Computer cables are used to connect monitors, keyboards, printers, hard drives, and other peripherals to computers. There are many different types of products. Choices include extender cables, patch cable and patch cords, flat cables, power cordage, bulk cables, and cable assemblies. Other unlisted, specialized and proprietary computer cables are also available.
Extender cables and patch cables are common types of computer cables. Extender cables provide extra length for an existing cable. They are sometimes known as cable extenders or extension cables. Patch cables or patch chords are terminated at both ends with plugs. Normally, these computer cables are used for interconnecting circuits on a patch panel.
Computer cables are used to connect monitors, keyboards, printers, hard drives, and other peripherals to computers. There are many different types of products. Choices include extender cables, patch cable and patch cords, flat cables, power cordage, bulk cables, and cable assemblies. Other unlisted, specialized and proprietary computer cables are also available.
Extender cables and patch cables are common types of computer cables. Extender cables provide extra length for an existing cable. They are sometimes known as cable extenders or extension cables. Patch cables or patch chords are terminated at both ends with plugs. Normally, these computer cables are used for interconnecting circuits on a patch panel.
Flat cables, power cordage, bulk cables, and cable assemblies are other types of computer cables. Typically, flat cables or ribbon cables are used in computers for internal connections to computer peripherals. Power cordage is used for low-voltage, commercial, or domestic applications. These computer cables are also used to make power cords. Bulk cable is sold by the foot or in reels. Cable assemblies are collections of computer cables or wires that are banded into a single unit. Computer cable assemblies have a connector on at least one end.
Computer cables differ in terms of technology. Choices include serial, USB, LAN or Ethernet, and GPIB. Serial cables transmit data on a single channel, one bit at a time. Universal serial bus (USB) is a four-wire, 12 Mbps serial bus for low to medium speed connections between peripheral devices and personal computers (PCs). Ethernet is a local area network (LAN) protocol that uses a bus or star typology and supports data transfer rates of 10 Mbps. General-purpose interface bus (GPIB) computer cables connect computers, peripherals, and laboratory equipment so that data and control information can pass between them.
Some computer cables use IEEE 1394 or FireWireÒ, a registered trademark of Apple Computer. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) defined the IEEE 1394 standard for computer cables and connectors that use fast digital data transfers. IEEE 1394 cables are used to transmit and receive data between FireWire devices. They are also designed to replace external high-speed connections between peripherals and personal computers.
