Understanding the Different Types of Network Cables

ALBANY, N.Y. - May 1, 2013 - PRLog -- Have you ever wondered what connects computers and networks to one another? Network Cable is responsible for computers being able to connect and transfer data across intranets and the internet. There are several different types of cables that are used for this purpose, including unshielded twisted pair, shielded twisted pair, fiber optic, and coaxial. In some cases, only one type of cable is used in a network, while in other cases, many different types are used. Wireless systems are becoming more and more popular but always remember you still need network cabling for the wireless system. Here is a rundown of the cables that are most commonly used for network cabling:

Unshielded /Shielded Twisted Pair Cable

Shielded Twisted Pair Cable or STP cable is used in older telephone networks, network, and data communications to reduce outside interference. Inside the cable there are two individual wires with a fine wire coating the outside. The wire not only protects the wire’s transmission but also provides more reliable data communication. Unshielded Twisted Pair or UTP cable is a popular cable used in computer networking that consists of two shielded wires twisted around each other.

Fiber Optic

Fiber-optic cables are hollow cables that send data by pulses of light. Fiber optics allows for a much faster data transmission because of the capability of transmitting data at the speed of light. This cable has huge broadband capacities which allow it to carry large amounts of information as super-fast speeds. Fiber cables can cover great distances as opposed to copper cable. Because these cables must work so hard and the information travels such distances, there are many layers of protective coating on fiber optic cables. Fiber optic cable is a great choice for high speed reliable communications.

Coaxial Cable

Coaxial cable usually is used in v ide, communications, and audio. This cable has a higher bandwidth and greater transmission capacity than the other types of cables.  The center of this type of cable has a copper conductor and a plastic coating that acts as an insulator between the conductor and the metal shield. This cable is covered with coating, which can vary in thickness. The thicker the coating, the less flexible it is going to be.

To learn more about network cables, and fiber optic network components visit our website at www.IntegraNetworks.net