Compiled by: Santosh Bhat (SB)

NOTICE

- Please read book too along with this note.

- Some facts in this note may be not be exact but they not
incorrect.
- Please try to write answer in your own words after
understanding the concept.
- Some points might not match with the note that I gave in
class. Consider this note as the correct one over the class
note.
- Study following question thoroughly.

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS LIST

Data Communication and Networking - 5 Marks

1. What is Computer Network? Explain advantages and disadvantages of computer

network.
2. Discuss different types of computer network on the basis of size/geographical area
with figure.
3. Differentiate between LAN, MAN and WAN.
4. Draw and explain block diagram of communication system
5. Differentiate between Simplex, Half Duplex and Full Duplex with suitable figure.
6. Define communication and network and networking.
7. What do you mean by transmission media? Explain the different types of transmission
media used in computer network?

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BRIEF INTRODUCTION ABOUT DEVELOPMENT OF

MODERN COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

Modern Communication Era:

Modern communication era began in 19th century with the development of Morse code in 1837
A.D. and the first use of telegraph in 1844 A.D. Then Alexender Grahm Bell invented
telephone in 1876 A.D. After invention of telephone, Marconi invented the radio in 1895 A.D.
The first public demonstration of television by John Logie Baird in 1926.

Digital and Internet Age:

The late 20th century marked the beginning of the digital age with the creation of the internet,
which revolutionized communication by enabling instant access to information and global
connectivity. The ARPANET project, the precursor to the modern internet, in the late 1960s.
Then email became a dominant form of communication in the 1990s with its first email sent in
1971 A.D. The launch of the first major web-based email service, Hotmail, in 1996. World
Wide Web (W.W.W) was invented in 1989 A.D. which changed the communication techniques
a lot and bought the communication revolution in the world with instant messing services,
video conferencing, social media (i.e. Facebook, Instagram etc.) over the internet. Along with
it the advancement in technology produced high quality smartphones, which made the
communication faster.

UNIT 2- DATA COMMUNICATION AND NETWORKING

Concept of communication system:

The word communicate is derived from the word “common” which means to share, exchange,
send transmit, talk, write etc.
Ever since ancient times, people continuously have adopted new techniques and technologies
for communicating their ideas, needs and desire to others. As the human civilization started to
become more advance the requirement of exchanging information as faster as possible with
complete security over large distance increased. Thus, to cope up with such situation the
concept of advance and reliable communication raised and this is explained under the concept
of communication system. To improve the data transmission accuracy, increase information
transmission capacity and communication distance with less use of relay stations, the newer
and advance concept of communication system are developed and adopted.

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Communication, communication system and its basic elements:

Introduction:
Computers are originally developed to be used as stand-alone device/single user systems. In
single user system the computer user provide data to the computer and the computer process it
and provide the result back to the user. Later the question arises that, what if two computer
users want to communicate with each other. And the development of necessary software,
hardware and internet made communication between two computer or digital device
successful.

Digital/Data Communication:

The process of exchanging or conveying digital information or data (i.e. audio, video, text,
graphics etc.) between two or more individual objects or entities (i.e. computer user, digital
systems etc.) with a specific purpose or goal to achieve is called data/digital communication.
Before actual transmission the data is converted into the electromagnetic or light waves. This
converted form of data is called “signal” and are of two forms as listed below:
a. Analog signal: Signal in the form of wave or continuous data.
b. Digital signal: Signal in the form of electric pulse or discrete data.

Analog signal Digital signal

Communication system:

Communication system is a system which consist a group of elements which are necessary for
conducting successful communication and each element have their specific role in that
particular communication system. Having all these elements implies that the communication
system is proper. Different communication system can have different elements but in general
all the communication system must have five basic elements which are listed below:

1. Message:

It implies the digital data/information to be sent to the receiver. Message can be in the
form of text, audio, video, graphics etc. Having no message means there is no need of
communication.

2. Sender:

It is an entity who have digital data/information to be communicated. Sender can be a

person using digital device (i.e. computer, smart phones etc.) or automatic data
collection system or device etc.

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3. Receiver:

It is an entity which receive the digital data/information sent by the sender and use the
received data/information for necessary work. Receiver can be person using digital
device (i.e. computer, smart phones etc.) or automatic data processing system etc.

