When it comes to planning a data network, the fundamental “unit” you’re working with is low voltage or structured cable — in essence the copper or fiber optic wire that allows signal to travel between two terminals or nodes.

There are many types of data cable and they offer distinct benefits, costs, and constraints. This article will provide an overview to help you learn which network cable types are right for your project.

Coaxial Cable

Coaxial cable has a long history in signal transmission. Before there were dedicated data cables, computer engineers used coaxial cable to build networks. The cable is recognizable by it’s large circular diameter encompassing a PVC outer layer, woven-copper shield, dielectric insulation, and central copper wire. 

Uses Of Coaxial Cable

Although no longer suitable for modern data networks, it’s not uncommon to see coaxial cables supplying “cable” internet and television to residential areas. 

Cost

It is relatively inexpensive compared to fiber optic cable, which is the other cable type that is suitable for long-distance transmission.

Pros And Cons Of Coaxial Cable‍

Pros

• High resistance to interference due to unique construction.
• Legacy technology with lots of readily available infrastructure and support.
• Reasonable cost.
• Durable.

Cons

• Limited in number connections it can service effectively.
• Vulnerable to power surges such as those from lightning strikes (especially due to its use in outdoor applications).
• Requires a somewhat wide bend radius to maintain performance.

Distance Limitations Of Coaxial Cable

Broadband coaxial cable is capable of signal transmission up to 100km (62.1 miles) whereas the shortest length for baseband coaxial cable is 6m (20ft). 

Unshielded Twisted Pair

This is the foundational cable type for modern data networks. It uses pairs of small gauge solid copper conductors that are twisted together to reduce crosstalk. Each conductor transmits a low-voltage signal and is covered by a thin layer of PVC insulation. 

Uses Of Unshielded Twisted Paid Cable

UTP (unshielded twisted pair) cables are available in CAT 1-5 and can transmit low and high-speed data, as well as voice. The connection type is either a standard telephone terminal such as RJ11, or even the RJ45, which is standard for ethernet connections.

Cost

Compared to coaxial, shielded twisted pair, and fiber optic cables, UTP is the lowest cost per foot. 

Pros And Cons Of Unshielded Twisted Paid Cable

Pros

• Light, and capable of handling low and high speed connections.
• Cost effective.
• Good for short to medium connections.
• Tons of industry support and easily available tooling and infrastructure.

Cons

• Insufficient performance for modern networks.
• Vulnerable to crosstalk and signal attenuation.
• Can’t span long distances.
• Lacks shielding.

Distance Limitations Of UTP Cable

The max distance for UTP ethernet cables is 100m (330ft), although some categories only offer peak performance up to 55m (180ft). 

Shielded twisted pair

STP (shielded twisted pair) cables add a foil sheath around each twisted pair, and/or the entire bundle. Most categories of ethernet cable are available in both versions.

Uses Of Shielded Twisted Pair Cable

This is the most popular type of ethernet cable used in modern data networks. 

Cost

The addition of shielding does increase the cost per foot, but the added performance is usually worth the cost. It is cheaper than coaxial or fiber optic cable, but more expensive than UTP cable. 

Pros And Cons Of Shielded Twisted Pair Cable

Pros

• Excellent signal integrity over distance. 
• Resistant to crosstalk and attenuation.
• Superior bandwidth.
• Tons of industry support and easily available tooling and infrastructure.

Cons

• Heavier than UTP cable.
• More expensive that UTP cable.
• Limited in distance compared to coaxial and fiber optic cables.

Distance Limitations Of Shielded Twisted Pair

The max distance for STP ethernet cables is 100m (330ft), although some categories only offer peak performance up to 55m (180ft). 

Optical Fiber Cable

This is the cutting edge cable for modern data networks. Fiber optic cables use a glass or plastic core that allows signal transmission using wavelengths of light. It comes in single mode (allowing just one signal) or multi-mode (allowing multiple concurrent signals) configurations.

Uses Of Fiber Optic Cable

Fiber optic cable is used for high speed data networks. Although it requires specialized equipment from ethernet cable, it offer a number of key improvements. Single mode is best for very long distances, whereas multi-mode works best for shorter distances with high bandwidth requirements.

Cost

The most expensive data cable option by some measures, but once you calculate the total cost/performance of a fiber optic network compared to low voltage copper cable, it’s not vastly more expensive. 

Pros And Cons Of Optic Fiber Cabling‍

Pros

• Can handle the most bandwidth of any data cable.
• Virtually impervious to electrical interference.
• Extremely low cross talk and signal attenuation.
• High speed.

Cons

• High cost.
• Requires specialized equipment and terminals, especially if integrating into an ethernet network.
• Single mode is fast but can’t service multiple connections very well.
• Multi-mode can handle multiple connections but over much shorter distances than single mode.

Distance Limitations Of Fiber Optic Cable

Single mode fiber optic cable can carry a signal up to 5000km (3107 miles) whereas multimode can carry a signal up to 2000km (1243 miles).

USB

Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable is a standard connection between computers and other workstations.

Uses

USB is capable of handling a wide variety of data types and supports plug-n-play for a range of devices. USB is a common cable for power transmission, especially charging for battery-powered devices.

Cost

Relatively inexpensive by the foot given its performance characteristics, but isn’t really comparable to other data cable types due to its severe distance limitations.

Pros And Cons Of USB Cables‍

Pros

• The latest USB standard can support extremely fast (up to 10 Gbps) data speeds.
• Supplies power concurrently with data.
• Supports up to 127 devices
• It is the standard connection for a huge range of computers and devices.

Distance Limitations

USB cables only work up to 5m (15 ft)  passively, and up to 32m (95 ft) using a signal booster.