Unguided media

Updated: 12/26/2023 by Computer Hope
Wireless router

With computer networking and telecommunications, unguided media describes any medium where a signal is transmitted over the air or in a vacuum and uses no cable. For example, Wi-Fi is an example of an unguided media.

Unguided media is used to help differentiate between guided media, where a signal is transmitted over a cable.

What are the advantages of unguided media?

Advantages unguided media has over guided media include ease of installation, ability to transit through walls, and the ability to roam. Unguided media is an excellent and sometimes the only solution for transmitting a signal over a long distance. For example, installing a cell tower in an area without cellular coverage provides a signal to all buildings in that area without adding cables. Unguided media can also transmit a signal through walls, which makes getting an Internet connection to each room in a house possible without a wired connection. Finally, unguided media allows laptops and smartphones to roam around without needing to be attached to a cable.

Media, Network terms, Wireless