4. Transmission medium/Communication channel:

These are the physical or non-physical pathways which carry digital data/information
through them in the form of electric signal, wave or light. These also connect two or
more communication devices (i.e. sender and receiver) physically or non-physically.

5. Protocols:

These are the general set of rules which must be followed by two communicating
objects and the equipment’s used for communication. Protocol represent agreement
between the communicating objects. Without protocols two or more devices can be
connected with each other but can’t communicate.

5.

1. Sender side Receiver side

Protocols Protocols

Sender HTTPS/HTTP HTTPS/HTTP Receiver

TCP/IP TCP/IP

2. 3.
4. Channel/ Transmission medium

Figure: Basic elements of communication system

Importance of Communication:

Facilitates Understanding: Helps in conveying and receiving clear and precise information.
Builds Relationships: Strengthens connections between individuals or groups.
Enables Collaboration: Promotes teamwork and cooperative efforts.
Resolves Conflicts: Aids in addressing and resolving disagreements or misunderstandings.
Supports Decision Making: Provides necessary information for making informed choices.

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Block diagram of Communication System

Block diagram of communication system/model and its elements/blocks:

Exchanging of data, information and message is known as communication in simple term. The
devices, equipment and other necessary things which play vital role in the communication of
message form source to destination are known as communication equipment. The
data/information (message) communicated by the sender travels through these equipment’s
which are also known as system blocks. In each system blocks the message gets modified in
specific way before it reaches to the receiver. Every block does specific operation on the
data/information for security, integrity and consistency of data. Some block adds extra details
to identify sender, receiver and some to check if the received data is same as sent by the sender
and so on. The basic block diagram of communication system is as shown is figure below:

Figure: Blocks diagram of data communication model

Source:

It is the block which represent sender or information producer of the communication system.
They have data/information (i.e. audio, video, graphics, etc.) to be shared with the receiver.

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Encoder/Input Transducer:

This block of communication system is responsible for converting non-electrical (i.e. voice)
signals to electrical signal. The converted signal is called message signal. This message signal
is passed to the transmitter for further processing. Example: microphone

Transmitter:

It consists a system which take message signal (MS) as input and modify it using carrier
signal (CS) and produce modified signal suitable for channel to carry over long distance.
Carrier signal have higher frequency but message signal has lower frequency. It consists
electronic circuit for signal modification and amplification. Modified signal is produced by
applying modulation techniques.
The process of changing some characteristics (i.e. amplitude, frequency or phase) of a carrier
wave in accordance with the intensity of the message signal is known as modulation.
There are three types of modulation as listed below:

1. Amplitude Modulation (AM)

2. Frequency Modulation (FM)
3. Phase Modulation (PM)

1 and 2 3

Channel/communication medium/transmission medium:

These are the physical or non-physical pathways through which the data/information which
being communicated between two or more communicating objects travels. It takes input from
transmitter and carry the signal to receiver. Different type of channel is used based on the
network type and distance. Two major types of channels are listed below:

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1. Wired Channel: These are the physical pathways used in communication system. We
can guide the signal by using wired channel. Example: Coaxial cable, Twisted pair
cable, optical fiber etc.
2. Wireless Channel: These are the non-physical pathways used in communication
system. We can’t guide the signal in a fixed direction as the signal radiates in all
direction randomly.

Noise:

Noise are the unwanted signals, which hamper the message signal travelling in the
channel. This is a major problem associated with the channel. Noise (i.e.
electromagnetic interference, jitter, crosstalk, etc.) occur due to various factors and are
not under our control. We can only adopt preventive measure but can’t root-out the
factor causing the noise.

Receiver:

It is the block which capture data from channel and perform just reverse of the transmitter to
recover message signal. Receiver separate message signal and carrier signal from the modified
signal. Then the message signal is sent to decoder for further processing. It also verifies weather
the received message signal is same as message signal sent by transmitter and amplify if
necessary.

Decoder/Output transducer:

This block of communication system which perform just reverse of encoder. Means it convert
the electrical signal to non-electrical signal. The non-electrical signal is original message sent
by the sender. Then it transfers the non-electrical signal to the user/sink. Example: speaker,
printer, monitor etc.

Sink/Destination/User:

In this block the data/information get used for doing necessary work. It can be natural
environment, people or any other system.

