Networking cables are helpful to connect two or more devices like a computer, scanner, printer, etc., to share the data, resources, and information with each other. There are various types of cable in networking useful for different purposes and on different mediums. Network’s physical layer, topology, and size are the factors that decide which type of cables can be useful on that device or for that particular purpose.
Different types of technologies apply to different network connections. For instance, patch cables are useful for short-distance connections in offices. Twisted or coaxial cables are useful for electrical connections within the buildings. Optical cables are useful for long-distance communication that requires high bandwidth.
Also, did you know you have been using ethernet cable via your WiFi. Ethernet cables like bulk cat6 cable and bulk cat5e cable are useful for easy use of wireless networking. Bulk cat5e cable and bulk cat6 cable are standardised twisted pair cables for Ethernet. They support Gigabit Ethernet segments up to 100 m. Additionally, they also allow you to use 10-Gigabit networks over a limited distance
This way there are many types of cables useful for different purposes.
Let us have a look at them.
Types of Cables in Networking
1. Coaxial Cable
Coaxial cable has an inner conductor that is surrounded by a tubular insulating layer used as:
Telephone trunk lines
Connecting radio transmitter
Broadband internet networking
Receivers to their antennas
Carrying television signals
The components used in coaxial cables are sheath, conductor, insulator, and braided shield. The structure of this cable is like the sheath covering the braiding, the braiding covering the insulator, and the insulator covering the conductor. Let us know in brief what these components actually are.
Sheath
Sheath is useful in making the external part of the cable. This is useful in preventing the coaxial cable from damage.
Braided shield
Protects from noises and other external interference signals. The same metal is useful to develop the core portion and is useful in making this shield.
Insulation
Protects the core portion from damage. The core and braided shield consist of the same metal, so if they touch each other, then it will create a short circuit. So, to avoid this, insulation is used between them.
Conductor
Carries electromagnetic signals. Solid or standard wires are useful in making central core conductors. Also, the manufactures insulate this wire by an insulating sheath and again cover them with an outer conductor. This outer cover is usually of metal foil, a braid, or it can be a combination of the above two. Then manufacturers insulate these braids again with an insulating sheath. At last, a plastic cover encloses the whole cable to protect the cable.
Coaxial cables are useful for general purposes and are usually not for computer networks. They use network cables when there is no media usage for computer networks. Thus, the network administrations use coaxial cable for computer networks.
Uses of Coaxial Cable
Short coaxial cables are useful for implementing the computer networks
Micro coaxial cables are useful in a range of military equipment
Long-distance coaxial cable was useful in the 20th century to connect television networks, the long-distance telephone networks, and the radio networks
Coaxial cable is often useful to carry data/signals from an antenna to the receiver
2. Twisted Pair Cable
Also known as Ethernet cable, twisted pair cable is primarily useful for a computer network. Alexander Graham Bell invented this cable. All the (LAN) Local Area Networks processes by using this cable network. Two different wires wrap and twist together to form this cable. This method reduces the interferences of the electromagnetic spectrum. It will help to run devices smoother and with low noises from external devices.
Twisted pair cable is a type of cable where two conductors of a single circuit twist together for the single purpose of improving electromagnetic compatibility. It also reduces the electromagnetic radiation from the pair and crosstalk between the neighboring. Additionally, it improves the rejection of external electromagnetic interference.
Following are the two types of twisted pair cable:
Unshielded Twisted Pair Cable
Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cables are one of the most common cables useful in computer networking as an ethernet cable. It is useful for data transmission from one device to another device. It is also useful for short and medium-length connections because of its relatively lower cost as compared to the coaxial cable and optical fiber.
Shielded Twisted Pair Cable
Shielded Twisted pair cable is a type of cable in networking which is shielded as an attempt to prevent electromagnetic interference. This shielding provides an electrically conductive barrier. It then attenuates electromagnetic waves external to the shield. It also provides a conduction path by which induced currents can circulate and return to the source through a ground reference connection.
3. Fiber Optic Cable
Also known as ‘optical fiber cable,’ fiber optic cable is the most advanced type of cable in networking. Usually, plastic layers are useful for coating the elements of the optical fiber. A protective tube is suitable
to contain this cable for the environment where the cable deploys.
This cable contains components like:
Core
Cladding
Buffer
Jacket
The core uses glass or plastic that can carry the data over long distances. Also, cladding covers the core, buffer covers the cladding, and the jacket covers the buffer.
Braiding It Up
The above types of cables are useful for different purposes and work with different mechanisms. So, make sure that you are aware of the purpose you want to accomplish by using cables. This will help you to choose the right cables. Also, the quality of any cable matters the most. If you want to avoid circuit issues, you should go for higher-quality cables to provide longevity and safety.