The three main types of network cables used in telecommunication systems include coaxial cables, twisted-pair cables, and fiber optic cables.
These cables are different from each other and made for different purposes. They can be used by businesses for effective network cabling. However, they differ in specifications, applications, and features.
Let’s compare these different types of network cables and learn their differences to give you a better idea of coaxial vs. twisted-pair vs. fiber optic cables.
Before we begin, always remember to consult Communication Solutions Inc. in Jacksonville, for the best network cable solutions in Florida.
That being said, let’s begin by looking closely at each type of network cable.
Coaxial Cable
Coaxial cable, also known as coax cable or simply coaxial, is the oldest of the three network cables and is designed to transmit high-frequency signals.
It is made up of a round, central copper conductor at its core, protected by three layers of insulation and shielding. These protective layers include an insulating layer, covered by a mesh of conducting shields, and, lastly, a jacket.
These layers prevent crosstalk and electromagnetic interference (EMI) from external sources like light, motors, electronic devices, and other cables. Moreover, the shield allows the coaxial cable to run longer distances without substantial signal loss.
There are many types of coaxial cables. However, they are all mainly used for digital video signal transmission, cable TV, and satellite TV.
Twisted-Pair Cable
Twisted-pair cables are the most commonly used network cables for Ethernet cabling and are often used for telephone communications as well. The cables are designed for data transmission and are made with twisted pairs of copper wires at their core.
These pairs are twisted to prevent interference from external sources and also crosstalk from neighboring twisted pairs. These cables are categorized broadly into two main categories of unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) and shielded twisted-pair (STP).
STP cables have additional shielding in the form of a braided protective foil around the collective twisted pairs inside the cable. They provide better resistance to interference and crosstalk than UTP cables. There are also foil shielded twisted-pair cables (FTP) that have a foil around individual twisted pairs.
You can learn more about these types of twisted-pair cables used in Ethernet cabling by reading our post on the subject here.
Fiber Optic Cable
Unlike the others, fiber optic cables are Ethernet cables that use light signals, or pulses, to transmit data. They have a glass core that allows light signals to carry data from one device to another. This is what makes them far superior to other Ethernet cables like twisted-pair cables.
They have a transmission capacity that is up to 26,000 times higher than a twisted-pair cable. There are two main types of fiber optic cables; single-mode fiber and multimode fiber. Single-mode fibers have a smaller glass core that only allows a single light signal to travel at any given time.
Whereas multimode fibers have a wider glass core that allows multiple light signals to travel simultaneously. Single-mode fiber cables can travel longer distances of up to a few kilometers than multimode but, the latter has a higher capacity for data transmissions at shorter distances of up to 550 meters.
You can learn all about the basics of fiber optic cables in our detailed post on the subject here.
Coaxial Vs. Twisted Pair Vs. Fiber Optic Cables
Now that you have a better understanding of each of the mentioned network cables and their structural differences, let’s look at their performance, installation, and application differences.
· Performance
Coaxial cable and twisted pair cable are copper-based cables protected by insulating and shielding materials. They both transmit television, telephone, and data through electrical signals, whereas fiber optic cables use light to transmit similar types of signals.
The performance difference is much higher with fiber optics than with the others. They provide wider bandwidth, faster speed, and higher frequencies. Here is a chart to give you an idea of the performance differences of each of these cables.
Cable Type | Transmission Speed | Bandwidth | Travel Distance |
Coaxial Cable | – | 750 MHz | Up to 500 meters |
Twisted-Pair Cable | Up to 10Gbps | Up to 4700 MHz | Up to 100 meters |
Fiber Optic Cable | Up to 200Gbps | Up to 4700 MHz | Up to 80 kilometers |
The performance difference is greatest between twisted-pair and fiber optics, mainly due to the speed difference between an electrical signal and a light signal.
· Installation & Maintenance
While fiber optic cables are far better than the other two, they are still not as popular or commonly used as twisted-pair or coaxial cables. Fiber optics are faster and more reliable but, because of their glass core, they are also more difficult to install and maintain.
Similarly, the insulating layer of the copper core of a coaxial cable makes it more difficult to install and maintain. This is one of the reasons why twisted-pair is the most popular and common for Ethernet and network needs of businesses around the world.
· Application
Fiber optics are becoming more and more common for businesses and homes due to their performance benefits, however, they are commonly used to connect cities and countries over long distances. They are also great for data centers where large amounts of data transmissions are the norm.
Twisted pair cables are most commonly used in voice and data networking, Ethernet networking, and cable shielding. Whereas coaxial cables have applications in radio transmitters and receivers, network connections, digital audio, and distributing cable TV signals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are noticeable differences between coaxial, twisted-pair, and fiber optic cables. However, fiber optic cables are the future and are increasingly trending in global markets due to their high performance that can support developing technologies.
Whether you opt for coaxial cables, twisted-pair cables, or fiber optic cables will depend on the application and performance needs of your business. Although, we highly recommend consulting the expert professionals at Communications Solutions Inc. in Jacksonville for the best cable solutions in Florida.
