Which cable type is commonly used for Ethernet networking?

Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable is the most widely used type of cabling in Ethernet networking due to its effectiveness and cost-efficiency. UTP cables consist of pairs of wires twisted together, which helps to reduce electromagnetic interference and crosstalk. This design allows for reliable data transmission over relatively long distances while supporting various Ethernet standards, including 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, and even higher-speed options like 1000BASE-T.

The popularity of UTP is also attributed to its simplicity and widespread availability, making it a standard choice in both home and office networking environments. It is well-suited for typical networking applications where high-speed data transfer is necessary, without the added complexity and expense of other cabling options.

Although fiber optic cables are capable of providing higher bandwidth over longer distances than UTP, they are less commonly utilized in standard Ethernet setups due to their higher costs and installation requirements. Coaxial cable, while used in some legacy network systems, has largely been replaced by twisted pair cabling for most Ethernet applications. Shielded twisted pair (STP) cable offers additional protection against interference compared to UTP, but it is usually more expensive and less flexible, making UTP the preferred option for