Network Transmission Media Types and Cabling

Posted on Apr 20, 2025 in Technology

Transmission Media

Transmission media is the physical support that facilitates the transport of information. Its quality depends on its characteristics.

Transmission media can be:

  • Mechanical
  • Electrical
  • Optical
  • Electromagnetic

Note:

  • The estimated investment for a cable installation should be around 6% of the total project cost.
  • Approximately 70% of network problems are due to wiring faults.

Metallic Wiring Systems

Copper Cable

Copper cable is a common format for metallic wiring systems.

Advantages:

  • Simple and economical

Disadvantages:

  • Maximum length is limited due to resistance.
  • Sensitive to interference (noise produced by other media) and crosstalk (interference from the same cable).

Copper Cable Types

UTP Cable (Most Common)

Consists of 8 wires twisted together, forming 4 pairs, each called a ‘pair’. All wires are coated with color-coded plastic, all enclosed within an outer jacket.

  • Speed and transfer rate: 10-100-1000 Mbps (depending on category).
  • Low cost cable.
  • Small size of connectors and media.
  • Maximum length: 100 meters.
STP Cable

It has shielding layers and twisted pairs, each with its sheath (armor).

  • Transfer rate: 0-100 Mbps.
  • Moderate cost.
  • Medium to large size connectors and media.
  • Maximum length: 100 meters.

Copper Cable Standards

  • By Category: Specifies electrical characteristics for the cable (attenuation, line impedance). Examples: Cat 3, 4, 5, currently up to 5e, 6, 6a, and 7.
  • By Class: Specifies allowed distances, bandwidth, and supported applications. Examples: Class A, B, C, D.

Coaxial Cable

  • Speed and transfer rate: 10-100 Mbps.
  • Low cost.
  • Medium size media and connectors.
  • Maximum length: 500 meters.

Fiber Optics

Image

Allows the transmission of light signals. It is insensitive to external electromagnetic interference. Since ambient light is not a suitable carrier signal, the signal must be generated by a dedicated light source.

Light Sources for Fiber Optics

  • Laser Source: Produces light at a single frequency (monochromatic).
  • LED Source: Are semiconductors that produce light when electrically excited.

Benefits of Fiber Optics

  • Greater reliability, minimum error rate.
  • Lighter and smaller diameter than copper or coaxial cables.

Disadvantages of Fiber Optics

  • Very fragile.
  • Difficulty connecting different fibers reliably.

Wireless Media

Terrestrial Radio Systems

Transmitted through the air using electromagnetic waves, radio antennas, and receivers.

  • Transmission problems can occur due to weather conditions.

Artificial Satellites

Wireless transmissions are much more reliable outside the atmosphere. Satellite transmissions are possible thanks to platforms that interconnect multiple orbital satellites. Since the probability of obstacles in space is very small, frequencies up to 100 GHz are possible.

Fundamental Problems with Satellite Communication:
  • Increased Costs: Due to placing and maintaining a satellite in space.
  • Delay: Caused by the large distances signals must travel (e.g., television sound not synchronized with the image).

GPS (Global Positioning System)

Specialized terminals that communicate simultaneously with multiple satellites to provide the geographical position of the GPS receiver with extraordinary precision.

Ethernet Network

Ethernet is a type of network that follows the IEEE 802.3 standard.

  • Defines a LAN model that uses CSMA/CD.
  • Any station connected to an IEEE 802.3 network must have a network interface card (NIC) that complies with this standard’s rules.

Network Cabling

Installation of a cabling system for a corporation requires completing a project that should take into account:

  • Material Resources.
  • Procedures.
  • Execution Schedule / Order of Work.
  • Costs / Pricing.
  • Documentation.

Installation Project Considerations

Labor Regulations (Regarding Safety)

  • Do not work with devices that are powered on and/or have open frames.
  • Use appropriate measuring instruments.
  • Power down all equipment in the network.
  • Do not drill into network equipment.
  • Locate all power lines before starting work.

Working Procedures

  • Ensure accurate measurements of cables before cutting them.
  • Use appropriate protection (goggles, gloves, etc.).
  • Ensure that no infrastructure will be damaged when drilling into walls, floors, or ceilings.
  • Maintain cleanliness.