If you want to learn more about coaxial vs. twisted-pair vs. fiber optic cables, or about the best Ethernet and network cable solutions in Jacksonville, Florida, Contact Us Today.
What is the difference between twisted pair cable, coaxial cable, and fiber optic cable?
Network cables have made communication systems in the world quite simple and easy. Twisted pair cables, coaxial cables, and fiber optic cables are some of the valuable network cables to consider.
These cables play different roles and they tend to be quite distinct from each other in terms of features and specifications. Each cable has its advantages and disadvantages.
The lesson provides detailed insight into the difference between twisted pair, coaxial cable, and fiber optics in tabular form. Take the time to read to know the twisted pair cable vs optical cable vs coaxial cable.
Read More: Difference between HDMI and VGA
What Is a Twisted-Pair Cable?
A twisted pair cable is mainly used in telephone communication and a modern Ethernet network. The cable is a type of wiring with two conductors twisted together.
The wires are responsible for transmitting data in a complete circuit and the twisted pair offers protection against crosstalk which is the noise generated by the adjacent pairs.
Twisted pair cables can either be shielded or unshielded pair cables. The shielded twisted pair cable is surrounded by a fine wire mesh to protect wires from the transmission. Unshielded twisted pair cable is not surrounded by a fine mesh.
Characteristics of Twisted Pair Cable
- A single circuit has two conductors twisted together
- Modern Ethernet cables are either Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) or Shielded Twisted Pair (STP).
- The external magnetic field can affect the twisted pair cable
- The pair has insulated copper wire
- The price of the cables are quite affordable
- Designed to reduce noise from outside
- Transmission of signals takes place in electrical form
- Has a very high attenuation
- Installation and implementation is quite simple and easy
- The bandwidth of twisted pair cable is low
- Security of data transmission is not guaranteed
- Have low-speed transmission of television and telephone data
- Suitable for data network, telephone network, and cable shielding
- Have copper-based wires insulated with other materials
- The cables tend to be quite heavy
- Experience resistive loss, dielectric loss, radiated loss and loss over time.
Advantages of Twisted Pair Cable
- Comparatively cost-effective
- Pliable and easy to install
- Suitable for over a short distance
Disadvantages of Twisted Pair Cables
- Not durable
- Prone to EMI
- Have a higher attenuation
What Is a Coaxial Cable?
A coaxial fiber is typically designed to transmit high-level signals. It is also known as coax cable. It comprises of round copper conductor, three layers of insulation, and shielding.
Insulation and shielding are responsible for preventing crosstalk from motors, lighting, and other sources of EMI. The coax cable can support longer cable lengths between two devices.
Coax cables are classified into RG59 and RG6. RG59 coax cable is suitable for TV transmission since it has less shielding and thinner in design. RG6 is suitable for digital video signals and satellite TV due to heavier gauges and thick insulation and shielding.
Characteristics of Coaxial Cable
- Design to transmit high-frequency signals
- Classified into RG59 and RG6 coax cables
- Inner conductor transmit signal in the form of electrical form
- Coax cable not affected by magnetic fields
- Comprise of solid conductor wire, grounding conductor, a layer of insulation, and a layer of exterior insulation
- The price of the cable is relatively higher
- Installation and implementation is relatively difficult
- The bandwidth of the coaxial cable is higher
- Transmitted signal security is not guaranteed
- Suitable for connecting radio transmitters and receivers with their antennas
- Transmit data, telephone and television signal at low speed
- Have copper-based wires surrounded with other insulation materials making the diameter wider
- The coax cables are heavier in weight
- Experience Resistive loss, Dielectric loss, and Radiated loss.
- Has low attenuation
Advantages of Coaxial Cable
- Quite durable
- Perform better over a short distance
Disadvantages of Coaxial Cable
- Signal loss over a long distance
- Signal tend to leak at point of egress
- Speed tends to fluctuate under heavy usage
What Is a Fiber Optic Cable?
A fiber optic cable is an Ethernet cable that consists of two or more optic fibers that transmit data. The optic fiber transmits data as pulses of light go through tiny tubes of glass.
The cable is also known as optical fiber cable. It has the reputation of transmitting 26,000 times higher than that of twisted pair cable.
The optical fiber cable is further divided into single-mode fiber (SMF) and multimode fiber (MMF). These classes differ in performance and how they operate.
Single-mode fiber has a small core that allows one mode of light to propagate at a time while multimode fiber has a larger core which is designed to transfer multiple light rays or modes at the same time.
Examples of single-mode fiber are OS2 cable while those of multimode fiber are OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, and OM5.
Characteristics of Fiber Optic Cable
- Has one or more optic fibers for data transmission
- Classified into Single-mode fiber (SMF) and Multimode fiber (MMF).
- Transmit data as pulses of light through tiny tubes of glass
- Not affected by magnetic fields
- Have very thin optical fibers bundled together into a single cable.
