Which type of cable is commonly used for network cabling and telephone systems?

Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cables are widely used in both networking and telephone systems due to their effectiveness, affordability, and ease of installation. UTP cables consist of pairs of wires twisted together to reduce electromagnetic interference, making them suitable for carrying data over distances in an office or home environment.

In networking contexts, particularly in local area networks (LANs), UTP supports various technologies, including Ethernet. Its capacity to handle speeds up to 1 Gbps over short distances and compatibility with various telecommunications standards underpin its popularity.

Moreover, UTP cables are found in traditional telephone systems as well, where they effectively transmit voice signals. The versatility of UTP in these applications, coupled with its lower cost compared to alternatives, solidifies its use as a common cabling solution in both networking and telecommunication infrastructures.