3 Types Of Cables Used In The Initial Development Of Computer Networks

YOGYAKARTA - The type of cable used in the early development of computer networks plays an important role in shaping data communication systems we know today. Prior to wireless technology, the inter-computer connection relied entirely on physical cables to transmit data.

There are three types of cables used in the early development of the computer network, namely twisted pair cables, fiber optic cables, and coaxial cables. The following will be discussed regarding the three types of cables, ranging from structure, function, to excesses and disadvantages.

Understanding the types of cables in the early development of computer networks is important to know how computer networks evolve from analog to digital systems. Here are the three main types of cables that are the initial foundation of computer network systems.

Cable twisted pair is one of the oldest types of cable used in computer networks, especially on local networks (LANs). The cable consists of two copper conductors that are twisted to reduce electromagnetic interference from outside.

The main advantage of twisted pairs is that the price is cheap, easy to install, and quite effective for short to medium distances. The types of twisted pairs are divided into two categories, namely Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) and Shielded Twisted Pair (STP).

UTP cables are widely used in office environments because they are easy to install and do not require additional protection, while STP is equipped with metal shielding to reduce signal interference. In modern computer networks, twisted pairs are still used in the form of Ethernet cables such as the Cat5e and Cat6 categories.

The weakness of the twisted pair lies in the limited transmission distance and speed compared to fiber optic cables. In addition, signals can decrease if the cable is too long or exposed to strong electromagnetic disorder.

Fiber optic cables are a major innovation in the world of computer networks because they use light to transmit data. Unlike metal cables, fiber optics is made of glass fiber or plastic capable of transmitting signals at high speed and long distance without electromagnetic disturbances.

There are two types of fiber optics, namely Single Mode Fiber (SMF) and Multi Mode Fiber (MF). Single Mode is used for very long distances because it has a smaller core, while Multi Mode is used for shorter distances at lower costs.

Fiber optic is the main choice for modern network infrastructure because its transmission speed can reach gigabitic to terabit per second. This advantage makes fiber optic a new standard in computer networks.

Although installation and maintenance costs are higher than other cables, nearly all large networks, including a central data network and internet service provider, rely on fiber optic cables.

The coaxial cable is a type of cable that is widely used in the early stages of the development of computer networks and cable televisions. The cable consists of one main conductor in the middle covered with an insulator, then wrapped in a metal shield and a plastic shield outer layer.

One of the coaxial advantages is its ability to transmit signals at high frequencies with low signal loss. This cable was widely used on the Ethernet 10Bose2 and 10Base5 networks before finally being replaced by a twisted pair and fiber optics.

Coaxial is also used in television and CCTV systems because of the consistent quality of the signal. However, the limitations of flexibility and difficulty in installation make the coaxial cable began to be left in modern computer networks.

This is the discussion of the 3 types of cables used in the initial development of the computer. Each has characteristics, advantages, and functions that are tailored to the needs and technology of its time.