What type of cabling is a type of copper based cable that consists of one or more insulated?

PHYSICAL TRANSMISSION MEDIA

Physical transmission media used in communications include twisted-pair cable, coaxial cable, and fiber-optic cable. These cables typically are used within or underground between buildings. Ethernet and token ring LANs often use physical transmission media.

One of the more commonly used transmission media for network cabling and telephone systems is twisted-pair cable. Twisted-pair cable consists of one or more twisted-pair wires bundled together (Figure 8-24). Each twisted-pair wire consists of two separate insulated copper wires that are twisted together. The wires are twisted together to reduce noise. Noise is an electri- cal disturbance that can degrade communications.

What type of cabling is a type of copper based cable that consists of one or more insulated?

 Coaxial Cable

Coaxial cable, often referred to as coax (pronounced KO-ax), consists of a single copper wire surrounded by at least three layers: (1) an insulating material, (2) a woven or braided metal, and (3) a plastic outer coating (Figure 8-25).

Cable television (CATV) network wiring often uses coaxial cable because it can be cabled over longer distances than twisted-pair cable. Most of today’s computer networks, however, do not use coaxial cable because other transmission media such as fiber-optic cable transmit signals at faster rates. 

What type of cabling is a type of copper based cable that consists of one or more insulated?

Fiber-Optic Cable

The core of a fiber-optic cable consists of dozens or hundreds of thin strands of glass or plastic that use light to transmit signals. Each strand, called an optical fiber, is as thin as a human hair. Inside the fiber-optic cable, an insu- lating glass cladding and a protective coating surround each optical fiber (Figure 8-26).

Fiber-optic cables have the following advantages over cables that use wire, such as twisted-pair and coaxial cables:

  • Capability of carrying significantly more signals than wire cables
  • Faster data transmission
  • Less susceptible to noise (interference) from other devices such as a copy machine
  • Better security for signals during transmission because they are less susceptible to noise
  • Smaller size (much thinner and lighter weight)

Disadvantages of fiber-optic cable are it costs more than twisted-pair or coaxial cable and can be difficult to install and modify. Despite these limitations, many local and long- distance telephone companies are replacing existing telephone lines with fiber-optic cables, enabling them to offer fiber Internet access to home and business users. 

What type of cabling is a type of copper based cable that consists of one or more insulated?


Cables are an important innovation that has enhanced connections worldwide for decades. Connected in circuits and systems, they play a vital role in the interconnected world by enabling the transmission of sound and data. Consisting of numerous pairs of copper insulated wires twisted into two or four pairs, they make use of electromagnetics to transmit data.

There are different types of cables. They also come in various configurations, sizes, and performances. A typical phone cable consists of four wires - red, green, yellow, and black. The wires are used in pairs. One line consists of the red and green pair, while the 2 pair cable consists of the yellow and black pair. Unlike electrical wires, a 2-pair cable is usually small and almost hair-like.

cable specification varies depending on the type and standard. For example, cables made in the CW1308 standard feature insulated copper conductors. The CW1308B standard comes with reinforced insulation for use in the north outdoors and indoors. While resistant to extreme weather conditions, it also protects against ultraviolet light. The CW1128 standard, on the other hand, is a cable specifically designed for use outdoors as it comes with reinforced armored models.

It is important to use the right cables to enjoy the full benefits and features of any phone system. For instance, the right types of cables can go a long way in helping a small business enjoy the full benefits of SpinTel’s award-winning  Cloud PBX  that cost-saving on calls feasible and convenient.

Types of cables

Coaxial Cable

It is a common cable that consists of one channel with an insulated layer that is a woven shield of copper. The inner layer is tasked with carrying signals and is surrounded by a plastic sheath. The outer channel serves as the ground. These types of cables come in different sizes, performance metrics, and slower handling capabilities. While they are mostly used in telecommunication connections, they can also be used to connect audio and video equipment.

Twisted Pair Cable

It is a cable that consists of copper wires color-coded and twisted around each other. The number of twisted pairs can vary from one twisted pair cable to another. The higher the number of twisted cables, the improved performance as it minimizes the risk of cross-talk, let alone external talk. While they are the most cost-effective cables, they tend to have high attenuation and low bandwidth.

Unshielded Twisted Pair: They don't rely on any shield to avert connectivity issues or interference. They are commonly used in business and residential use.

Shielded Twisted Pair: They rely on a foil jacket to block external interferences. They are commonly used in big enterprises as well as higher-end applications.

Fiber Optic

They are the latest cables that rely on optical fibers rather than copper wires, as is the case with the other cables. The cables rely on light to transmit data rather than electricity, thus the reason they are quite fast in data and for internet connection. In addition, a plastic layer is used on top of the optical cables, making the cables resistant to external interference, thus the superfast internet. connection.

When powered by Spintel internet connections, customers can expect connections that are 26,000 times faster than what is provided by twisted pair cables. While telephone wire price can vary widely, fiber optics tend to be the most expensive given their ability to enable fast internet speeds and swift communications between two points.

Single-Mode Fiber Optic Cable: they come with a small core that allows one mode of light to enter. Consequently, they reduce the number of light reflections that pass through the core of the cable allowing data to pass faster and at a low attenuation rate. This type of optic fiber is commonly used in telecommunications.

Multi-Mode Fiber Optic Cable: Comes with a large diameter and allows more light mode to pass through and data to enter through the core. As a light in the cable is dispersed, the cable experiences a lower attenuation. It also comes with much-reduced bandwidth. Consequently, the cable is commonly used for communication within short distances like LAN and security systems.

Jelly-filled Telecom Cable

It is a cable that comes filled with petroleum jelly making it water resistant. These types of underground cable types are commonly used as they come with proper insulation on the conductors. The petroleum jelly prevents the entry of moisture or water while the cable is on the ground.

Ribbon Cable

This type of cable comes with numerous insulated wires parallel to each other. The parallel cables are effective as they enable transmission of data to occur simultaneously, thus commonly used in interconnected network devices.

Cable Uses

Contrary to perception, cables are not just for enabling communication. The digital subscriber line is unique as it transmits data and aligns the telephone lines. While eye DSL operates at a higher frequency, it can be delivered alongside a standard landline.

While wireless networking is becoming popular, wired networking is still a thing, especially in office environments or locations where Wi-Fi reception is extremely poor. In this case, Ethernet cables can be used to transmit the internet service and data connections between various PCs.

Installing Cables

While installing different types of cables, it is important to use more than what is needed. Leaving plenty of slack is important as it could come in handy during maintenance or when trying to move equipment to a different place.

Every part of the network or telephone system should be tested, even if it is brand new, to ensure everything is working as expected. Sealing before testing could present significant challenges as it would be difficult to isolate when there are many cables,

When running cables across the floor or the ground, it is important to cover the cable with cable protectors and use the right type of cable that offers insulation against moisture or water. All the ends of the cables should be labeled to ensure easy identification and connection. Finally, when more than one cable is involved, it is essential to use cable ties to keep the cables in the same location and ensure everything appears neat.

SpinTel for the Best Phone System

SpinTel offers one of the best cloud-based business phone systems that averts the need of using too many cables. Hosted on the cloud, the telephone system is not only cost-effective at 30/mth but also comes with enterprise-grade calling features.