Transmission methods

Transmission methods are different ways which we are able to send data. There are
many types of transmission methods that are used daily by everyone.

Coaxial

A coaxial cable is a type of cable that has an inner conductor surrounded by a tubular
insulating layer, surrounded by a tubular conducting shield. A coaxial cable is
typically used for carrying low frequency signals. For example audio signals within
radios. An advantage of a coaxial cable is that it provides protection from external
electromagnetic interference. A disadvantage with coaxial cable is that it can become
very expensive in large quantities

optical fibre

Optical fibre is a flexible transparent fibre made of extruded glass or plastic. Optical
fibre is typically used for fibre-optic communications. An advantage to optical fibre is
that they are able to provide higher bandwidths over longer distances. Optical fibre
can become damaged faster than wires.

unshielded twisted pair (UTP)

Unshielded twisted pair cables are untwisted cables used for indoor uses. UTP cables
are typically used for modern Ethernet cables. UTP cables are considered the fastest
copper based cable. UTP cables can easily be disrupted by electromagnetic
interference.

shielded twisted pair (STP)

STP or shielded twisted pair cables are typically used for areas where an unshielded
twisted pair cables would have to deal with external interferences. STP cables are
normally used when they are in close proximity to electromagnetic interference. STP
cables are protected from external interference. STP cables are more expensive than
UTP cables which is why UTP cables are more common.

Infrared

Infra-red communication is a type of communication that uses invisible light to

communicate with receivers. This is typically used for controllers as they need
minimal bandwidth with the data they transfer and the technology can easily fit inside
of a small controller. An advantage is that the speed of the data is very fast and seems
almost instantaneous. A disadvantage is that you cant have anything which could
block the controllers view of the TV otherwise it wont work

Radio

Radio is the radiation of electromagnetic signals through the atmosphere or free

space. Information such as sound can be sent through radio signals. Radios can be
used to transmit music on radio shows or just for simple broadcasts. An advantage
with radio shows is that they can be broadcasted over a wide area. A disadvantage to
using radios is that the transmission can easily be disrupted.

Microwave

Microwave transmission is the transmission of information by electromagnetic

waves. Microwave transmission is typically used for point to point communications.
No cables are needed for the transmission to be sent. If an object is blocking the
transmission cant be sent.

Satellite

A satellite is an object which has been put into orbit on purpose. These can be used for
sending and receiving transmissions from across the globe. An advantage to satellites
is that they can provide a wide area for the transmission to go through. A disadvantage
of satellites is that when they become damaged the only way to repair them is to have
them brought back down to earth.
Comparison

All the different transmission methods each have a certain use which they are
designed to perform however some transmission methods can perform a use more
efficiently than another transmission method. An example of this is UTP is a good
choice because it is cheap to install, although it does not offer the same bandwidth and
security as other options give. STP offers better security than UTP but it still does not
offer the best bandwidth and security that fibre optic can provide. Fibre optic is the
most effective in both bandwidth and security compared to UTP and STP but it does
lack in some areas. For example it is very expensive compared to UTP and STP and
paying for the high broadband speed which optical fibre can provide is also very
expensive. Another example is coaxial wiring which is used for devices such as sky
boxes. This transmission method is effective because the signal it transmits does not
suffer from any interference from environmental sources which could disrupt the
transmission. Another method that can be used to transmit the same signals is radio
waves. However this is not as effective as a coaxial wiring as the radio waves can
suffer from interference from environmental sources which decreases the quality of
the transmission. Another example is microwave transmission which can transmit in a
large area making it efficient for mobile phones. Microwave transmission is not
affected by many environmental factors unlike radio waves making it a more reliable
transmission method.