Which type of cable typically has lower crosstalk levels?

The type of cable that typically has lower crosstalk levels is fiber optic cable. Crosstalk refers to the unwanted transfer of signals between communication channels, which can lead to degraded performance in data transmission.

Fiber optic cables transmit data as pulses of light through glass or plastic fibers. This method of transmission is inherently immune to electromagnetic interference and does not produce crosstalk in the same way that electrical cables do. Since fiber optic cables are not affected by nearby signals and do not carry electrical currents, the risk of crosstalk is minimised.

In contrast, unshielded twisted pair and shielded twisted pair cables rely on electric signals moving through copper wires, making them more susceptible to crosstalk. While shielded twisted pair cables can reduce interference and crosstalk to some extent through their shielding, they are still fundamentally electrical and can still experience some level of crosstalk due to proximity to other signals. Coaxial cable also can experience crosstalk, but is generally better in this regard compared to unshielded twisted pair, primarily due to its design that provides a central conductor surrounded by insulation and a conductive shield.

In summary, fiber optic cables offer significantly reduced crosstalk levels compared