Which cable type is commonly used for most computer networking today?

Twisted pair cables are indeed the most commonly used type for computer networking today due to their balance of performance, cost, and versatility. These cables consist of pairs of wires that are twisted together, which helps reduce electromagnetic interference and crosstalk between the pairs. This characteristic makes them suitable for various networking environments, from home networks to large enterprise systems.

Twisted pair cables come in two main categories: unshielded twisted pair (UTP) and shielded twisted pair (STP). UTP is widely used because it is less expensive and sufficiently effective for most applications, including Ethernet networking. The ability to transmit data at high speeds, such as gigabit and even faster Ethernet standards, makes twisted pair cables the preferred choice for wired network connections.

While fiber optic cables offer superior speed and distance capabilities, their higher cost and installation complexity limit their use in many typical networking scenarios compared to twisted pair cables. Coaxial cables were popular in earlier networking and television systems but have been largely replaced by twisted pair cables in modern network infrastructures. Shielded cables, while useful in specific environments to mitigate interference, are not as commonly employed in general networking setups.