic cables use light instead of electricity, ___ does not affect the signal.
electrical interference
Fiber-optic cables have many uses as well as communications. They are also used in ___, ___, and ___.
medical imaging, medical treatment, mechanical engineering inspection
Fiber-optic cables have a very high ___, which enables them to carry very large amounts of data.
bandwidth
Fiber is used in backbone networks, large enterprise environments, and large data centers. It is also used extensively by telephone companies.
6.1.4 Check Your Understanding - Network Media Types
Which of the following is NOT a criterion for choosing a network media?
◯ The type of data that can be transmitted
◯ The cost of installing the media
◯ The maximum distance that the media can successfully carry a signal
◯ The environment in which the media is installed
The type of data that can be transmitted
Criteria for choosing a network media include the maximum transmission distance, the environment, the amount and speed of data to be transmitted, and the cost of the media and installation.
6.1.4 Check Your Understanding - Network Media Types
What is the most common type of wired media used by TV companies to connect and carry signals to a set-top box within a home?
◯ fiber-optic cable
◯ twisted-pair cable
◯ coaxial cable
coaxial cable
Coaxial cable is the most common type of media used by cable TV companies.
6.1.4 Check Your Understanding - Network Media Types
Which type of wired media is used to carry digital information at very high speeds over long distances?
◯ fiber-optic cable
◯ twisted-pair cable
◯ coaxial cable
fiber-optic cable
Fiber-optic cable is used to carry digital information at very high speeds over long distances.
6.1.4 Check Your Understanding - Network Media Types
Which is the most common type of wired media to connect end devices to an Ethernet LAN?
◯ fiber-optic cable
◯ coaxial cable
◯ twisted-pair cable
twisted-pair cable
Twisted-pair cable is the most common type of wired media to connect end devices to an Ethernet LAN.
