Which types of media can Ethernet utilize for networking?

Ethernet networking is versatile in terms of the media it can use for transmitting data. It can utilize several types of physical media, including shielded twisted pair (STP) cables, coaxial cables, and fiber optic cables.

STP cables are commonly used in local area networks (LANs) as they have shielding that helps to reduce electromagnetic interference, making them suitable for settings where signal integrity is important. Coaxial cables, although less common in modern Ethernet applications, were historically used for networks and are still viable for certain applications, especially in specific environments and legacy systems. Fiber optic cables provide high-speed data transmission over longer distances and are immune to electromagnetic interference, making them an excellent choice for high-performance networking.

The inclusion of all three media types—STP, coaxial, and fiber optics—reflects the diverse applications and environments in which Ethernet can be deployed, catering to various bandwidth demands and physical constraints. This adaptability is crucial for network design and implementation, allowing Ethernet to be used in a wide range of scenarios.