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Cables and Connectors

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7 views2 pages

Cables and Connectors

Uploaded by

onasanyadaniel278
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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CABLES AND CONNECTORS

Cables

In networking, cables and connectors are used to connect computers and other devices so they can share
data. Some networks use wired connections (cables), while others use wireless technology (like Wi-Fi).
However, even in wireless networks, cables are still used to connect important devices like routers,
switches, and servers.

Types of Cables

There are different types of cables used in networking. The three main types are:

1. Twisted Pair Cable: This is the most common cable used in Local Area Networks (LANs). It has two
or more wires twisted together to reduce interference. It is of two types.

(a) Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP):


- Commonly used in offices, schools, and homes.
- Less expensive and easy to install.
- Used in Ethernet networks (LANs).

(b) Shielded Twisted Pair (UTP):


- Has an extra layer of protection (shielding) to reduce interference.
- Used in factories and places with high electrical noise.

2. Coaxial Cable: This cable has a single copper wire in the center, surrounded by insulation and
shielding. It is used for Television (Cable TV), Old computer networks (before Ethernet became
popular), CCTV cameras etc. A good example is the cable that connects your TV to a decoder.

3. Fiber Optic Cable: Instead of using metal wires, this cable uses light signals to transfer data. It is
very fast (faster than twisted pair and coaxial cables), used for long distances (e.g., connecting
cities and countries), expensive but provides high-speed internet etc. A fiber optic cable is used in
undersea internet cables connecting different continents. It is also used by ISPs (Internet Service
Providers) for fast broadband internet.
Connectors

Connectors are used to join cables to devices like computers, routers, and modems. Different cables use
different connectors.

Types of Connectors

1. RJ45 Connector: It is used with Twisted Pair Cables (Ethernet cables). It looks like a bigger version
of a telephone plug and it is also used to connect computers to networks. The cable that connects
your computer to a router has an RJ45 connector.

2. BNC Connector: It is used with Coaxial Cables and it can be found in CCTV camera installations and
old networks. If you have seen a CCTV installation, the cables use BNC connectors.

3. SC and LC Connectors: It is used with Fiber Optic Cables. It helps connect high-speed networks.
For example, Internet Service Provider (ISP) networks.

Differences Between Twisted Pair, Coaxial, and Fiber Optic Cables

Feature Twisted Pair Coaxial Cable Fiber Optic

Speed Medium Medium Very Fast

Cost Cheap Moderate Expensive

Distance Short Medium Long

Interference High Low Very Low

Usage LANs, Office Networks TV, CCTV High-Speed Internet

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