LAN Network Cable
A Local Area Network (LAN) is a computer network that exists over a small geographical area, like a home or a group of offices. The term is used as opposed to a Wide Area Network (WAN), which operates over larger areas. The LAN, due to its smaller area, has some specific properties like their much higher data transfer rates.
The first LAN connections, which consisted of some computers linked together, came up in the late 1970s. Many systems were created for the easy communication in this network but the most popular among them were Ethernet and ARCNET. Nowadays, Ethernet is the most commonly used data link layer.
Characteristically, smaller LANs consist of one or more switches linked together by routers, while larger LANs are known for their use of repeaters, and switches employing the Spanning tree protocol to prevent looping.
LAN networking technology uses a combination of the twisted pair versions of Ethernet( which is used for connecting computer systems to the network), along with the fiber optic cables which is largely used to for providing the backbone (in term of the longer distance connections, which the coaxial cables might not be able to provide). This combination has become highly popular, and taken over other previously existing LAN network cables such as coaxial cable Ethernet, token ring, FDDI, and ARCNET. In recent times however, Wi-Fi, the wireless LAN system is beginning to gain significances, at least in homes and small offices. LAN networks use a series of cables ranging from coaxial cables, twisted pair cables, patch cables and optical fiber. The coaxial cables usually consist of a round conducting wire surrounded consecutively (and concentrically) by an insulating spacer, cylindrical conducting sheath and finally an insulating jacket. The twisted pair cables on the other hand, consist of two conductors wired together so that electromagnetic differences are cancelled out. In recent times, twisted pair cables have greatly replaced coaxial cables. Patch cables are often made of coaxial cables, with a positive signal through the core and the ground connection in a wire mesh that surrounds the core. They are usually used as switch connected to a computer or router. Though many types of cables are used in LAN networks, in recent times, the twisted pair cables have gained more popularity. However, with the growing need for speed, and the higher amount of data transfer involved in Ethernet networks today, a new hybrid variety of cables is being developed these days. Usually, it is a combination of two or more types of cables, depending on the quantity (and desired quality) of the information. Usually, in the case of networks requiring high transmission, this involves the usage of fiber cables as one of the cables in the hybrid type used.
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