Networks are built using a topology of bus, star, or ring, but how the systems will be connected in the topology that you choose. Cabling is the medium for the transmission of data between hosts on the LANs. LANs can be connected together using a variety of cable types, such as unshielded twisted-pair, coax, or fiber. Each cable type has its own advantages and disadvantages. There are three primary types of cable media that can be used to connect systems to a network: Coaxial cable Twisted-pair cable Fiber-optic cable Transmission rates that can be supported on each of these physical media are measured in millions of bits per second, or megabits per second (Mbps). 1. COAXIAL CABLE: Coaxial, or coax, cable looks like the cable used to bring the cable TV signal to your television. One strand (a solid-core copper wire) runs down the middle of the cable. Around that strand is a layer of insulation, and covering that insulation is braided wire and metal foil, which shiel...