Modes of communication system/Types of transmission mode

During communication, data/information is exchanged between sender and receiver. Based
on the direction of the flow of information between two or more communicating devices in a
network, there are 2 types of transmission modes with two subtypes under one of the types as
listed below:

1. Simplex mode of transmission

2. Duplex mode of transmission

i. Half-Duplex mode of transmission

ii. Full-Duplex mode of transmission

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Simplex mode of transmission:

It is the simplest mode of communication where data travels in only one direction (i.e. sender
to receiver) thus, it is also called unidirectional mode. In this type of mode one device only
transmits data and another only receive that data. Performance of this mode is low compared
to other. For transmission the entire capacity of the channel is used. Example: radio
communication, television communication, keyboard and mouse communication, printer
communication etc.

Duplex modes of transmission:

Modes under duplex type support communication in the both directions. It has 2 sub types
which are created based on, weather the bidirectional communication is simultaneous or one at
a time. Its sub-types are listed below:
a. Half-Duplex mode of transmission
b. Full-Duplex mode of transmission

Half-Duplex mode of transmission:

This is more advanced mode of communication than simplex but not than full-duplex. As name
suggest it support bidirectional communication but one at a time. If one object is sending data
then another should receive only and vice versa. Both communicating devices can’t send data
at the same time. Only one device can transmit data at a time but the communication is two
ways so called half-duplex. Communication is very slow in this type of mode. Full channel
capacity is used while sending data as there are no other parties sending data through same
channel. Example: Walkie-Talkie, hub etc.

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Full-Duplex mode of communication:

This is the most advance mode of communication. Both communicating objects can send and
receive the data at the same time in both directions i.e. A to B and B to A, so it is called full
duplex. The channel capacity is divided among the communicating devices as all devices use
the bandwidth to send or receive data at the same time. Example: Telephone, Video call,
internet chats, USB etc.

*** YOU CAN WRITE ADVANTAGE AND DIS-ADVANTAGES AFTER

STUDYING BELOW TABLE AND ABOVE BRIEF DESCRIPTION. ***

Difference between format:

S.N. Simplex Half Duplex Full Duplex

1 It is a unidirectional mode of It is a bidirectional mode of It is a bidirectional mode of
communication where one communication but only communication and
object sends only and one object can send data at communicating objects can
another receive only. a time. send are receive data
simultaneously.
2 Sender can send the data but Sender can send the data Sender can send the data
can't receive the data in it. and also can receive the and also receive the data
data but one at time in it. simultaneously.
3 It provides less performance It provides less It providers better
than half duplex and full performance than full performance than simplex
duplex. duplex. and half duplex mode.

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4 It is the cheapest mode of It is the mode expensive It is the most expensive

communication. than simplex but cheaper mode of communication.
than full-duplex.
5 It is easy to install and It is difficult to install and It is the most difficult mode
manage. manage than simplex. to install and manage.
6 This mode has lowest This mode is complex than This mode is most complex
complexity. simplex of all.
7 This is the fastest mode of This is the slowest mode of This mode is slower than
communication, communication because simplex and faster than
one entity has to wait till half-duplex.
complete data from another
entity arrives and vice
versa.
8 This mode has lowest data It has lower data security This mode has highest data
security. than full-duplex but higher security.
than simplex.
9 There is no verification There is verification There is verification
weather the message is weather the message is weather the message is
received or not. received or not. received or not.
10. Examples: radio, television, Examples: Walky-talky, Examples: smart phone,
etc. hub, wireless handset, etc. land line phones, etc.

Introduction to network and networking:

Networking has bought revolution in the world of information technology. It has become
backbone of the modern small and big enterprises. Networking has made world a global village,
because we can exchange data/information with our relatives or concerned person over 1000’s
of kilometer distance within seconds.

Networking:
Definition:
The process of interconnecting two or more computer, telephone, network devices and
people, so that the communicating objects can exchange data/information for a
particular purpose in known as networking. Based on network different types of
networking tools, protocols and techniques are used while networking.

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Network:
Definition:
When two or more objects are connected with each other with the help of different
networking components (i.e. Transmission mediums, Routers, Hubs, Switches, etc.)
and if those connected objects can exchange data/information (i.e. audio, video,
graphics, files, etc.) then that system is called a network.

