Transmission Media – Long Answer Questions
Medium Level (Application & Explanation)
Q1. Explain how Ethernet cables help build a small Local Area Network (LAN). Include uses, cable types, and limits.
Answer:
- Ethernet cables connect PCs, routers, and switches in a LAN.
- They use eight wires and need an Ethernet adapter on devices.
- They have less power consumption and give a stable connection.
- A straight-through cable connects a computer to a router or switch.
- A crossover cable connects two computers directly without a hub.
- They have distance and durability limits, so long runs may not work well.
- Choose Ethernet for reliable speed and simple setups at home or school.
Q2. Describe the structure and benefits of coaxial cables. Also explain baseband vs broadband uses.
Answer:
- A coaxial cable has a central copper wire, insulation, and a shield.
- This design gives better immunity to electromagnetic disturbance.
- It offers high bandwidth and is inexpensive as a material.
- But installation and maintenance can be costly.
- Baseband coaxial carries a single signal and is used in some LANs.
- Broadband coaxial carries multiple signals and goes longer distances.
- TV services use coaxial because it handles high-frequency signals well.
Q3. What is an optical fiber cable? Explain its structure, speed, and where it is commonly used.
Answer:
- Optical fiber uses light signals to send data at very high speed.
- It has a glass core with protective layers around it.
- It gives high bandwidth and resists interference very well.
- It is fragile and maintenance can be expensive.
- Internet providers and data centers use it for fast transfer.
- In LANs, fiber is chosen for high-speed and reliable links.
- Use it when you need speed, stability, and future growth.
Q4. Compare Ethernet, coaxial, and optical fiber based on bandwidth, interference, cost, and typical use.
Answer:
- Ethernet cables are common in homes and offices for LANs.
- They are stable, use less power, but have distance limits.
- Coaxial cables offer high bandwidth and good immunity to noise.
- Coaxial is often used in TV and some LAN cases but can be costly to install.
- Optical fiber gives the highest bandwidth and best interference resistance.
- Fiber is used for high-speed and long-distance links but is fragile and costly to maintain.
- Choose based on speed needs, budget, and environment.
Q5. Explain Wi‑Fi as a wireless transmission medium. Mention how it works, its benefits, and limits.
Answer:
- Wi‑Fi creates a WLAN using radio waves.
- It connects multiple devices like phones, laptops, and tablets.
- It is inexpensive and allows anywhere access within the coverage area.
- Wi‑Fi is usually slower than wired connections.
- It has higher power consumption and can face noise interference.
- Use Wi‑Fi for mobility and easy sharing, not for top speed.
- Homes, offices, and coffee shops use Wi‑Fi for
conveniencemeaning of word here
.
High Complexity (Analysis & Scenario-Based)
Q6. A school wants to connect two computer labs and the office. Suggest a mix of media and justify your choices.
Answer:
- Use optical fiber between labs and office for high speed and stable backbone.
- Fiber gives high bandwidth and resists interference from other equipment.
- Inside each lab, use Ethernet cables to connect PCs to switches.
- Ethernet gives a stable connection and uses less power.
- For staff mobility, add Wi‑Fi for wireless access in office areas.
- Avoid long Ethernet runs; fiber handles longer distances better.
- This mix balances speed, cost, and
conveniencemeaning of word here
.
Q7. A home user games online and streams 4K videos. They also use phones and tablets. Design a connection plan.
Answer:
- Connect the router to the ISP line.
- Use straight‑through Ethernet cables from the router to the gaming PC and TV box.
- Wired links give stable, low‑latency connections for gaming and 4K.
- Set up Wi‑Fi for phones and tablets to allow mobility.
- Keep the router in a central place to reduce interference and weak spots.
- Use Ethernet for devices that need speed and stability.
- Use Wi‑Fi for devices that need flexibility.
Q8. A cable TV provider and a university campus both need networks. Recommend suitable cables for each and explain why.
Answer:
- The cable TV provider should use coaxial cables.
- Coaxial handles high‑frequency signals and supports broadband for multiple channels.
- It has good immunity to disturbances, so signals stay clear.
- The university campus should use optical fiber for the backbone.
- Fiber gives high bandwidth and fast data for labs and servers.
- Inside buildings, use Ethernet to connect PCs and switches.
- This setup matches each use case’s signal type and speed needs.
Q9. A health camp is set up in a remote area with no wired network. They must send reports daily. Propose a solution.
Answer:
- Use satellite communication to connect the camp to the main office.
- Satellites receive, amplify, and relay signals over long distances.
- Set up a ground station dish at the camp for uplink and downlink.
- Inside the camp, create a Wi‑Fi network for staff devices.
- This avoids the need for wires and works where cables are not present.
- If available later, upgrade to optical fiber for long‑term speed.
- For now, satellite ensures reliable reach from a remote place.
Q10. Compare wired and wireless media for reliability and power use. Advise how to choose for different tasks.
Answer:
- Wired media like Ethernet and fiber are more stable and face less interference.
- Ethernet also uses less power on devices compared to Wi‑Fi.
- Wireless (Wi‑Fi) offers mobility and easy connection for many devices.
- But Wi‑Fi can be slower and affected by noise and obstacles.
- Choose wired for gaming, video streaming, and data‑heavy tasks.
- Choose Wi‑Fi for portability and shared access in open areas.
- Match the medium to the speed, stability, and
conveniencemeaning of word here
you need.