Comparative Analysis of the Effect of Distance on Signal Strength using Selected Communication Media

Abstract

This paper presents an investigation of the effect of distance on communication via optical fibre single mode and multimode structure. It also gives a comparative analysis of transmission over radio wave and fibre optic links. First, data were collected at different distances in the multimode and single mode optic fibre link, recorded and analyzed. Secondly, data was taken and compared to multimode fibre optic and microwave (18GHz) links. It was observed that communication through multimode optic fibre link degraded noticeably with the increase in distance in comparison with the single mode optic fibre link. In comparison with the 18GHhz microwave link, the multimode fibre optic link performed better as a communication medium. This information is especially useful for making critical decisions for the deployment of future communication infrastructure.