OR

It is defined as the collection of two or more autonomous computers which can be

logical or physical interconnection for sharing resources with the help of transmission
media and set of protocols.

Advantages of networking/network:
Advantages are the answer for the question “Why network and networking are necessary?”
1. Resources sharing:

Hardware resources like processor, hard disk storage, printer, scanner, speaker etc.
can be shared. Expensive software can also be shared. Thus, when same set of
hardware can used by different people working on different project then it proves
that the networking reduces the operational cost of any organization.

2. Cheaper communication:

First the cost is reduced due to resource sharing and the next is we can share or send
high volume of data/information over the network at very low cost compared to
conventional method (i.e. postal service). Example: sending e-mail to America from
Nepal cost less than sending mail through postal service.

3. Faster communication:

If we send mail to America from Nepal through postal service then it might take at
least 3 days, but sending e-mail with same message will only take seconds. Thus,
this proves that using network and internet we can communicate at very high speed
with high data transfer rate.

4. Distributed processing:
Complex work can be distributed among the computers connected in a network.
This reduces the work load from single computer to many computers and the
processing also become faster and help us to work fast.

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5. Centralized control:
In a centralized network, all the database, computer, printers, or any other network
devices are connected to a central system called “Server”. Server have the authority
to set rules, privileges, security measures, access etc. that are necessary to the
devices connected in the network. This makes managing, administrating and
troubleshooting easier, as all the work can be done from central system.
6. Backup and Recovery:
Server consist a computer system and databases. Server make back-up of each data
in the databases to prevent the data loss when the main database crashes due to
natural or non-natural events. All the computer in the network access data from
database in the server, so in case any computer loses data from its local storage then
it can recover that particular data from the server.
7. Remote and Mobile access:
One of the major advantages of the networking is that we can access or operate
another device located in any place of the world by using network, until we have
the access code to that particular device and that device is connected in a network
and using internet. This way of accessing another device connected in a network is
called remote access. For remote we use software like Any Desk, VNC viewer etc.
8. Development of chain organization:
Networking has made possible to establish chain of organization. Same
organization have different sub-office in different location, but networking helps
the main office to monitor all of its sub-office from single point without moving.

Disadvantages of networking/network:

1. Expensive:

Installing and operating a network is expensive. For setting a network we need

network components like server, switches, hubs, Network interface card (NIC),
etc., which are expensive to buy and the system consume a lot of power while
operating.

2. Data security issue:

In a large network, there is use of internet and when there is use of internet then
the data security is very less. Unauthorized person can easily access our data if
we don’t adopt necessary safety measures (i.e. using password and codes, using
secure network or websites etc.). If server crashes then the data get lost if no
backup has been made.

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3. Need technical person:

To work with the network equipment’s (i.e. router, server, switches etc.) we
need to hire technical person with sufficient knowledge in respective field.
Hiring such person is costly and if no such person is available then the network
stays down until we find one.
4. Bandwidth limitation:
There is limited range of bandwidth which can be used for data/information
transmission or communication. But the bandwidth requirement is increasing.
5. Network failure:
If network fails regularly then it hampers our day-to-day work, which is not
good for any organization.
6. Complex system:
Network is a complex system as it requires knowledge of advance hardware
tools and software tools to establish a proper network without any issue
regarding access of each device in a network and bandwidth.
7. Infrastructure dependent:
A large-scale network requires large infrastructure (i.e. geographical area,
building, server equipment’s, advance computer, power supply, cooling system,
etc.)
8. Health issue:
Various types of signals with different frequency value are used in
communication. So, staying near such signals for long time might create
different health issues.

Computer Network based on geographical area/location

World is a very large place, and people are scattered all around the world. Like we have home,
then society, then village and so on. We have 3 different types of computer networks based on
geographical area/location occupied by the computer’s connected in the network (i.e. for
connecting people in local are, for connecting people within the country and for connecting
people of different countries or continent). These 3 types of networks are explained below:

1. Personal Area Network (PAN) extra information only for self-knowledge

2. Local Area Network (LAN)
3. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) not in current syllabus but study
4. Wide Area Network (WAN)

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Types of Computer Network

1. PAN (Personal Area Network:

Network formed around a person. No sharing with other but exchanging and
processing information within the personal system of the user (i.e. smart
phone, Laptop, etc.).

