COMPUTER CABLES

By : Jomel T. Arnado BSIT 3E Night

 INTRODUCTION
 There are two main types of computer cables, a data cable and
a power cable. A data cable is a cable that provides
communication between devices. For example, the data cable
(i.e., DVI, HDMI, or VGA) that connects your monitor to your
computer allow it to display a picture on the monitor. Other
popular examples of data cables include the CAT5, IDE/EIDE, SATA
, and USB cables. A power cable is any cable that powers the
device. For example, the power cord that connects to your
computer and a Molex style cable inside the computer are both
good examples of power cables. Below, is a listing of the most
common types of cables found with computers and electronics
and examples of devices that use them.
 S-VIDEO
S-Video (also known as separate
video and Y/C)is a signaling standard for
standard definition video, typically 480i
 or 576i. By separating the black-and-
white and coloring signals, it achieves
better image quality than 
composite video, but has lower color
resolution than component video.
 VGA
 A Video Graphics Array (VGA) connector is a three-row
15-pin DE-15 connector. The 15-pin VGA connector was
provided on many video cards, computer monitors,
laptop computers, projectors, and 
high definition television sets. On laptop computers or
other small devices, a mini-VGA port was sometimes
used in place of the full-sized VGA connector.
 Many devices still include VGA connectors, although it
generally coexists with DVI as well as the newer and
more compact HDMI and DisplayPort interface
connectors.
 HDMI
 HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface)
is a proprietary audio/video interface for
transmitting uncompressed video data and
compressed or uncompressed digital audio
 data from an HDMI-compliant source device,
such as a display controller, to a compatible 
computer monitor, video projector, 
digital television, or digital audio device.[4]
 HDMI is a digital replacement for analog video
 standards.
 RCA
 An RCA connector, sometimes called a phono
connector or (in other languages) Cinch connector, is
a type of electrical connector commonly used to carry
audio and video signals. The name RCA derives from
the Radio Corporation of America, which introduced
the design by the early 1940s for internal connection
of the pickup to the chassis in home radio-phonograph
consoles. It was originally a low-cost, simple design,
intended only for mating and disconnection when
servicing the console. Refinement came with later
designs, although they remained compatible.
 II. COMPUTER CABLE CONNECTIONS
 In computer hardware, a port serves as an interface between the computer and other computers
or peripheral devices. In computer terms, a port generally refers to the part of a computing
device available for connection to peripherals such as input and output devices. Computer ports
have many uses, to connect a monitor, webcam, speakers, or other peripheral devices. On the 
physical layer, a computer port is a specialized outlet on a piece of equipment to which a plug or 
cable connects. Electronically, the several conductors where the port and cable contacts
connect, provide a method to transfer signals between devices.
 Computer ports in common use cover a wide variety of shapes such as round (PS/2, etc.),
rectangular (FireWire, etc.), square (Telephone plug), trapezoidal (D-Sub — the old printer port
was a DB-25), etc. There is some standardization to physical properties and function. For
instance, most computers have a keyboard port (currently a Universal Serial Bus USB-like outlet
referred to as USB Port), into which the keyboard is connected.
 Physically identical connectors may be used for widely different standards, especially on older
personal computer systems, or systems not generally designed according to the current
Microsoft Windows compatibility guides. For example, a 9-pin D-subminiature connector on the
original IBM PC could have been used for monochrome video, color analog video (in two
incompatible standards), a joystick interface, or for a MIDI musical instrument digital control
interface. The original IBM PC also had two identical 5 pin DIN connectors, one used for the
keyboard, the second for a cassette recorder interface; the two were not interchangeable. The
smaller mini-DIN connector has been variously used for the keyboard and two different kinds of
mouse; older Macintosh family computers used the mini-DIN for a serial port or for a keyboard
connector with different standards than the IBM-descended systems.
 III. USES OF CABLE CONNECTIONS
 Networking cables are networking hardware used to connect one
network device to other network devices or to connect two or more
computers to share printers, scanners etc. Different types of network
cables, such as coaxial cable, optical fiber cable, and twisted pair cables,
are used depending on the network's physical layer, topology, and size.
The devices can be separated by a few meters (e.g. via Ethernet) or
nearly unlimited distances (e.g. via the interconnections of the Internet).
 There are several technologies used for network connections. 
Patch cables are used for short distances in offices and wiring closets.
Electrical connections using twisted pair or coaxial cable are used within
a building. Optical fiber cable is used for long distances or for applications
requiring high bandwidth or electrical isolation. Many installations use 
structured cabling practices to improve reliability and maintainability. In
some home and industrial applications power lines are used as network
cabling.
 IV. IMPORTANCE OF CABLE
CONNECTION
 While Wi-Fi connection has its advantages in terms of convenience and
flexibility, wired connections are generally more stable and reliable than the
wireless ones. To create wired connections, network cables are used to
connect computers to the network, router or modem. The cables may
consist of twisted pairs of copper wire or solid wires in RJ-45 connectors,
but faster cables can use all four pairs.
 Different types of network cable are used for different distances and
different applications. It is important to understand that the type of cable
used can affect the network connectivity and speed. So it is essential to use
the right cable for the specific application. To choose the right type of 
network cable you need first to decide the network type and speed you
want and the distance and terrains that need to be covered.