1. Twisted Pair Cable
- Structure:
- Consists of pairs of insulated copper wires twisted together.
- The twists help reduce electromagnetic interference.
- Comes in two types:
- Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP): No additional shielding, commonly used in Ethernet networks.
- Shielded Twisted Pair (STP): Has additional shielding (metal foil or braided mesh) to protect against interference.
Advantages:
- Cost-effective and widely available.
- Flexible and easy to install.
- Used for Ethernet connections.
Disadvantages:
- Limited bandwidth compared to fiber optics.
- Susceptible to electromagnetic interference (especially UTP).
2. Coaxial Cable
- Structure:
- Consists of a central copper conductor surrounded by an insulating layer.
- Covered with a metallic shield (braid or foil) to reduce signal interference.
- Outer plastic sheath for protection.
Advantages:
- Better shielding than twisted pair, reducing interference.
- Supports higher bandwidth than UTP.
Disadvantages:
- Bulkier and less flexible.
- Difficult to install and maintain.
3. Fiber Optic Cable
- Structure:
- Made of glass or plastic fiber cores that transmit data using light signals.
- Covered with cladding to reflect light back into the core.
- Protective layers include buffer coating and outer jacket for durability.
- Two types:
- Single-Mode Fiber (SMF): Thin core, used for long-distance, high-speed communication.
- Multi-Mode Fiber (MMF): Thicker core, used for shorter distances.
Advantages:
- Extremely high-speed data transmission.
- Immune to electromagnetic interference.
- Supports long-distance communication.
Disadvantages:
- Expensive compared to copper cables.
- Requires special handling and expertise for installation.