How TCP Works: Step-by-Step Guide to TCP Protocol & Connection

Types of Network Cables in Computer Networks: Complete Guide (2025) It is imperative to know the types of network cables so that they can be used to construct high-speed and reliable computer networks. You can be installing a small LAN, be working in a data center for a giant cloud provider, or be preparing for PCNSE certification; knowing the types of network cables and specifications is vital.

In this comprehensive guide by UniNets, we cover everything you should know about network cables in computer networks, including types, applications, and their place in contemporary cloud and enterprise environments.

What is a Network Cable? A network cable is a physical medium used to connect and transmit data between computers, routers, switches, and storage systems. These cables form the physical layer of the OSI model and are the backbone of TCP/IP-based networking in cloud platforms and local environments alike.

Importance of Network Cables in Cloud and Enterprise Networks Though cloud service providers such as AWS,tcp connection establishment, Azure, and Google Cloud commonly use virtualized services, their underlying infrastructure is based on network cable types including fiber optic cables and Cat6 twisted pair for the transmission of data at high speeds with guaranteed reliability.

Such largest cloud providers have enormous data centers wherein the cable types in computer networks influence performance, dependability, and scalability.

Types of Network Cables in Computer Networks There are a number of different cable that is used in computer networks, each type suited to specific environments and performance demands. Let us discuss the 4 networking cable types and where they are used:

1. Twisted Pair Cable Twisted pair cables are most popular in LAN configurations and are commonly utilized with TCP/IP protocols.

Types: Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) – Used in home and office networks.

Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) – Industrial applications where interference is minimized.

Types Cat5e: Provides a speed of up to 1 Gbps

Cat6/Cat6a: Provides up to 10 Gbps

Cat7/Cat8: For high-performance data center applications

Uses: Internet connections

VoIP systems

Cloud access over Ethernet

Relevance: Twisted pair cables play a crucial role in establishing networks for linking users to cloud service providers list and internal systems.

2. Coaxial Cable Coaxial cables were commonly used in traditional networks and broadband services.

Structure: Central copper conductor

Insulating layer

Metallic shield

Uses: Cable internet

CCTV systems

Legacy Ethernet

Although not commonly used in new enterprise networks, you may encounter coaxial setups in environments that have not yet upgraded.

3. Fiber Optic Cable Fiber optic cables offer the fastest data transmission and are a core component of networks used by the top 4 CSPs and top 5 CSP provider companies.

Types: Single-mode: Long-distance communication, used by cloud providers

Multi-mode: Short-distance, high-speed transmission within buildings

Uses: Data centers

Cloud infrastructure

Backbone connections

Benefits: High bandwidth

Long-range connectivity

Immune to electromagnetic interference

4. Crossover Cable Crossover cables link similar devices (e.g., PC to PC) without a hub or switch.

Use Cases: Lab testing

Direct device-to-device communication

Network troubleshooting and configuration

While largely replaced by auto-MDIX ports, crossover cable function knowledge is still helpful in some configurations.

Knowing these types of network cables and specifications assists in designing improved infrastructures for cloud computing and security configurations.

Real-World Application to Certifications and Career These networking basics are critical for professionals to know as they prepare for the PCNSE exam. The Palo Alto certification deals with infrastructure planning, device configuration, and protocol examination—all of which are issues directly associated with devices connecting using different cables in networking.

PCNSE Certification Snapshot: PCNSE Full Form: Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer

PCNSE Exam Fee: ~$175 USD

PCNSE Exam Fee in India: ₹15,000 – ₹22,000

PCNSE Certification Fee (with training): ₹35,000+

PCNSE Exam Passing Percentage: Approximately 70%

We at UniNets combine hands-on learning with actual networking environments, such as TCP/IP via fiber and twisted pair, to assist you in passing your exam.

TCP/IP and Network Cables The TCP protocol depends upon a stable physical medium. Whether packet loss is being troubleshooted or a TCP connection is being set up, bustopologie knowledge of the underlying cables in computer networks is crucial.

How TCP Functions Over Various Cables: On Cat6 UTP, TCP supports rapid and secure data streaming

On Fiber, it enables high-speed inter-cloud communication

On Coaxial, TCP functions but with bandwidth constraints

See our blog "How TCP Works: Step-by-Step Guide to TCP Protocol" to explore more about TCP process and connection establishment.

Cloud Connectivity and Networking biggest cloud providers Cables Cloud providers publish their supported connection types, and these are usually enabled through physical networking cables for hybrid and private cloud configurations. The largest cloud service providers depend on high-end cabling technology to provide minimal latency and maximum availability.

Examples: AWS Direct Connect

Azure ExpressRoute

Google Cloud Interconnect

All employ fiber optics to provide secure, high-speed connectivity between cloud platforms and client networks.

Bonus: IPv4 and IPv6 Over Various Network Cables IPv4 and IPv6 in computer networks work without a hitch over all contemporary types of cable, but IPv6 is optimum for fiber-based networks because it has more robust addressing ability types of cable in computer network.

Quick Comparison: IPv4 vs IPv6: IPv6 handles more devices and improved routing

Both employ TCP protocol as the transport layer

Both must be understood in order to pass cloud architecture and networking certifications

Conclusion From the twisted pair cables in your home router to the fiber optics that link cloud data centers, network cables are the physical infrastructure that enable digital communication. Whatever your role as a student, IT specialist, or cloud architect, knowledge of network cable types in computer networks is basic to your success.

At UniNets, we don't just teach theory, palo alto certification cost but provide hands-on practical labs and industry-based training for PCNSE certifications, right from what is a network cable to TCP/IP protocols and cloud integration.

FAQs What cable is best for high-speed internet? Cat6a or Fiber Optic cables are best suited for high-speed usage.

Which cable is utilized in cloud infrastructure? Fiber optic cables are the default choice in cloud data centers.

Do I have to study cables for PCNSE? Yes, some basic understanding of cable types, specifications, and network topology is included in PCNSE preparation.

Can I implement IPv6 on Cat5e? Yes, ipv4 and ipv6 addressing IPv4 as well as IPv6 is supported on Cat5e, though Cat6 or above is suggested for improved performance.