What type of cable consists of pairs of insulated copper wires twisted together?

The answer is twisted pair because this type of cable is specifically designed with pairs of insulated copper wires twisted together to reduce electromagnetic interference and crosstalk between the pairs. The twisting of the wires helps maintain the integrity of the signals being transmitted over the cable by canceling out interference that can occur from external sources, like other electrical cables.

Twisted pair cables are widely used in networking and telecommunications for various applications, including telephone lines and computer networking (such as Ethernet). Their design allows for both balanced transmission of data and efficient communication across relatively short distances, making them a fundamental component of network infrastructure.

In contrast, fiber optic cables transmit data using light through glass or plastic fibers, making them fundamentally different in both construction and application. Coaxial cables consist of a central conductor, an insulating layer, a metallic shield, and an outer cover, primarily used for cable television and internet services. Shielded cables can refer to any cable type that includes protection against electromagnetic interference, and while they can be twisted pairs, not all shielded cables have that configuration.