Computer Network Basics for IBPS Specialist Officers - Important Factors to Consider When Selecting Transmission Media

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Friends, in our last post we have discussed about the Introduction of Transmission Media. Today we shall discuss about some factors which effect the selection of the Transmission Media. Ofcourse this post is not such an useful one for competitive exams. But you should know these topics to understand our upcoming topics better. The selection of transmission medium depends on two factors. Those are, Design Factors and Guided or Unguided media. Lets see them in detail,

• Design Factors : The key factors for designing a transmission system are data rate and distance of transmission. Following Factors determine the data rate and distance,
• Bandwidth : The grater the bandwidth of the signal, the higher the data rate can be achieved.
• Transmission Impairments : Transmission impairment such as attenuation, limit the distance (repeater spacing) for guided media.
• Important Note : Twisted pair generally suffer more impairment thatn co-axial cable.
• Inference : In overlapping frequency bands from competing signals can distort or wipe out a signal. This is an interference which is a problem for both guided and unguided media. For guided media interference is caused by emissions from nearby cables. Since they are bounded together. Proper shielding of guided media can minimize the problem.
• Number of Receivers : A guided media is used either for point-to-point  link or a shared link with multiple attachments. In multiple attachments, each attachment introduces some attenuation and distortion on teh link, this limits the distance and data rate. 
• Guided and Unguided media : Depending on the type of application and geographical situation, suitable guided or unguided media is chosen. 
• For long distance point-to-point transmission guided media are suitable.
• For long distance broadcasting transmission unguided media like microwave links are chosen.

Magnetic Media (Introduction)

One more popular method used for transport of data is to write the data onto magnetic tape or disks. These media physically transport the data from one computer to other. Magnetic media is most cost effective mode of data transport as compare to other media.

The effective bandwidth achieved is 19 Gbps. No computer network can approach this range. Also the cost per bit transported is very economical. It is further reducing due to increase in tape densities. Performance wise also the magnetic tape or disks are much better. 

That's all for now friends. From our next post we shall discuss the types of cables. Happy Reading :)

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