2. Local Area Network (LAN):

A LAN is privately owned small size network. It spans only in small geographical
area such as within a room, office, buildings or up to few kilometers (2 to 3 Km). It
connects the network resources such as computers, faxes, printers and various
networking devices.

Advantages of LAN
• It is cheaper to establish.
• Data transmission is faster than MAN and WAN.
• It has higher security to resources of the network
• It is easy to establish, manages and operate the network

Disadvantages of LAN
• It is limited only to a small area.
• It can connect a smaller number of computers comparatively.
• Cannot be used as distributed network.

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3. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN):

A MAN can be either public or privately owned network. Its size is bigger than
LAN and smaller than WAN. It spans within one metropolitan city or larger
geographical area. It can connect large number of computers and heterogeneous
multiple LANs within a city maximum, up to 100Km.

Advantages of MAN
• It covers larger geographical area than LAN.
• It can connect large number of computer than LAN.
• We can use guided as well as unguided type of transmission media.

Disadvantages of MAN
• It is expensive to set up then LAN.
• Transmission speed slower compared to LAN.
• It is complex to establish, manage and provides security.

4. Wide Area Network (WAN):

A WAN is basically public type heterogeneous network. It is the largest sized

network and connects millions of computers, thousands of LANs, hundreds of
MANs around the countries, continents and even the whole world.

Advantage of WAN
• It covers larger geographical area than LAN and MAN.
• It can connect large number of computers compared to LAN and MAN.
• Using WAN communication can be done over a large distance.

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Disadvantage of WAN
• It is expensive to establish, manage and operate.
• It is the slowest type of network compared to that of LAN and MAN.
• Highly qualified manpower is required to establish and run this type of
network.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FORM:

Difference between LAN and WAN

S.N. Local Area Network (LAN) S.N. Wide Area Network (WAN)
1 Area covered within a local site. 1 Distance up to 1000 of K.M.
2 Higher data transfer rates (10 Mbps to 2 Data transfer rate is less
1Gbps even more).
3 It has low error rates. 3 It has higher error rates.
4 It uses simple protocol, low-cost 4 It uses complex protocols, expensive
devices and low-cost installation. devices and high-cost installation.
5 It can support a limited number of 5 It can support a large number of hosts.
hosts.
6 E.g. Star, cellular topologies etc. 6 E.g. Internet and intranet
7 Generally, LAN are wireless or digital 7 WANs use digital or analog signal
transmission. transmission.

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Comparison of LAN, MAN and WAN

S. LAN MAN WAN

N.
1 The computer network The computer network The computer
limited over small spread over the city or network spread over
geographical area such country is known as the world is known as
as building or room or MAN i.e. 5-100 km range in WAN i.e. in area with
2-3 km range area. general range greater than
100km
2 It is generally owned It can be owned by private or There is no single
by a private public organizations. ownership on WAN
organization.
3 The bandwidth of LAN is The data transmission The data transmission
high. i.e. data rate/bandwidth is lower in rate/bandwidth is lowest in
transmission rate. comparison to LAN. comparison to LAN and
MAN.
4 Data security is highest It lower data security than It has the lowest data
and use topologies like LAN and uses mesh or hybrid security and uses hybrid or
ring, bus, star etc. topologies mesh topologies.

5 There is less congestion There is more congestion in There is more congestion in

in LAN. LAN. comparison to LAN
and MAN.
6 It is easy to design, It’s design and maintenance It’s design and
maintain and scale. are difficult than LAN but maintenance are difficult
higher scalability than LAN. than LAN and
MAN with highest
scalability.
7 There is more fault There is less fault tolerance and There is also less fault
tolerance and number of number of connected devices Tolerance and number of
devices connected is less are more than LAN. connected devices is highest
than MAN and WAN.
of all.
8 It is used in school, college, It is used in city, towns. It is used for countries,
hospital …etc. continent and globe.
9 Transmission channels are Transmission channel are Communication
normally twisted pair fiber optics, coax cable. channel ranges from
cables. fiber optics cables to
communication
satellites.

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10 It Stands for Local Area It stands of Metropolitan Area It stands for Wide
Network Network Area Network.
11. Speed range is 100 Mbps – Speed range is of 10 Mbps to Speed range is of 64 Kbps to
1000 Mbps and more less than 1000 Mbps. less than 200 Mbps.
12. It uses the protocols like It uses the protocols like It uses the protocols like
token passing and ethernet. TCP/IP, Frame relay, etc. TCP/IP, HTTPS, SMTP,
etc.

