What Are The Different Types Of Data Cables Used In Network Systems?

1. What Are The Different Types Of Data Cables Used In Network Systems? Data Cables are those cables that are used to transmit electronic information from a source to a particular destination. They are extensively used in computer and telecommunication system. Copper or fiber optics are types of cables. There are mainly three types of data cabling: 1. Twisted pair (uses Copper) 2. Coax ( uses Copper) 3. Optic Cables (uses Fiber) Twisted pair Twisted pair copper wiring is mainly used by telecommunications and computer networks. The twisted pair cable consists of two copper cores, with own plastic insulation twisted together. The advantage of this is that both of them are affected equally by external influences. The twisting also helps in protecting data communications from signal degradation. This cable is of two types: UTP (unshielded twisted pair) and STP (shielded twisted pair). The difference between the two is that STP cable has one extra metal shield covering the insulated twisted pair conductors and this is absent in UTP cables. UTP is classified into seven categories based on cable quality. The performance of twisted-pair cable is measured by comparing attenuation versus frequency which increases with a frequency above 100 kHz. Data cabling systems are categorized in terms of the data rates that can be maintained without degradation. CAT 3 (voice) and CAT 5e are the most commonly installed categories. With new installations, category 5e for voice and one high speed to support 10GBASE-T are becoming common. Coax Coax cables are used in old computers. They carry high-frequency signals than twisted-pair cables. It has a central core conductor of solid wire enclosed in an insulator, which is covered by an outer conductor of metal foil. This outer conductor completes the circuit and the whole cable is protected by a plastic cover. Coaxial cable has higher bandwidth. The attenuation of this cable is far higher compared to twisted-pair cables and, is widely used in digital telephone networks. Coax cabling requires a special connector called a BNC connector and, is used to connect the end of the cable to a device.

2. Fibre Optic Fibre optics are widely used by cable and telephonic companies to provide the fastest internet connections. They transmit data signals in the form of light. Core and cladding are the two main parts of a light channel. Cladding acts as a protective cover to core. Fiber optic cable is lightweight, does not have the signal degradation problems like the other two types of cables. But, these cables are fragile due to the glass parts of the cable and is more expensive. There are two types of Fibre Optic connectors - the ST connector and SC connector. They are used for connecting cable to networking devices. Fiber optic cables are light-weight, which makes it more preferable to cable installation companies. It is used in backbone networks because of its wide bandwidth and cost-effectiveness.