Transmission medium

There are several options on how you can connect the computers in your network the most common transmission media are the twisted pair and coaxial.

Twisted pair
It

is composed of 4 pairs of copper wire w/c are intertwined of twisted in pairs for purpose of cancelling out unwanted signals w/c can cause undesired results in the network. This is one of the most widely used communication media because it is inexpensive and widely available. Many uses the unshielded twisted pair (UTP) since the lack of shielding make it more flexible.

 UTP

or Unshielded Twisted Pair

Coaxial
This

cable is usually used in cable TV and has two conductors. The first conductors is a solid wire in the center. The other one is grounding wire that support the first wire with an insulator in between. Coaxial cable can carry data farther than twisted pair wires because of its unique shielding.

 Coaxial

Fiber optic cable

Instead

of transmitting electrical frequencies a fiber optic cable transmits pulsating beam of light. Compared to twisted pair and the coaxial cable, fiber optic can transmit vast amount of data the rate at which fiber optic data travels is equivalent to the speed of light. This type of cable is also immune from electromagnetic interference which is a problem for copper based media. However, fiber optic cable and its related hardware is relatively expensive compared to the other media.

 Fiber

optic cables

Wireless transmission
More

and more people now use wireless networking, also called Wi-Fi, to connect their computers at home or in the office. A person with a Wi-Fi device, such as a computer, laptop or personal digital assistant (PDA) can connect to the internet without cables in proximity a Wi-Fi access point.The region covered by one several access point is called Hot spot. Hot spot can range a single room to many square miles over tapping hot spots. You can connect to the internet w/out cables as long as you are in the hot spot

 Wireless

transmission

Router

Advantages and Disadvantages

Computer network have many advantages, through it can also have some disadvantages. Among the many benefits of network are: Reduce costs-every one in your office can share a single printer and a single high speed internet connection at the same time.

 Increases

efficiency-you can access files, pictures, etc. on any connected computers w/out having to save into a diskette, a USB flash drive, or burning CD. Economical purchasing-a software network licenses is relatively cheaper than purchasing individual licences. More productivity-shared internet access, means no need to wait to use the internet or e-mail. Every one can work simutaneously.

 Increase

communication-you can communicate w/others in networking using the e-mail or instant messaging (IM) software. Increase the efficiency of patching software -software updates needs only be installed once: some of disadvantages of network are the ff: *In a server/client relationship, server faults may prevent you from using the some app. or even from accessing your computer.

*Your system is open to hackers, especially if it is, connected to the internet of all times. *Resources, such as printers, might be located too far from you table