Which type of cable is typically used for transmitting signals in telecommunications?

Coaxial cable is widely utilized in telecommunications for transmitting signals due to its design, which effectively minimizes signal loss and interference. This cable consists of a central conductor, an insulating layer, a metallic shield, and an outer insulating layer, enabling it to carry high-frequency signals over longer distances than many other types of cables. Coaxial cable is particularly common in cable television and broadband internet networks, where it can efficiently handle both video and data signals.

While other types of cables, such as fiber optic, copper wire, and twisted pair, are also used in telecommunications, coaxial cable stands out for specific applications that require robust signal integrity and resistance to electromagnetic interference. Fiber optic cables, for example, excel at transmitting large amounts of data over long distances with minimal loss, but are generally more expensive and complex to install. Copper wire is often used for lower frequency applications, and twisted pair cables are commonly utilized in local area networks and telephone wiring due to their simplicity and cost-effectiveness, yet can be more vulnerable to interference compared to coaxial cable.