Question

Differentiate between Guided (Twisted Pair, Fiber Optic) and Unguided (Radio, Microwave) transmission media.

Hint:

Guided = Wired (controlled path), Unguided = Wireless (signals travel freely in air).

Answer 1

Concept: Transmission Media

Transmission media are classified based on how signals travel from sender to receiver:

• Guided (Wired) Media
• Unguided (Wireless) Media

 

Step 1: Guided Transmission Media

• Signals travel through physical cables.
• The path is fixed and controlled.

Examples:

Type	Features
Twisted Pair Cable	• Two copper wires twisted together • Used in telephones and LANs • Low cost but limited bandwidth
Fiber Optic Cable	• Uses light signals through glass fibers • Very high speed and bandwidth • Immune to electromagnetic interference

 

Step 2: Unguided Transmission Media

• Signals travel through air or vacuum.
• No physical connection is required.

Examples:

Type	Features
Radio Waves	• Used in broadcasting and Wi-Fi • Can travel long distances
Microwaves	• Used in satellite and mobile communication • Requires line-of-sight transmission

 

Step 3: Key Differences

Feature	Guided Media	Unguided Media
Medium	Physical cables	Air/space
Reliability	More stable	More interference
Speed	High (especially fiber)	Moderate to high
Mobility	Limited	High (wireless)

 

Conclusion

Guided media provide secure and stable communication through cables, while unguided media enable wireless communication with greater flexibility and mobility.