Frequently Asked Questions on UnGuided Media

What is UnGuided Media?

Unguided media is a type of Transmission Media. A transmission medium is a physical path between the transmitter and the receiver. Unguided media transport electromagnetic waves without using a physical conductor. It is also known as unbounded or wireless media, and does not rely on physical pathways to transmit signals. Instead, they use wireless communication methods to propagate signals through the air or free space....

Types of Unguided Media

Unguided Media...

1. Radio Waves

Radio waves are electromagnetic signals used for various wireless communication technologies, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and radio broadcasting. Electromagnetic waves ranging in frequencies between 3 kHz and 1 GHz are normally called radio waves. Radio waves are omnidirectional. When an antenna transmits radio waves, they are propagated in all directions. This means that the sending and receiving antennas do not have to be aligned. A sending antenna sends waves that can be received by any receiving antenna. The omnidirectional property has a disadvantage, too. The radio waves transmitted by one antenna are susceptible to interference by another antenna that may send signals using the same frequency or band....

2. Microwaves

Electromagnetic waves having frequencies between 1 and 300 GHz are called microwaves. Microwaves are unidirectional. The sending and receiving antennas need to be aligned. The unidirectional property has an obvious advantage. A pair of antennas can be aligned without interfering with another pair of aligned antennas....

1. Terrestrial Microwave

Terrestrial Microwave are microwaves that transmits the beam of a radio signal from one ground based antenna to another ground based antenna....

2. Satellite Microwave Communication

A satellite is a object that revolve around the earth. A satellite microwave is a type of communication technology that uses microwave radio waves to transmit data between a ground-based station and an orbiting satellite....

3. Infrared

Infrared waves, with frequencies from 300 GHz to 400 THz (wavelengths from 1 mm to 770 nm), can be used for short-range communication. Infrared waves, having high frequencies, cannot penetrate walls. This advantageous characteristic prevents interference between one system and another; a short range communication system in one room cannot be affected by another system in the next room. When we use our infrared remote control, we do not interfere with the use of the remote by our neighbours. Infrared signals useless for long-range communication. In addition, we cannot use infrared waves outside a building because the sun’s rays contain infrared waves that can interfere with the communication. It is used in TV remotes, wireless mouse, keyboard, printer, etc....

Advantages of Unguided Media

Flexibility: Devices can connect from anywhere within the signal range, providing mobility and convenience. Allowing devices to communicate without the need for physical connections. Easy to install. Scalability: Adding new devices or expanding the network is straightforward and doesn’t require extensive reconfiguration....

Disadvantages of Unguided Media

Interference: Signals can be disrupted by other electronic devices and weather conditions. Security: It is easier for unauthorized people to access and intercept wireless signals. Range Limitations: Wireless signals have a limited range. Signal Quality: Obstacles like buildings and walls can decrease signal quality. Bandwidth: Generally, unguided media can offer lower bandwidth compared to guided media....

Conclusion

In conclusion, unguided media, such as radio waves and infrared signals, offer valuable communication solutions. Radio waves enable omni-directional broadcasting and multicasting, while infrared signals used in short-range, line-of-sight applications. Their applications range from wireless communication technologies to security systems, automotive safety, and consumer electronics, making them integral to modern technology and convenience....

Frequently Asked Questions on UnGuided Media – FAQs

What challenges does interference pose to radio waves in wireless communication?...