Devices on the network share access to a common network medium, which provides a channel for network traffic. Media can be either of the following:

• Bounded signals, which are controlled or confined to a specific path by traveling over copper or fiber optic cable
• Unbounded signals, which travel using a wireless radio wave

The following is a diagram that represents various types of network media:

For enterprise networks, multiple types of media make up the networking environment and include copper ad fiber optic cable, and wireless transmissions. Each media type will influence the data flow.

Let's begin by reviewing copper, which is subdivided into two categories, coaxial and twisted pair.