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Optical fiber advantages and wireless media

Short answer

Optical fibre offers larger bandwidth, lower attenuation (~0.2 dB/km), immunity to electromagnetic interference, high security, small size and electrical isolation. Wireless media include radio waves (omnidirectional, broadcasting/mobile), terrestrial microwave (line-of-sight, high capacity), satellite microwave (geostationary, ~250 ms delay), infrared (short-range), and free-space optics.

List out the advantages of optical fiber transmission media over twisted pair and co-axial cable. Also, explain different wireless transmission media in brief.

Advantages of optical fibre over twisted pair and coaxial cable

  • Very large bandwidth (THz range) – Gbps to Tbps with WDM.
  • Very low attenuation (~0.2 dB/km at 1550 nm), so repeater spacing of 50–100 km or more.
  • Immune to electromagnetic interference and lightning; no crosstalk between fibres.
  • High security – very hard to tap without detection.
  • Small size and light weight; easy to lay in ducts.
  • Electrical isolation – no ground loops, no sparks (safe in hazardous areas).
  • Made from silica (sand), long life, no corrosion.

Wireless transmission media

  1. Radio waves (3 kHz–1 GHz, mainly HF, VHF, UHF): omnidirectional; ground wave and sky wave (HF reflected by ionosphere gives long range); used for AM/FM broadcasting, mobile radio, cellular phones. Prone to fading and interference.
  2. Terrestrial microwave (1–40 GHz): directional parabolic dishes on towers, line of sight, repeater every 40–60 km; high capacity trunks and mobile backhaul; affected by rain and obstruction.
  3. Satellite microwave: a geostationary satellite (about 36,000 km) receives the uplink and retransmits the downlink; very wide coverage, ideal for remote and international links (VSAT); one-way delay about 250 ms.
  4. Infrared: short-range (few metres), line of sight, cannot pass walls; TV remotes, IrDA.
  5. Free-space optics / light wave: laser links between buildings; high rate but affected by fog.

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

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