Transmission MediaUsed to carry a communication signal from one computer system to another.

Connections can be wired or wireless.

Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transmitted in a fixed amount of time (measured in bits per second, kbps, Mbps, Gbps)

Wired – UTPUnshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cables

Sometimes known as Ethernet cablesOften used in Local Area NetworksInexpensiveLimited range (100m)Limited bandwidth (around 100 Mbps)

Wired – Coaxial Cable Resistant to signal interference Physically strong More expensive that UTP but cheaper than fibre optic Range of around 500m Bandwidth 10 - 100 Mbps Carries TV, telephone and data signals Can be used with LAN and WAN

Wired – Fibre Optic Fibre of thin hollow silica glass is used as a small pipe to transmit

light particles Range of several kilometres Bandwidth 10 Gbps

WirelessData transferred as microwaves and radio wavesRange: 30mBandwidth: up to 1.3 Gbps

AdvantagesNo cables and wires (cheaper and safer)Connection can be made between devices without need for physical cable

DisadvantagesIssues with securityInterference from other wireless devicesLose signal through obstructions e.g. walls