Network cables play an important role in digital communication networks around the world, with a number of different technologies and protocols being used in different situations.  While the intrusion of wireless technologies and infrastructures is definitely changing the way that different networks function, the humble network cable (Patchkabel) is still used in most computer networking environments.  Some of the different types of cable that can be found connecting together the world’s modems, routers, and servers include;  coaxial cables, twisted pair cables, fiber optical cables, patch cables, and ethernet crossover cables.  The choice of which technology to use will depend on the size, existing protocols, and topology of a network.

One of the defining factors of the current generation is our access to fast, inexpensive, and expansive global communications technologies.  For the first ever time in human history, people all over the planet have access to computers and communication tools that are able to reach out across the world instantly.  The Internet, or worldwide network of networks, is the dominant infrastructure involved, with millions of websites already out there and many more new ones being created every day.  Many of these networks utilise ethernet technology, including the many different categories of twisted pair ethernet ready cables such as cat 6 cable and cat 7 cable (Cat7 Kabel).

There are a number of different styles of computer network, each of which has advantages in particular situations.  Some of the classification systems that are used to categorise different networks includes their method of connection, their scale, their architecture, and the network topology that is used.  The topology of a network refers to the way that different computers and devices relate to one another on a logical level.  The different sizes of computer networks are used as a key classification system;  with personal area networks (PAN), local area networks (LAN), metropolitan area networks MAN), and global area networks all defined for particular network sizes.  Even though wireless technology will be used more and more as a way to connect different networks together and help individual networks to grow, physical network cables will play a major part in global communications for a long time to come.