Kabelkommunikationsschnittstelle

Kabelkommunikation (English: cable communication) refers to the transmission of information over physical cables using electrical or optical signals. It encompasses the media, hardware, and protocols that move data between devices over wired links, including copper-based cables such as twisted pair and coaxial cables as well as fiber optics.

Copper media are common for shorter distances and access networks. Twisted-pair cables (Cat5e/Cat6) support Ethernet and other digital services, while coaxial cables have historical use in cable TV and early networking. Fiber optic cables transmit light, offering high bandwidth and low attenuation for backbone, data centers, and last-mile access (FTTH).

Key performance factors include bandwidth, latency, signal integrity, attenuation, and interference. Copper media are susceptible to cross-talk and electromagnetic interference; fiber is largely immune to EMI and supports longer spans without regeneration.

Standards and architectures are governed by bodies such as IEEE, ITU-T, and ISO/IEC. Ethernet (IEEE 802.3) dominates LAN wiring; optical standards cover fiber types (single-mode and multi-mode) and connectors (RJ-45 for copper; LC/SC for fiber). Common topologies include point-to-point and star networks; historically, bus and ring layouts have given way to switched Ethernet.

Applications and deployment span local area networks, campuses, metropolitan networks, broadband access, and data-center interconnects. In new deployments, fiber and passive optical networks are prevalent, while copper remains in use for shorter links and existing infrastructure (DSL, in-building networks).

Future directions focus on higher speeds (DWDM, PON enhancements), improved cabling performance, and integration with wireless networks to support converged access.