Chapter 7: Transmission Media and Physical Layer

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What is the main difference between step index and graded index fibers?

Graded index fibers have a narrower diameter than step index fibers

Density of the core remains constant in step index but decreases gradually in graded index (correct)

Step index fibers have higher density than graded index fibers

Step index fibers are single mode while graded index fibers are multimode

What is a characteristic of radio waves according to the text?

Travel through a physical conductor for communication

Transmitted in all directions from the antenna (correct)

Radiate upward into the ionosphere for reflection

Required to be transmitted in straight lines directly between antennas

Which type of fiber has a critical angle close to 90 degrees, resulting in almost horizontal beam propagation?

Single mode fiber (correct)

Graded index fiber

Multimode fiber

Step index fiber

Which propagation method allows for greater distances with lower output power?

Sky propagation Signup and view all the answers

What defines optical fibers based on their core to cladding diameter ratio?

Fiber types Signup and view all the answers

What type of communication is often referred to as wireless communication?

Unguided media communication Signup and view all the answers

What type of connector is used for cable TV networks?

SC connector Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of radio waves according to the text?

Interference from other signals Signup and view all the answers

Which application benefits from the higher bandwidth and immunity to electromagnetic interference of optical fiber?

Backbone networks Signup and view all the answers

Which frequency range characterizes radio waves?

$3$ kHz - $1$ GHz Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of optical fiber over traditional copper wires in communication networks?

Less signal attenuation Signup and view all the answers

In which propagation method must antennas be directional and face each other directly?

Line of sight propagation Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a BNC connector in networking?

To carry signals of higher frequency ranges in coaxial cables Signup and view all the answers

In the context of coaxial cables, what is the significance of the RG rating?

Identifies the quality and thickness of the coaxial cable Signup and view all the answers

How does a solid central core conductor differ from a stranded central core conductor in coaxial cables?

Stranded conductor is composed of multiple wire strands, while solid conductor is a single wire Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of optical fiber over coaxial cables in data transmission?

Greater resistance to electromagnetic interference Signup and view all the answers

In which applications are coaxial cables commonly used?

Satellite communication Signup and view all the answers

What type of lines connect subscribers to the central telephone office?

Local loop lines Signup and view all the answers