What are the most common types of cables used in networking?

Twisted pair cables are the most common type of cable used in networking due to their versatility, cost-effectiveness, and performance for various communication needs. These cables consist of pairs of copper wires twisted together to reduce electromagnetic interference, which can improve the quality of the signal transmitted over distance.

There are two main categories of twisted pair cables: unshielded twisted pair (UTP) and shielded twisted pair (STP). UTP cables are widely used in local area networks (LANs), and their relatively low cost and ease of installation make them especially popular for connecting computers and devices in homes and offices.

In contrast, although coaxial cables and fiber optic cables have specific applications in networking, they are not as commonly used in everyday networking scenarios for typical consumer needs. Coaxial cables are often found in cable television and internet services, while fiber optics are usually used for high-speed data transmission over long distances. Shielded cables, while important in certain situations, are less prevalent in general networking due to the increased cost and complexity involved.

Overall, twisted pair cables stand out as the go-to solution in many networking environments, leading to their distinction as the most common type used.