Wireless Media (Unguided media)

Infrared Wave Radio Wave Micro Wave Satellite Link

Transmission Transmission Transmission

Short Range Long Range Long Range Very Long Range

Communication: Communication : Communication Communication : Satellite
Infrared waves can Radio waves can Microwave signals is a relay station in orbit
travel from a few cover distances travel at a higher above the earth that receive
centimetres to several ranging from a few frequency than radio from one end of earth
meters.(Approx. 5m ) meters (in walkie- waves and are used (uplink) regenerates, and
talkies) up to covering for transmitting data redirects signals to other end
an entire city over several miles or of earth (downlink).
kilometres.
Line of Sight Omnidirectional: Line of Sight Line of Sight Propagation
Propagation: Infrared Radio waves are Propagation: Since microwave signals
uses point to point propagated in all Microwaves towers cannot bend around the
communication, both directions. Therefore transmitting and curvature of earth.
transmitter and sending and receiving antennas Satellite act as a relay
receiver should be receiving antennas need to be properly between the transmitting
placed in line of sight do not have to be aligned. earth stations covering the
of each other and aligned. Radio entire surface of earth
there should not be waves can easily
any obstacle in- bend along
between. mountains and
reach valleys.
Cannot Penetrate Penetrates Solid Cannot Penetrate Cannot Penetrate Solid
Solid Objects : Objects: Radio Solid Objects: High Objects: Signals can get
Infrared waves can receivers can catch towers are built and blocked by solid material or
propagate throughout the signal inside microwave antennas objects such as rocks, wood
a room but could not buildings also. Thus are put on their tops or solid building structures
cross the walls of the it can be used for so that signal does
room, so that the both indoor and not get blocked by
remote does not outdoor building structures
interfere with communication
appliances
in other room
Inexpensive Inexpensive Very Expensive Very Expensive: Placing
mode of mode of mode of the satellite into orbit
communication: communication communication: involves very high cost.
Infrared Radio waves are the Signals become weak Installation is extremely
communication is a most economical way after travelling as it complex. But, satellite
common, of communicating. It gets absorbed by communication is very
inexpensive, and easy is cheaper than laying atmosphere. So economical keeping in
to use wireless cables and fibres. repeaters are used at mind the fact that the
communication regular intervals (25- area covered quite large.
technology. 30 km). Towers are
expensive
to build.
Secure : At a time Insecure: Radio wave Insecure: Microwave Insecure: Signals sent to a
only two devices can communication is communication is an satellite are broadcasted to
communicate insecure insecure all receivers, so necessary
therefore information communication. communication. security measures have to
passed to one device Multiple channels be taken to prevent
is not leaked to are available. It can Tampering of data.
another device carry 25000 voice
channels at
the same time.

Could not be used for Communication over Communication over No restrictions of difficult
long and difficult difficult terrains: difficult terrains: terrains such as natural
terrains Since no cables are to Since no cables are to mountains, tall building,
be laid down and no be laid down and no towers etc.
digging is to be done, digging is to be done
it offers ease of so it offers ease of
communication over communication over
difficult terrains like difficult terrains like
hilly areas. hilly areas.
Not Susceptible Susceptible To Susceptible To Susceptible To Weather
To Weather Weather : Radio wave Weather: Microwave Transmission is affected by
Conditions propagation is propagation is weather conditions like rain,
susceptible to weather susceptible to thunderstorm etc.
effects like rains, weather effects like
thunder storms etc. rains, thunder storms
etc.
USES: TV remotes, USES: Cordless USES: It is used for USES: Communicate
Cordless mouse, phones, AM and FM long distance anywhere in the world
and Intrusion radio broadcast, telephonic
detectors, Garage door communications.
automotive garage openers etc.
doors,
wireless speakers etc.