What is the term for a communication medium that requires a physical connection?

The term for a communication medium that requires a physical connection is "guided." Guided communications rely on a physical medium to transmit signals, such as cables or fiber optics. This means that the information travels through a defined pathway, allowing for greater control over the signal integrity and reduced interference from external sources. Situations where a guided medium is employed include telephone lines, Ethernet cables, and coaxial cables, which are all essential for reliable and high-quality communication.

The other options—like wireless and unguided—refer to communication methods that do not require a physical connection, utilizing radio waves or other electromagnetic frequencies to transmit data through the air. Analog, on the other hand, is a method of signal representation and does not describe the physical medium itself. Therefore, guided is the most accurate term in this context.