2.
2 Unguided Transmission media, radio waves, Microwaves, Infrared
and satellite
Unguided media does not use conductor or wire as wireless media, instead
it uses the air or vacuum as medium to carry the information from transmitter to
receiver.
A transmitter first converts the data signal into electromagnetic waves and
transmits them using a suitable antenna.
The receiver receives them using a receiving antenna and converts the EM
waves into data signal again.
Electromagnetic spectrum :
Electromagnetic waves of different frequencies are used for different
communication applications.
The electromagnetic spectrum used for wireless communication. The signal
from sender to receiver travels in the form of electromagnetic radiation through
air.
The electromagnetic spectrum is the term used by scientists to describe the
entire range of light that exists. From radio waves to gamma rays, most of the light
in the universe is, in fact, invisible to us. Light is a wave of alternating electric and
magnetic fields.
The electromagnetic spectrum used for wireless communication. Signal
travels from sender to receiver in the form of electromagnetic radiation through air.
Propagation methods :
1. Groundwave propagation(3KHz to 300 Khz)
2. Sky propagation (300Khz to 30Mhz)
3. Space propagation or line of sight propagation(330Mhz to 3000Ghz)
Types of Unguided media (wireless media):
4. Radio waves 2. Microwave 3. Infrared 4. Satellite
1. Radiowaves :
Radio waves have frequencies between 10 Khz and 1 Ghz. The range of
electromagnetic spectrum between 10Khz and 1Ghz is called radio waves.
Radio waves include the following types:
1. Short wave used in AM radio
2. Very high frequency(VHF) used in FM radio and TV
3. Ultra High frequency (UHF) used in TV
The radio frequency bands are regulated and require a license from
the regulatory body.
Radio waves can broadcast omnidirectionally.
Various types of antennas are used to broadcast these signals are as:
1. Radio tower 2. Half-wave dipole 3. Radom-length wire 4.Yagi
The power of RF signal is determined by the antenna and transceiver.
Applications :
1. Cellular communication 2. Wireless LAN 3. Point to point to multipoint
radio systems 4. Satellite communication
Advantages :
Radio waves are used for communication such as television and radio.
Radio waves are transmitted easily through air.
They do not cause damage if absorbed by the human body, and they can be
reflected and refracted to change their direction.
Disadvantages:
Radio transmission can be interfered with other senders, or electrical devices
can destroy data transmitted via radio.
Bluetooth is simple than infrared. Radio is only permitted in certain frequency
bands. Shielding is not so simple.
UWB : Ultra-wideband is a radio technology that can use a very low energy level
for short-range, high-bandwidth communications over a large portion of
the radio spectrum. UWB has traditional applications in non-cooperative
radar imaging. The information can also be modulated on UWB
signals (pulses) by encoding.
2. Microwave :
Microwave frequencies range between 109 Hz (1 GHz) to 1000 GHz with
respective wavelengths of 30 to 0.03 cm. Within this spectral domain are a
number of communication systems applications that are important in both
the military and civilian sectors.
Cell phone signals are carried through the air as microwaves. You can see
how this works in the Figure below. A cell phone encodes the sounds of the
caller's voice in microwaves by changing the frequency of the waves. This is
called frequency modulation. Micro-oven uses 2.45Ghz frequency band of
microwaves.
There are two types of microwave data communication systems
1. Terristrial 2. Satellite
1. Terrestrial Microwave system: These systems use parabolic antennas.
The signals are highly focused and the physical path must be line of sight.
Relay towers are used to extend the range. Smaller terrestrial microwave
systems can be used even within a building.
2. Satellite communication system : This uses satellites to transmit the
information.
Advantages of Microwaves
Supports larger bandwidth and hence more information is transmitted.
More antenna gain is possible.
Higher data rates are transmitted as the bandwidth is more.
Antenna size gets reduced, as the frequencies are higher.
Low power consumption as the signals are of higher frequencies.
Disadvantages of Microwaves
Cost of equipment or installation cost is high.
They are bulky and occupy more space.
Electromagnetic interference may occur.
Variations in dielectric properties with temperatures may occur.
Inherent inefficiency of electric power.
Signal strength at the receiving antenna reduces due to multipath reception.
5G Health Hazard risk of brain tumors concept background.
5G cellular mobile networks is high-speed Internet for new generation phones.
5G global innovation vector illustration