Transmission/Communication Medium
Introduction

Transmission/communication medium are physical and non-physical pathways which

connect two or more computers, network devices and people who are using the network.
They carry the data/information being exchanged between two or more objects involved in
communication. Specialized sets of hardware compatible with the medium are
required. Based on network needs, different types of transmission medium are used
combinedly or individually.

Various types of transmission mediums are shown in tree diagram below:

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Types of communication/transmission medium

1. Wired/Bounded/Guided

These types of transmission/communication medium are physical network components.

As the signal is bounded in a particular space/wire and travels in the path that we guide,
thus called guided/bounded/wired. In general, these mediums consist of a conductor (i.e.
copper), insulator, wire mesh/ frame/braided wire and outer jacket. Wired mediums are
suitable for short and long-distance communication. Guided media has high bandwidth,
low cost and high security with faster data transmission than wireless.

For connecting two or more devices who want to communicate with each other we
require different types of wired medium based on distance and network. Following are
the common types of bounded transmission mediums:

a. Coaxial cable (Coax)

b. Twisted pair cable
c. Fiber optical cable

1. Coaxial cable:

It is a widely used transmission medium for transmitting television signals, CCTV

signal, internet data, and other signal in the range of radio frequency. It got its name
“coaxial” because of its construction. Where two conductors (central conductor and
braided/mesh wire) travel parallel to each other in the same axis. Coaxial cable has sub
types which are listed below:

Baseband coaxial/Thin coaxial/ Thinnet

Coaxial cables of type (RG-58) that was commonly used with Ethernet (10Base-2) local
area networks. It is also called cheaper net due to the fact that it was cheaper to purchase
and install than the bulkier (and larger) thicknet Ethernet cabling. The maximum
distance for a thinnet segment is 180 meters for 10Mbps speed. It can carry single signal
at high speed.

Broadband coaxial/Thick cable/Thicknet

Coaxial cables type (similar to RG-8) that is commonly used with Ethernet (10Base-5)
networks. These are expensive than thinnet due to its construction, installation process
etc. The maximum distance for a thicknet segment is up to 490m for 10Mbps speed. It
can carry multiple signals simultaneously but speed might be low.

Coaxial cable, often referred as "coax,". These cables consist a central conductor, an
insulating layer, a metallic shield (wire mesh), and an outer insulating layer (jacket).

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Central conductor: It is the positive terminal of a coaxial cable and carries

data/information in electrical form (i.e. voltage, current). It is made from copper or
standard material (i.e. aluminum) and is a major part of the coaxial cable.

Insulator: It is the non-conductive part of the coaxial cable made from solid
polyethylene or solid Teflon. The main purpose of the insulator is to protect the central
conductor from physical damage (i.e. scratch) and separate the central conductor and
wire mesh (metallic shield).

Wire mesh/metallic shield: It is the negative terminal of a coaxial cable, which

surrounds the insulator and doesn’t carry any data. Its main purpose is to protect the
data/information in the central conductor from electromagnetic interference (EMI) from
outside environment. High performance coaxial cable uses fine copper wire mesh as
shield and low performance coaxial cable uses aluminum wire as shield. This absorbs
the electromagnetic wave from outside and passes to the ground terminal preventing the
data/information in the central conductor from being distorted due to interference.

Jacket (outer covering): It is the outermost layer made from hard plastic which protects
the entire cable from physical damage. This provides rigidness to the wire and make it
suitable for laying under-ground or hanging on wire pole.

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Types of Coaxial Cable: (Examples of coaxial cable)

1. RG-6:
o Most commonly used for television and internet.
o Higher frequency range and better shielding compared to RG-59.
2. RG-59: (One of the thinnet type)
o Used for low-frequency applications like analog video signals for television
and CCTV.
o Thinner and more flexible than RG-6 but with more signal loss over long
distances.
3. RG-11: (One of the thicknet type)
o Thicker than RG-6 and RG-59.
o Used for long-distance signal transmission and HDTV.
o Less signal loss but harder to install due to its thickness.

