In this section of my blog, I will be discussing different transmission methods and why those particular methods are used in particular situations:

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1 In this section of my blog, I will be discussing different transmission methods and why those particular methods are used in particular situations: Transmission Methods are a variety of different methods and techniques which can be used to transfer data/signals from one location to another. Transmission methods vary substantially, this is because of the number of different methods, and these include both wired and wireless methods of transmission. Coaxial - Coaxial in terms of transmission is defined as the transmission of data by the use of two concentric conductors which are separated by an insulator. An advantage of coaxial wiring is very inexpensive compared to other methods, and also doesn t allow interference to have an impact on the quality of video and image (its main purpose. Coaxial wiring is generally for televisions, an example of this would be sky boxes etc.). A disadvantage of coaxial transmission is that the wires are generally large in size, and they can sometimes be hard to install, and remove because they screw onto the electronic device. Other methods may not be used because they cannot guarantee no interference to the signal from other sources. Optical Fibre - The definition of optical fibre is a flexible, transparent fibre which is made out of plastic/glass with the width of less than that of human hair. Optical fibre wires are coated with multiple layers of plastic and are used for telecommunication or supply high speed internet connection. One of the advantages of optical fibre transmission would an increase to the bandwidth available, this would be beneficial because this allows more data to be transferred in a short time period. Another of the advantages of optical fibre would be its heightened security, this is because data being transferred by the use of optical fibre cannot be intercepted by outside parties. One of the disadvantages of optical fibre is that the instillation is expensive. An example where optical fibre is used is in the long distance transmission of data.

2 Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) UTP is a common type of cable which consists of two wires, which are twisted around each other multiple times. An example of this type of transmission is that they are cheap, and this therefore makes them popular. A disadvantage of UTP is that the bandwidth isn t as high as other methods, such as optical fibre. Also the level of security isn t as secure as that offered by the use of optical fibre. An example where UTP would be used would be in a limited area network. Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) STP is a common type of wire in which consists of two copper wires which are twisted around each other multiple times and are shielded by insulating. The wire is covered in order to reduce the levels of electromagnetic interference from affecting the performance of the internet. The advantages of this type of transmission is that it carries data at a very high speed, this therefore means that this type of wiring is suitable to be used in Ethernet networks, especially those which operate at a high speed. A disadvantage of this type of transmission is the price, the price and installation can be very large. Also these wires are fairly large in size which can make them harder to install.

3 Infra-Red Infrared is defined as an invisible energy which is contagious to the red end of any visible spectrum and contains electromagnetic radiation in the wavelengths which are between 800 nm 1mm in length. Many devices use infra-red radiation in order to work, an example of this would be TV remote which uses electromagnetic radiation in order to function. An advantage of infra-red is that it is cheaper than other similar technologies, therefore making it desirable. A disadvantage of infra-red is that it only works over a short distance (a few metres) and only works in the line of sight of the object. Radio Radio is a form of transmission of electromagnetic signals through the air or free space. An example of one of these signals would be sound. A disadvantage of radio is that it can often become unclear when the signal drops, this be affected by the whether etc. An advantage radio is that in enables the user to communicate with others without the use of wires. An example of where a radio can be used would be in cars, this allows the user to listen to music while their on the move.

4 Microwave Microwaves are a form of electromagnetic radiation in which the length of the waves differ in size. An advantage of the use of microwaves is that no cables are used in the transmission, multiple channels are also available and data is transmitted at a high bandwidth. A disadvantage of the use of microwaves is that if the line of sight in obscured, such as a building being locating in the way the signal will be disputed. Also Microwave towers are expensive to build. Examples of where microwaves are used is to cook food, and also by mobile phones, this is because they are generated by a small antenna which means that the phone can also be small in size. Satellite Satellites can be used for communication, the definition of a satellite is an artificial device which orbits the earth for the purpose of communication. The advantage of

5 communication via the use of satellites would be that they allow for a high bandwidth, are fairly cheap and also cover a large area due to their position. The disadvantages of the use of satellites would be that they have a huge initial costs, this is for the original device, and another disadvantage would be that they can suffer from large amounts of interference which therefore affects their quality. An example of where a satellite can be used would be in order to study changes in the atmosphere, and also aid predicting the weather. Comparison Each of the transmission methods mentions have different uses and are more effective than others when used for certain purposes. An example of this would be coaxial wiring which is used to on devices such as Sky Boxes etc. This is effective for its purposes because it ensures that the signal does not suffer from any interference from other sources which would therefore decrease the quality of the image. This therefore makes it effective for its purpose. For example of a signal was transmitted via the use of radio waves for example than it prone to suffering from interference from other sources and therefore decreasing the quality of the picture. Another comparison which could occur which is which transmission method would be best used for internet. A UTP is an effective choice because it is cheap to install, however does not offer the same bandwidth and security as other methods. A STP offers better security than an UTP however still falls behind fibre optic when it comes to bandwidth and security. Each of the methods are effective to their use because each has their benefit. If a user is going for the cheapest method possible than a UTP would be recommended, this is because this cheap to install and other costs which come with broadband are cheaper because it does not support very high bandwidth or offer security. A STP offers better security which therefore gives it an advantage over a UTP, however it is more expensive to install because the wires are more expensive. A optical fibre wire has is more effective in both of the areas. It supports very high broadband speeds and also offers vast amounts of security (more than UTP and STP). However a downside to this is that it is very expensive to install compare to other methods, also purchasing a high bandwidth speed is more expensive also. Microwaves are affective for their use, this is because they can work in a large area, this is ideal for items such as mobile phones because this ensures that they can be used in a vast amount of places, also microwaves require a small antenna in order for them to connect, this also makes them ideal for mobile phones since this allows them to stay a small size. Microwaves are the most effective transmission method

6 used for mobile phones because other alternatives such as radio waves because they can be affected by the whether etc. which would have an impact on businesses etc.