C27 45 min
Copper, fiber, and wireless media
Compare the three media IoT devices use to communicate.
The three media
| Medium | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Copper | Cheap, easy to terminate, familiar | Limited distance, interference |
| Fiber optic | High bandwidth, long distance, immune to EMI | Cost, fragile, specialist tools |
| Wireless | No cabling, mobile, flexible | Interference, security, range limits |
Choosing a medium
- Use copper for short, low-cost links inside a room or building.
- Use fiber for backbones and long runs between buildings.
- Use wireless where mobility or installation cost matters.
Check your understanding
- Which medium is immune to electromagnetic interference?
- Give one IoT scenario where wireless is the only practical choice.