The Many Different Types Of Cables In Use Today

by Divya S. Content Writer

Generally speaking, a cable is just a medium which facilitates the movement of information from either:

· One network to another or from

· One device to the other or

· From a network to a device.

LANs or local area networks use many different types of cable in order to achieve its information transport. In fact, LANs are not restricted to the use of a single type of cable and often combinations of the same are used.

Different types of cables

The different types of cables that are commonly used today in LANs, telephonic connections etc. are:

· Twisted pair cables: This is again of two types wherein the:

o Unshielded ones are popularly used in school networks and

o The shielded types which are used for cabling in environments that is sensitive to potential interferences.

· Coaxial cables: The coaxial cable price depends on the type of coaxial cable used. Thus thin coaxial cables are relatively inexpensive and are thus used in school and other smaller networks since they have a segment length of about 185m. On the other hand thick coaxial cables have a segment length of about 500mtres and are extra protected against moisture. This makes it extremely useful for laying long linear networks. One disadvantage of the same is that it is difficult to bend round corners and is also a bit cumbersome to install. But any person wanting to buy coaxial cable should actually deliberate on the purpose of the same so that he can buy the one which suits his purpose the best.

· Fibre optic cable: Consisting of a central glass core protected by several layers of insulating materials, these cables are used in the transmission of light without facing any electrical interference.

· Electrical cables: Simply speaking an electrical cable consists of one or more wires either bundled together or running side by side. They are meant to carry electrical current and can be dangerous if the best quality of the same is not chosen when one opts to buy electrical wire online or otherwise. Electrical cables are also used for a variety of purposes and are thus customised to suit their purpose. Hence:

o Power cables transmit direct as well as alternating electricity in bulk and are commonly known as high-voltage cables,

o Simple electrical wire cables are used for the internal wiring of residential and commercial buildings,

o Undersea cables are used for long-distance communications which take place with the help of cables laid on the sea-bed so as to connect two land stations across a stretch of the ocean. The nature and importance of the work done warrants the installation of the beat types of cables which can withstand the wear and tear of the elements of the sea and the submersible cable price is thus relatively higher than the rest.

· Telephone cables: These cables are locally made and quite easily available. Used to transmit conversation between two or more people in the form of electrical impulses, the telephone cable price is also quite affordable so that people from all economic strata can take advantage of the same.

· Flat cables: It is easier to handle flat cables and consequently there has been an increase in their usage in the recent past in spite of the flat cable price being higher than the round cables. The innovative design enhancements of a flat cable make cable management much easier for the same.

The availability of all kinds of cables and electrical wires online has actually made life easier for the consumer who can simply order and buy electrical cable from online shops and get delivery at the worksite itself right from the comfort of their homes.