Connections

Connections:

A computer network, or data network, is a digital telecommunications network which allows nodes to share resources. In computer networks, networked computing devices exchange data with each other using a data link. The connections between nodes are established using either cable media or wireless media.

Wired Technologies – Twisted Pair Cable, Coaxial Cable, Optical Fibre:

Wired technologies refer to the transmission of data (communication) over a wire based technology. The following are the types of wired technologies:

Twisted Pair Cable: Atype of cable that consists of two independently insulated wires twisted around one another. The use of two wires twisted together helps to reduce crosstalk and electromagnetic induction. Twisted- pair cable is the least expensive type of local-area network (LAN) cable.

Coaxial Cable: Coaxial cable is a type of electrical cable that has an inner conductor surrounded by a tubular insulating layer, surrounded by a tubular conducting shield. Along with stable transmission of data, coaxial cables also have anti-jamming capabilities and can effectively protect signals from being interfered.

Optical Fibre: An optical fibre cable consists of a centre glass core surrounded by several layers of protective material. Instead of transferring data over copper wires, these cables contain optical fibres that transmit data via light. Each optical fibre is individually coated with plastic layers and contained in a protective tube, making it extremely resistant to external interference.Optical fibre deployment is more expensive than copper but offers higher band width and can cover longer distances.

Wireless Technologies – :

Bluetooth, Infrared Radio Link, Satellite Link:

Wireless technologyis the transfer of information between two or more points that are not connected by an electrical conductor.

Bluetooth: Bluetooth is a wireless technology for exchanging data over short distances using short-wave length UHF radio waves from fixed and mobile devices, and building personal area networks (PANs).

Infrared Radio Link: IR wireless is the use of wireless technology in devices or systems that convey data through infrared (IR) radiation. IR wireless is used for short-and medium-range communications and control.

Satellite Link: Satellite is a wireless technology having significant importance across the globe. They have found wide spread use in specialized situations.The devices using satellite technology to communicate directly with the orbiting satellite through radio signals. This allows users to stay connected virtually from anywhere on the earth. Portable satellite phones and modems have powerful broadcast feature and reception hardware than the cellular devices due to the increased range.The satellite communication consists of a space segment and a ground segment. When the signal is sent to the satellite through a device, the satellite amplifies the signal and sent it back to the receiver antenna which is located on the earth’s surface. The ground segment consists of a transmitter, receiver and the space segment, which is the satellite itself.

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is a low-cost wireless communication technology. A WiFi setup consists of a wireless router which serves a communication hub, linking portable device with an internet connection.This network facilitates connection of many devices depending on the router configuration. These networks are limited in range due to the low power transmission, allowing the user to connect only in the close proximity.