Cables ensure that data, power and signals are transmitted reliably. But not every cable is suitable for every task. Here is an overview of the most important cable types and their applications:
1. Coaxial cable
Coaxial cables consist of an inner conductor surrounded by an insulating layer and an outer shield. They are mainly used in television technology and for broadband Internet connections. Due to their high level of interference immunity, they are ideal for transmitting video signals.
2. Network cable (Ethernet)
Network cables, such as Cat5e, Cat6 or Cat7, are used in local area networks (LAN) to connect computers, routers and other devices. They provide a stable and fast connection for data transfer and are indispensable in many offices and homes.
3. HDMI cable
HDMI cables (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) are standard for transmitting high-quality audio and video signals. They are mainly used in home theater systems, televisions and game consoles because they can transmit both image and sound at the same time.
4. USB cable
USB (Universal Serial Bus) cables are extremely versatile. They connect computers to peripherals such as printers, hard drives or smartphones. With the introduction of USB-C, speed and performance have improved further, making them ideal for modern devices.
5. Fiber optic cable
Fiber optic cables use pulses of light to transmit data, providing extremely high speeds over long distances. They are widely used in telecommunications and internet providers, especially in fiber optic networks.
6. Audio cable
Audio cables, such as jack or XLR, are used in audio and sound technology. They connect microphones, speakers and amplifiers and are crucial for lossless signal transmission.
7. Power cable
Power cables come in many varieties, depending on their application. They range from simple household cables for electrical appliances to heavy industrial cables for machinery.
8. Video cable
In addition to HDMI, there are also older video cables such as VGA and DVI, which are still used in certain areas, for example in older computers or projectors.
9. Special cable
In specific applications, such as medical technology or industrial automation, special cables with additional properties such as chemical resistance or extremely high flexibility are used.