Cable is the medium through which information usually moves from one network device to another. There are several types of cable which are commonly used with LANs

1. CITY UNIVERSITY
Course Title: Computer Networks
Course Code: CSE317
Topics Name: Networking Cable
Submitted By:
Afsana Akther Rubi
ID No: 1834902553
Batch: 49th
Submitted To:
Pranab Bandhu Nath
Senior Lecturer
Department of CSE
City University

2. What is Network Cabling?
Cable is the medium through which information usually moves from one network device to
another. There are several types of cable which are commonly used with LANs. In some cases, a
network will utilize only one type of cable, other networks will use a variety of cable types. The
type of cable chosen for a network is related to the network's topology, protocol, and size.
Understanding the characteristics of different types of cable and how they relate to other aspects
of a network is necessary for the development of a successful network.
The following sections discuss the types of cables used in networks and other related topics.
 Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Cable
 Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) Cable
 Coaxial Cable
 Fiber Optic Cable
 Cable Installation Guides
 Wireless LANs
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Cable
Unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable is the most prevalent type of telecommunication medium
in use today. Its frequency range is suitable for transmitting both data and voice. Therefore, these
are most commonly used in telephone systems.
A twisted pair consists of two insulated conductors (usually copper) in a twisted configuration.
Color bands are used in plastic insulation for identification. In addition, colors also identify the
specific conductors in a cable and to indicate which wires belong in pairs and how they relate to
other pairs in a larger bundle.

3. Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) Cable
Shielded twisted-pair (STP) cable has an additional braided mesh coating or metal foil that
wraps each set of insulated conductors. The metal casing intercepts the penetration
of electromagnetic noise. It also can eradicate a phenomenon called crosstalk, which is the
unwanted effect of one circuit (or channel) on another circuit (or channel).
Coaxial Cable
Coaxial cable, or coax is a type of electrical cable consisting of an inner conductor
surrounded by a concentric conducting shield, with the two separated by a dielectric;
many coaxial cables also have a protective outer sheath or jacket

4. Fiber Optic Cable
A fiber-optic cable, also known as an optical-fiber cable, is an assembly similar to an
electrical cable, but containing one or more optical fibers that are used to carry light.
Cable Installation Guides
The installation of armored and metal-clad cable is described in this guide. It provides a
basic but comprehensive overview of major considerations for code-complying
installations and cost-effective applications.

5. Wireless LANs
Wireless LANs (WLANs) are wireless computer networks that use high-frequency radio
waves instead of cables for connecting the devices within a limited area forming LAN
(Local Area Network). Users connected by wireless LANs can move around within this
limited area such as home, school, campus, office building, railway platform, etc.
Standards of Coaxial Cables:
The RF industry uses standard type-names for coaxial cables. The U.S military uses the
RG-# or RG-#/U format (probably for "radio grade, universal", but other interpretations
exist). For example:
RG-6/U- Low loss at high frequency for cable television, satellite television and cable
modems

6. Coaxial Cable Connector
Coaxial cable connectors are used to connect cables to other devices and are specifically
designed to maintain the shielding on the cable. High-quality connectors offer reliable,
long-lasting connections.
Difference between UTP & STP cable:
BASIS FOR
COMPARISON
UTP STP
Basic UTP (Unshielded twisted pair) is
a cable with wires that are twisted
together.
STP (Shielded twisted pair) is a
twisted pair cable enclosed in foil
or mesh shield.
Noise and crosstalk
generation
High comparatively. Less susceptible to noise and
crosstalk.

7. BASIS FOR
COMPARISON
UTP STP
Grounding cable Not required Necessarily required
Ease of handling Easily installed as cables are
smaller, lighter, and flexible.
Installation of cables is difficult
comparatively.
Cost Cheaper and does not require
much maintenance.
Moderately expensive.
Data Rates Slow comparatively. Provides high data rates