ELEMENTS (COMPONENTS) OF NETWORKINGA computer network is made up of several standard components, which can be classified into three (3) major categories, namely:
Data communication (Transmission) media.A data communication medium is a physical pathway used for carrying data signals & information from one point to another. Data communication media can be divided into two:
(a). Communication using cable (bound media). (b). Wireless communication (unbounded media).
Communication using cables (bounded media).In bounded media, data signals are transmitted from the source to the destination through a cable. There are 4 major types of bounded transmission media, namely:
Two-wire open lines cables.Two-wire open lines cables are made up of 2 parallel copper wires separated by a plastic insulator.
The Plastic insulator is meant to reduce signal interference called Crosstalk. However, the linear nature of the wires allows an electromagnetic field to build around them during heavy data transmission, which may cause interference to the signal.
The wires also capture/pick unwanted environmental frequencies, e.g., radio waves, hence causing noise in the transmission channel. Two-wire open lines cables are used in telecommunication network to transmit voice (analogue) signals. Twisted pair cables.A twisted pair cable is made up of 2 insulated copper wires twisted around each other in a spiral pattern.
The twisting prevents electromagnetic fields from developing around the two wires as they transmit data.
Twisted pair cables can be used to transmit both voice & data signals (i.e., analogue & digital signals). Types of twisted pair cables.The 2 common types of twisted pair cables are:
Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cables.UTP cables do not have a shield that prevents electromagnetic interference (also called ‘Electric noise’) from the environment.
UTP cable is prone to noise & signal interference, and therefore, not suitable for environments that are electrically ‘noisy’.
Noise may come from lightening sparks, radio signal, or radiations from spark plugs in motor vehicles. Shielded twisted pair (STP) cables.In STP cables, a braided shield is wrapped around the wires to protect them from noise.
Twisted pair cables are grouped into 5 categories according to the type of data transmitted, and the maximum rate of transmission.
Advantages of Twisted pair cables.
Disadvantages of Twisted pair cables.
Coaxial cables.A Coaxial cable resembles the cable that is used to connect television antenna to a television set.The cable has;
The braid together with the insulator & the foil shield protects the carrier wire from Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) and Electromagnetic Interference (EMI). Coaxial cables have bandwidths of up to 1 Gbps (Gigabits per second). Hence, they can be used to link/connect different networks between buildings, and route trunk calls in telecommunication companies. The Two types of coaxial cables.(i). Thin coaxial cable (Thinnet): - it has 1 dielectric insulator around the core.(ii). Thick coaxial cable (Thicknet): - it has 2 dielectric insulators around the core, and is thicker than the thinnet.
Advantages of coaxial cables.
Disadvantages of coaxial cables.
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