Final Answer:
Different classes of transmission channels include guided (wired) and unguided (wireless) media. Guided channels encompass twisted pair, coaxial cable, and fiber optics, while unguided channels include radio waves, microwaves, and infrared waves.
Explanation:
Transmission channels can be broadly categorized into guided and unguided media. Guided channels, also known as wired media, include twisted pair, coaxial cable, and fiber optics.
Twisted pair cables, depicted by two insulated copper wires twisted together, are cost-effective and widely used in telephone networks and Ethernet connections. Coaxial cables, characterized by a central conductor surrounded by insulation and a metal shield, offer high bandwidth and are common in cable television and high-speed internet connections.
Fiber optics use light signals transmitted through glass or plastic fibers and are renowned for high-speed data transmission, often used in long-distance communications due to their immunity to electromagnetic interference.
Unguided channels, or wireless media, encompass radio waves, microwaves, and infrared waves. Radio waves utilize antennas for communication, prevalent in broadcasting and wireless networking. Microwaves enable high-capacity data transmission, employed in satellite communication and microwave ovens. Infrared waves are utilized in remote controls and short-range communication systems.
Each class of transmission channel comes with its own set of advantages and limitations. Guided media offer high data transfer rates, immunity to external interference, but are limited by distance and installation complexities. Unguided media, on the other hand, provide flexibility and mobility but can suffer from signal interference and limited range.