Network Cables

• Cable is the medium through which usually moves from one network device to another network device.
• This are used to connect two or more devices to share the files, printers, scanners etc.

Major Types of Network Cables:

• Twisted Pair Cable
• Coaxial Cable
• Fiber Optic Cable

Twisted Pair Cable:

• Twisted Pair Cable consist of two strands of copper wire twisted around each other.
• It is used to reduce the cross-talk and noise(electromagnetic interference) between pairs of wires. 
• It is divide into two types. Which are:
• Unshielded Twisted Pair(UTP)
• Shielded Twisted Pair(STP)

Applications:

• In Telephone Networks.
• In Local Area Networks.

Advantages:

• Low expensive.
• Easy to work with(install).

Disadvantages:

• Low data rate.
• Short range.

Coaxial Cables:

• Coaxial Cable has a single copper conductor at its center.
• A plastic layer provides insulation between the center conductor and the metal braid shield.
• A metal shield helps to block any outside interference from lights, motors, and other computers.

• It has two types. Which are:
• Thin Coaxial Cable also referred as "thinnet."
• Thick Coaxial Cable also referred as "thicknet."
• Thin Coaxial is popular linear bus networks.
• Thick Coaxial has an extra protective plastic cover that helps keep moisture away from the center conductor. 
• This makes thick coaxial a great choice when running longer lengths in a linear bus network. 

• One disadvantage of thick coaxial is that it does not bend easily and is difficult to install. 

Applications:

• It is used as transmission line for radio frequency signals.
• In Cable Television Signals.
• Computer Network(internet) Connections.

Advantages:

• Lower error rate.
• It support greater cable length.

Disadvantages:

• More expensive to install than twisted pair cables.

Fiber Optic Cable:

• Fiber optic cable consists of a center glass core surrounded by several layers of protective materials.
• It transmits light rather than electronic signals eliminating the problem of electrical interference. 

Applications:

• Gigabit Ethernet.
• In Defense
• Used as hydrophones for seismic and sonar uses, as wiring in aircraft, submarines.
• In Cable Television for HDTV connection.

Advantages:

• Very high speed, high capacity data transmission.
• High bandwidth.
• Over long distance communication.

Disadvantages:

• More expensive.
• It is more difficult to install and modify.