Which type of cable is the most commonly used for network connections?

The most commonly used type of cable for network connections is twisted wire, often referred to as twisted pair cable. This type of cable includes categories such as Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a, which are widely used in local area networks (LANs) due to their effective performance in data transmission. Twisted wire cables consist of pairs of copper wires that are twisted together, which helps to reduce electromagnetic interference and crosstalk between the pairs.

Twisted pair cables have become the standard for many networking applications because they are relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and can support transmission speeds that meet the demands of most modern networking environments. Additionally, they are compatible with various types of networking equipment such as routers, switches, and telecommunication devices.

While other cable types like coaxial and fiber optic cables play important roles in specific contexts, twisted pair cables dominate general network installations due to their practicality and efficiency in a majority of scenarios.