A transmission media is a channel or path that transmits information from one medium to another. It is the physical path between the transmitter and the receiver.
There are two broad categories of transmission media. They are
- Guided Media : Guided media carries signals and information via wired or bounded transmission media. Information flows in fix directed path and is confined in narrow pathway by using physical links. The features of guided media are 1) high speed, ii) secure and iii) used for short or localized range only (LAN). Examples: LAN cable, fiber optics cable, laser.
- Unbound or Unguided Media : Unguided medium transport information in the form of electromagnetic waves without having to need physical conductor. This type of media is often referred as wireless media. Types of unguided media are radio waves, microwaves, infrared waves. Its features are
a. The signal is broadcasted through air/vacuum.
b. The communication is less secure
c. This method is used for large distances.