What are the different types of communication media?

Overview

Communication media are the means of transmitting information from a sender to a receiver. It can be divided into two main types: print media and electronic media.

Print media

Print media is the oldest and simplest type of communication media. It includes newspapers, books, magazines, and so on.

Electronic media

Electronic media is the type of communication media that uses electronic devices to share information. It can be divided either into analog and digital media or into guided and unguided media.

Analog media

Analog media uses analog signalsAn analog signal is a continuous signal represented by a waveform. to transmit data. It includes radio, VCR, older televisions, and so on. The VGA interface that PCs use to output video is also analog.

Digital media

In the case of digital media, digital signalsA digital signal is a discrete signal represented by 0s and 1s. are used to transmit data. It consists of the internet and all digital electronic devices. The internet can be further divided into email, social media, and so on, and can be used to send and receive messages instantaneously.

Guided media

Guided media includes the transmission of data through the use of wires. The signal can be either digital, such as one that uses fiber optic cables, or analog, such as one transmitted via television signals.

Unguided media

Also known as wireless media, this includes the transmission of data without any physical medium. Wireless media can also be either analog, such as radio signals, or digital, such as Wi-Fi.