Networking Guide : Physical Media - Twisted Pair Cable
A network needs physical medium to connect its nodes together. The
physical medium is where the data actually flows. There are
several media types often used in networking. They are described
in the following paragraphs.
Picture: Twisted Pair
Twisted pair is two insulated
copper wires that are twisted around each other to minimize
interference and noise from other wires. Based on the presence of
individual shield and overall (outer) shield, there are three
types of twisted pair, i.e. UTP, STP, and ScTP. Individual shield
encloses a single twisted pair, while outer shield encloses all
twisted pairs in a cable. A shield is a protective sheath that is
made from conductive material (metal) and functions to protect the
twisted pair from external interference. An insulator is made from
non-conductive material, such as plastic.
Picture: Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)
UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair)
is a cable containing several twisted pairs that is only insulated
but not shielded. UTP is the most widely used cable in telephone
and computer networks because it is relatively cheaper than other
cables and performs well in normal electrical environment such as
inside an office or a house.
page 2 - STP and ScTP
page 3 - Coax
page 4 - Fiber optic
page 5 - Radio, microwave, and infrared
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