1. Difference:-Twisted pair: Twisted pair is a transmission medium in which two insulated wires are twisted together in a certain way. There are two kinds of common twisted pair: unshielded twisted pair (UTP) and shielded twisted pair (STP). Twisted pair is suitable for short-distance data transmission, such as local area network and telephone line. -Optical fiber: Optical fiber is a transmission medium that uses optical signals to transmit data. It consists of a fiber core and a sheath wrapped outside. Optical fiber has the characteristics of high bandwidth and low loss, and is suitable for long-distance high-speed data transmission, such as wide area network and optical fiber communication. -Coaxial cable: Coaxial cable is a transmission medium, which consists of a central conductor, an insulating layer, a shielding layer and an outer sheath. Coaxial cable is suitable for short-distance data transmission, such as TV signal and cable TV.
2. Advantages and disadvantages:-Advantages of twisted pair:-Low cost: The manufacturing and installation costs of twisted pair are relatively low. -High flexibility: twisted pair is suitable for various application scenarios, such as telephone lines and local area networks. -Strong anti-interference ability: The twisted structure of twisted pair can reduce the influence of external interference on signals. -Disadvantages of twisted pair:-Limited transmission distance: The transmission distance of twisted pair is relatively short, which is suitable for short-distance communication such as local area network. -Low bandwidth: The bandwidth of twisted pair is relatively low, which limits the data transmission rate. -Advantages of optical fiber:-High bandwidth: Optical fiber has high bandwidth and can support high-speed data transmission. -Low loss: the signal transmission loss of optical fiber is low, which can realize long-distance transmission. -Strong anti-interference ability: optical fiber has strong anti-electromagnetic interference and signal attenuation ability. -Disadvantages of optical fiber:-High initial investment: high equipment and installation cost of optical fiber. -Complicated installation and maintenance: The installation and maintenance of optical fiber is relatively complicated, requiring the operation of professional technicians. -Advantages of coaxial cable:-Long transmission distance: The transmission distance of coaxial cable is relatively long, which is suitable for some long-distance communication. -Strong anti-interference ability: the shielding layer of coaxial cable can reduce the influence of external interference on signals. -Disadvantages of coaxial cable:-Low bandwidth: The bandwidth of coaxial cable is relatively low, which limits the data transmission rate. -Complicated installation and maintenance: The installation and maintenance of coaxial cable is relatively complicated, requiring the operation of professional technicians. To sum up, twisted pair, optical fiber and coaxial cable have their own applicable scenarios, advantages and disadvantages. In practical application, appropriate transmission media should be selected according to communication requirements and budget.