The Different Types of Ethernet Cables and Their Functions

The Internet is extremely important for every household, as just about every employee can use it for any task. High-speed Internet can be just as important when it comes to more intensive uses. That’s where Ethernet cables come in, but you need to know which Ethernet cable is the right one for you and what each of them do.

Twisted Pair Cables

The most common type of Ethernet cabling for homes and computers is twisted pair. The twisting wires inside the cables reduce crosstalk and interference as the signals travel the length of the cable. The shielded version of these cables is more popular in industrial work over homes and businesses.

Coaxial Cables

Coaxial cables are very useful for high-speed Internet and are popular for home and business systems. Thanks to an outer sheath of plastic or PVC, these cables are quite resistant to wear and tear. Additionally, the braided nature of the wires reduces electromagnetic interference for clear and precise signals at high speeds.

Fiber-Optic Cables

If you are looking to carry signals over long distances at extremely high speeds and transfer rates, then fiber-optics cables may be the best choice. These cables utilize thin cores that can handle a lot more than the copper wires of coaxial and twisted pair cables. Outside the expense of these cables, they offer higher speeds, more noise resistance, and better throughput. However, these cables require a lot of knowledge for a residential or small business Ethernet LAN setup.

Understanding the different types of Ethernet cables and their functions is important. While these cables have benefits and drawbacks, it’s easy to see which one is the best in almost every category. Still, that doesn’t mean it’s the best cable for you; find a cable that will fit your needs. Fiber optics can be overkill for a simple wire connection where twisted pair cables would do the exact same work for cheaper. That’s why it’s important to know the difference and why just one cable type isn’t superior.