Networking Cable Types :
1.Coaxial Cables:
These cables have a central conductor surrounded by an insulating layer, a braided shield, and an outer jacket.
They are often used in residential settings for internet and cable TV services due to their robust shielding.
2. Twisted Pair Cables:
These cables consist of pairs of insulated copper wires twisted together to reduce interference.
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP): The most common type, with no additional shielding, making it affordable and suitable for general networking.
Shielded Twisted Pair (STP): Features a foil or braided shield around the twisted pairs, providing better protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Categories of Twisted Pair Cables:
Cat5e : Supports up to 1 Gigabit Ethernet and is commonly used in homes and offices.
Cat6 : Offers higher bandwidth and faster speeds than Cat5e, especially for shorter runs (up to 50 feet).
Cat6a : Provides even greater bandwidth and is suitable for demanding applications.
Cat7 : Features improved shielding and higher bandwidth than Cat6, making it suitable for high-performance networks.
Cat8 : Designed for data centers and high-speed networking, offering the highest bandwidth and performance.
3. Fiber Optic Cables:
These cables transmit data as light signals through thin strands of glass or plastic.
Single-mode fiber: Used for long-distance, high-bandwidth applications.
Multi-mode fiber: Suitable for shorter distances and is generally less expensive than single-mode.
Fiber optic cables are ideal for environments requiring high speed, long distances, and immunity to interference.