- High performance and capacity make them quite expensive
- Have low attenuation
- Have the highest noise rejection power
- Installation and implementation is quite difficult
- Have the highest bandwidth
- The signal transmission has a security guarantee
- Suitable for long distances
- Has a faster speed signal transmission
- Tend to be lightweight in nature
- Consist of very thin and pliable tubes of glass or plastic
- Experience dispersion, bending, absorption, and attenuation
Advantages of Fiber Optic Cable
- Can be bundled together
- Has EMI resistant
- Has high performance over longer distances
Disadvantages of Fiber Optic Cable
- Difficult to install and implement
- Tend to be quite expensive
- Prone to cut and damage
Comparison Chart: Twisted Pair Cable Vs Coaxial Cable Vs Fiber Optic Cable
Twisted Pair Cable | Coaxial Cable | Fiber Optic Cable |
Has a speed up to 10Gbps | Not define the speed limit | Has a speed of up to 10/100/1000Mbps, 10/40/100/200Gbps |
Has a bandwidth of up to 4700MHz | Has a bandwidth of 750MHz (default) | Has a bandwidth of up to 4700MHz |
Cover a distance of up to 100m | Cover a distance of up to 500m | Cover a distance of up to 80km |
Comparatively affordable | Relatively expensive | Relatively affordable |
Easy to install, maintain and operate | Easy to install and implement | Difficult to install, maintain and operate |
Resistive loss, Dielectric loss, Radiated loss, and Loss over time. | Resistive loss, Dielectric loss, and Radiated loss. | Dispersion, bending, absorption, and attenuation. |
Heaviest in terms of weight | Heavier in terms of weight | Tend to be lightweight |
Have larger diameter | Have larger diameter | Have small diameter |
Used in the telephone network, data network, and cable shielding | Used in feedlines connecting radio transmitters and receivers with their antennas, computer network connections, and digital audio | Used to support long-distance connections between countries and cities. |
Signal transmission security is not to guarantee | Signal transmission security is not to guarantee | Signal transmission security is a guarantee |
Have very high attenuation | Have low attenuation | Have low attenuation |
Not suitable for noise rejection | Relatively good for noise rejection | Topnotch when it comes to noise rejection |
Have no alternative name | Coax cable | Optical fiber cable |
Can either be shielded or unshielded twisted pair cable | Can either be RG59 or RG6 | Grouped as Single-mode fiber (SMF) and Multimode fiber (MMF). |
Transmission of the signal takes place in the form of electrical over metallic conducting wire. | Transmission of the signal takes place in the form of electrical over the inner conductor of the cable. | Signal transmission takes place in light forms over glass fiber. |
Affected by the external magnetic field | Less affected by the magnetic field | Never affected by the external magnetic field |
Consist of a pair of insulated copper wire. | Comprise of solid conductor wire, a layer of insulation, a grounding conductor, and a layer of exterior insulation. | Made up of very thin optical fibers bundled together into a single cable. |
Core Differences: Twisted Pair Cable Vs Coaxial Cable Vs Fiber Optic Cable
- Twisted pair cable and coaxial cable have signal transmitted in form of electricity while fiber optic cable in form of optical.
- Fiber optic cable has a speed up to 200 GBs and twisted pair cable up to 10GBs while coaxial cable has no define speed limit
- Fiber optic cable is more efficient when compared to both coaxial cable and twisted pair cable
- Coaxial cable has lower bandwidth while twisted pair cable and fiber optic fiber has a higher bandwidth
- Coaxial cable and twisted pair cable are easier to install while fiber optic fiber cable is difficult.
- Fiber optic cable is suitable for longer distances while twisted pair cable and coaxial cable for shorter distances
- Coaxial cable is also known as coax cable while fiber optic cable as optical fiber cable whereas twisted pair cable has no alternative name
- Twisted pair cable and coaxial cable are relatively affordable while optical fiber cable is quite expensive
- Coaxial cable and twisted pair cable are heavier while optical fiber cable is lightweight
- Twisted pair cable and coaxial cable are heavier than fiber optic cable
- Twisted pair cable and coaxial cable experience resistive loss, dielectric loss, radiated loss, and loss over time while optical fiber cable experience dispersion, bending, absorption and attenuation.
- Twisted pair cable is suitable for telephone networks, data networks, and cable shielding, coaxial cable is suitable for feedlines connecting radio transmitters and receivers with their antennas and optical fiber cable for long-distance connections between countries and cities.
- The signal transmitted security by twisted pair cable and coaxial cable is not guaranteed while that of optical fiber cable is a guarantee
- Twisted pair cables have a very high attenuation while both coaxial cable and optical fiber cable is quite low
- Twisted pair cable is not good in noise rejection, coaxial cable is good in noise rejection and fiber optic cable is the best in noise rejection
- Twisted pair cable consists of insulated copper wire while coaxial cable consists of solid conductor wire, a layer of insulation, a grounding conductor, and a layer of exterior insulation while optical fiber cable consists of very thin optical fibers bundled together into a single cable.
- Twisted pair cable is affected with magnetic fields, coaxial cable-less affected by magnetic fields while optical fiber cable never affected by magnetic fields
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Summary
No doubt that there is a lot of differences between twisted pair cable vs coaxial cable vs fiber optic cable. The optical fiber cable is quite popular across the world when compared to coax cable and twisted pair cable. Their applications are what set them apart.