Cable

A 'cable' is a physical method of moving data and signals from one place to another. it is made up of one or more lengths of wires, sheathed in some form of protective cladding. The cable will have a connector at either end to join the two systems together.

There are many types of cable, made from many different materials.

Each type of cable is designed with a task in mind.

For example 'Mains Cable' is designed to carry electrical power.

'Network cable' is designed to carry data around a network.

'Satellite cable' and 'Co-axial' cable is designed to carry radio signals.

'Fibre-Optic' cable is designed to carry light signals and is made of glass and plastic.

Cables are designed to only work over a certain distance, because all cables, if long enough, will eventually absorb the signal they are meant to carry.

For example it is reasonable to use network cable over a few hundred metres, maybe even a few kilometres, but you would not expect it to work when stretched from one city to another.

Challenge see if you can find out one extra fact on this topic that we haven't already told you

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2020-10

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