Applications:
1. Television Distribution:
2. Internet Connectivity:
3. Radio Frequency (RF) Transmission:
4. CCTV Systems:

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Advantages:
• Good protection against EMI and ensures signal integrity over longer
distances.
• Supports a wide range of frequencies, making it suitable for multiple
applications.
• Robust and can withstand physical damage and harsh environmental
conditions.
• Easy to install and expand
• Low cost then STP.
• It is faster and reliable than Unshielded twisted pair cable.

Disadvantages:
• Less flexible compared to other cables like twisted pair.
• Can be difficult to install in tight spaces.
• More expensive than some other types of cabling, such as UTP.
• Signal degradation over long distances requires the use of signal boosters
or amplifiers.
• Expensive to upgrade.
• Doesn’t support newer network standards.
• Not suitable for computer network.
• Failure of cable lead to higher cost of maintenance and network shutdown

2. Twisted Pair Cable (TPC)

TPC is a popular cable for networking which is a cheap and light weight cable. There
are conductor or insulated wire which are twisted with each other to eliminate the
electromagnetic interference and prevent cross talk between the conductors. Each pair
have two insulated conductors, and one of which is used to carry data and another for
ground reference. These cables have speed range varying from 1 Mbps to 1000 Mbps
and more. Different types of TPC have different numbers of pairs of wire. Generally,
the wires are of size from 22-American wire gauge (AWG) to 24-AWG. Listed below
are the two types of twisted pair cable.

1. Shielded Twisted pair cable (STP)

2. Unshielded Twisted pair cable (UTP)

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Shielded Twisted pair

This is one of the types of twisted pair cable which has covering of braided/mesh wire
or metal foil or both over each conductor or pair of conductors or bunch of conductors
to protect it from electromagnetic interference (EMI). Data speed range is from 10
Mbps to 1000 Mbps and more. but can transmit data over large distance. Its cost is
higher than UTP and coaxial cable. Following are the parts of shielded twisted pair
cable:

1. Insulated conductor (conductor + insulator)

2. Metal foil/braided wire/ wire mesh
3. Outer covering made of PVC/plastic material.

Advantages:
• Reduced EMI and crosstalk using shielding.
• Suitable for server and data centers and industries where EMI is
high.
• Better electrical characteristics than UTP

Disadvantage:
• Rigid due to extra layer of protection thus so hard to install.
• Expensive than UTP and coaxial.
• No versatile use and lower speed than UTP.

Unshielded twisted pair

These are the type of twisted pair cable without extra covering of metal foil/braided
wire/ wire mesh over the conductor in the cable. It consists pairs or conductors which
are formed by twisting two conductors with each other to reduce EMI created by the
conductor itself when signal pass through it. Data speed range from 1 Mbps to 1000
Mbps (1 Gbps) and more but the signal can’t be transmitted over large distance due to
less shielding. It is less expensive than STP as construction and installation process is
easier. There are various categories of UTP which are listed below:

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Categories of UTP:
UTP cables are classified into categories based on their performance characteristics,
such as data rate and bandwidth:

• Cat 1: Voice-only transmission, used in traditional telephone lines.

• Cat 2: Supports up to 4 Mbps, used in older data networks i.e. token ring
network.
• Cat 3: Supports up to 10 Mbps, used in 10Base-T Ethernet networks and token
ring network.
• Cat 4: Supports up to 16 Mbps, used in Token Ring networks.
• Cat 5: Supports up to 100 Mbps, used in Fast Ethernet networks.
• Cat 5e: Enhanced to support up to 1 Gbps, commonly used in modern Ethernet
networks.
• Cat 6: Supports up to 10 Gbps over short distances, used in Gigabit Ethernet
networks.
• Cat 6e: Enhanced Cat 6, supports 10 Gbps over longer distances.
• Cat 7 and Cat 8: Higher categories for advanced networking needs, supporting
even higher data rates and better shielding.

Advantages:

• UTP cables are relatively inexpensive compared to other types of networking cables.
• Easy to install and manage due to their lightweight and flexible nature.
• Suitable for a wide range of applications, from voice communication to high-speed
data networks.

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Disadvantages:

• UTP cables have a limited maximum distance for reliable data transmission, typically up to
100 meters for Ethernet networks.
• Although twisted pairs reduce interference, UTP cables are still more susceptible to EMI
compared to shielded cables.
• Low speed and lower quality of data.

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